Strength of the Jewish Diaspora

The population of the Jewish diaspora around the world is approximately 13 million, and is just short of 0.3% of the world population. Despite this small number, around 40% of all Nobel Prize Laureates are Jewish. Renowned individuals who wielded influence on a global scale, such as Einstein, Spielberg, the philosopher Spinoza, and the economist Milton Freedman, among others, come to mind.

How did the Jewish people, even after having once lost their country, become so influential in international society?

Lobbying in America

One element of their success can be found in the lobbying activities held in America. Jewish lobbying in America is well known for being especially effective, to the extent that there are a conspiracy theories that the Jews control American foreign policy.

Lobbying in America, the center of international politics and economic, the Jews are able to look after and push forth their interests and influence around the world.

Their influence is notably powerful in finance, as well as in media. America’s contribution of 3.4 billion dollars’ worth of military support to Israel in 2014, and instances where the United States used their veto power on the United Nations Security Council in favor of Israel, serve to show this point.

Alluding to the powerful influence of the Jewish lobby are often considered anti-Semitic, and has the potential to cause problems for politicians.

Jewish lobbying began in the 19th century with the Zionist movement, which is a political movement that sought to reestablish a Jewish nation in the Promised Land.

The Jewish consider Zionism a repatriation and liberation movement, while those who oppose Zionism consider it a reflection of colonialism and racism, partly because the foundation of Israel in 1948 led to the expulsion of the Palestinians who lived there.

America accepts Jewish Lobbying

There is also a religious reason behind America’s support for the Jewish lobby.

Judaism, Christianity and Islam are fellow religions that are all connected to Abraham from the Genesis in the Old Testament. While Christianity, in many respects do not accept Islam, as it came later, Judaism is accepted because it came before Christianity.

Since there are Biblical passages alluding to Jews returning to the land of Israel, some Christians advance that this is a prerequisite for the second coming of Christ.

This is known as Christian Zionism. In 1844, Professor of Hebrew at New York University, George Bush (cousin of the ancestor of former US President George W. Bush) opposed the discrimination of Jews and supported their return to the land of Israel. These Christian Zionists thought that by converting the Jews to Christianity, they would achieve a connection between men and God.

Thus, behind American support in the reestablishment of Israel, lay a religious motive: Christians seeking the second coming of Christ.

Jewish Understanding of the Importance Of Education

One of the reasons behind the worldwide influence of Jews can be found in the importance that Judaism gives to education.

It has been said that the Jewish education system was established in the 1st century by Joshua ben Gamla, a Jewish high priest. He followed the Talmud, an oral Torah passed down by Moses. It stated that children should begin their education at 6 years of age, and that the world existed for the education of mankind; thus began compulsory education.

This happened at a time when in most regions commoners were still illiterate. It has been said this education system was known for continuing schooling even when help was required to rebuild their Temples. Their understanding of the importance of education is also evident in the teachings of Judaism that implores one to continue learning throughout one’s lifetime.

The emphasis on education through religious teachings became an important impetus for producing influential people.