For most American Jews, loving Israel and being loyal Americans isn’t a contradiction, but part of who they are. A study posted in 2024 by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) found that “56% of all respondents … agreed with the age-old ‘dual loyalty’ trope, or the notion that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home country.” Like the ADL, many proactive Israel advocates will reject this claim as just another form of stereotyping used by antisemites who are trying to find another way to blame the Jews for their country’s problems, or at least try to justify why this potential conflict of interest is not actually a problem. After all, Jewish loyalty to Israel is just moral, personal and emotional, but rarely something that impacts non-Jews directly. But what if the loyalty stops being purely symbolic? What happens if Israel acts directly against American interests, where doing so puts Israel in the position of seemingly harming American security?
The claim of dual loyalty is not unfamiliar to Jews, from the Dreyfus Affair to Stalin’s “Doctors’ Plot” to Egypt in 1948, where Jews were seen as traitors for having ties to Israel. In America, the Jonathan Pollard case reaffirmed these beliefs and distrust in Jews, especially related to government and security roles. But there has never been a time in history as right now, where the state of Israel had such a strong alliance with a foreign country that has a highly influential Jewish population.
We don’t have to look far into the future where American and Israeli interests can potentially clash. One possible scenario: The United States is actively pursuing a renewed nuclear deal with Iran, trying to confront their danger diplomatically. Israel, however, is convinced that Iran will pose a threat whether a deal is made or not, and decides to launch a preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear sites, against the will of the U.S. The American government condemns the move, calling it reckless and harmful to regional and U.S. stability.
Another scenario is already unfolding. Israel has launched “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a major ground maneuver in Gaza, aimed at eradicating Hamas once and for all. While Israel sees this as essential for its long-term survival, the U.S. grows increasingly concerned about the war’s humanitarian toll and is concerned for its own relationships and trade deals with other Arab countries. As civilian casualties rise, the U.S. calls for Israel to end the war, and publicly pressures Israel to scale back. The U.S. even reduces military support and accuses Israel of destabilizing the region.
For American Jews, especially those who proudly and outwardly support Israel no matter what, these moments actually have real-world consequences not just to politicians or the Middle East, but even down to the common American citizen. As decisions like these unfold, American Jews who are deeply tied to both nations would find themselves caught in an impossible position. Do they defend Israel’s right to act, aligning with their strong Jewish and Zionist identity? Or do they support America’s diplomatic approach, siding with the country in which they were born, raised, and where they have built a successful life and family?
Suddenly, what was once a theoretical debate becomes a real and urgent dilemma. For many Jewish Americans, expressing support for Israel here could bring accusations of betraying U.S. interests and security. The criticism, already violent since Oct. 7, would likely escalate on social media, in classrooms and across workplaces. Not to mention, the pressure to choose sides could mount, while hiding one’s views becomes more difficult.
On the other hand, Jews who do choose to support the American position or even condemn Israel’s actions have their own risks. Within Jewish communities, the decision can be looked at as abandoning the Jewish people and Israel. They may struggle with an inner sense of betrayal towards their religion and nation, and feel as if they are going against their spiritual and moral beliefs. Even those who try to remain neutral, advocating for cooperation or de-escalation, are seen by both sides as complicit.
The uncomfortable truth is that dual loyalty isn’t just a stereotype tagged on Jews from crazy antisemites. It’s a real tension that American Jews who support Israel may eventually have to confront. In times of peace, loving both countries feels natural and seamless. But in moments of crisis and conflict, when the interests of the United States and Israel are at odds, that balance becomes harder and harder to maintain. Even the World Jewish Congress, in its article rationalizing dual loyalty, admits that “maintaining multiple loyalties is only objectionable if doing so is antithetical to those essential values or if one is loyal to a country at war with their home country.” When that line is crossed, and American and Israeli values or allegiances are no longer on the same page, the contradiction can no longer be avoided. At some point, a choice will have to be made. The danger isn’t in acknowledging this tension and trying to justify it, as many mainstream Jewish institutions try to do. The danger is in pretending it doesn’t exist.
The question then, isn’t whether the “dual loyalty” label on American Jews is fair. It’s whether they are prepared for the moment when that tension snaps and becomes impossible to ignore. The brave will continue to stand up for Israel’s legitimacy, not fearing any backlash that can ensue. Some may choose to distance themselves from Israel publicly or hide their views to protect their careers and social standing, fearing the risk of being seen as a fifth column. Others may seriously consider whether their own and the Jewish future is still found in the Diaspora and join their brothers and sisters in their homeland, fulfilling a 2,000-year dream of national return.
For generations, Jews have unsuccessfully navigated the balance between the Holy Land and its host nation, without even a Jewish state to turn to. Today, however, the reality is different, with the power and influence of Israel unavoidable. Given this reality, if, and when, the balance finally breaks in America, what will become the future of American Jewry? Or will Israel become the only home left for us?
Brian Racer is originally from Teaneck. He served as a lone soldier in the Nachal Brigade and learned at Yeshivat Lev HaTorah in Ramat Beit Shemesh. He is currently studying communications and political science at Bar Ilan. He can be reached at Brian.Racer@yahoo.com
