“many liberal Jews have chosen to distance themselves from Israel rather than defend it. This is to stay in good with the liberal cause”
And I just SO don’t get this, because some of the most liberal/leftists in our country are media and show biz power players, most of whom, traditionally, are Jewish AND attend temple. I can’t include the rarified Academia in this, because ‘though so many of them are Jewish, it’s only by heritage (JINO), not belief, and are secularized (in many cases, atheistic).
You have to realize that supporting Israel and going to Temple are not necessarily the same thing—though you are more likely to support Israel if you attend services regularly. I think what you are seeing is many Jews being silent in their support for Israel ‘cause they know is is no longer popular with their liberal friends. This is the same thing as distancing themselves.
Barabara Striesand and Steven Speilberg are too big examples of this. Both were huge supporters of Israel in the past—now BS won’t even attend the 60th anniversary celebration. So event though they may be “power brokers”, they are still influenced by the opinions of their Leftist “friends”.