On July 24, the Russian Division’s RYAD Speaker Series met as Omer Caspi, Deputy Council General of Israel, spoke on the current situation in Israel. The event was attended by Russian-Jewish-Americans in their 20s and 30s who had emigrated to the states as children. Most of the participants had never been to Israel, but, when asked to describe what word came to mind when thinking of the country, the majority said “homeland.” This Russian-Jewish “bridge generation” does not have many connections to the Jewish community. For many, Israel is THE link.

The concept of a safe land for Jews resonates very strongly with this community. Sunday’s event made the participants feel that, regardless of living in the Diaspora, we are all one Jewish community, struggling with how to ensure a safe Israel. As the evening came to a close, it was difficult to persuade the guests to leave. And, when they did leave, they left with a fire in their eyes.