Improving relations between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora is one of Judaism's highest priorities, according to a report by the Jewish People Policy Institute last week.
JPPI publishes an assessment annually around Rosh Hashanah about Jewish people with an emphasis on numerous other topics such as geopolitics, resources, community, identity and demography.
The report concludes that there has been an increase in the number of "Jews of no religion" – with little or no ties to Israel. This could be due to political polarization and social tensions, with even a handful of American Jews having extremely critical views about the Jewish state.
Jewish practice is also at a low level in the US, and JPPI's researchers warn that this could increase polarization and the difficulty in relations between the Jewish communites.
JPPI recommends that urgent action be taken by Jewish communities in the Diaspora to address these trends, which includes pro-Israel and pro-Zionist activism.
In addition, the institute stated that they are preparing for a time where digital connection has large impacts on activities that used to be conducted face-to-face, including religious practices.
"We are in an age of polarization where Israeli and Jewish solidarity is weakening," according to JPPI president Prof. Yedidia Stern. "The Israeli government and society must work to realize the commitment to Diaspora Jewry as articulated in the Basic Law Israel, the Nation-State of the Jewish People."
Stern also promised that the JPPI will take initiative to strengthen relations between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.