Israeli Elites Need to Reconnect with National Values, Build Conservative Alliances

The article argues that Israel's elites, particularly in academia, the judiciary, mainstream media, and the economy, have become detached from core national values like loyalty to the people and tradition. This detachment, fueled by their reliance on and emulation of Western institutions and ideologies, poses an existential threat to the state. The author contends that these elites often prioritize Western progressive ideas over Israeli national identity and heritage, leading to a disconnect from the general public.

The author criticizes the stereotype that loyalty to the nation is a fringe concept within Israeli academia, highlighting it as a symptom of the broader problem. She asserts that a nation's prosperity depends on its elites, and without a grounding in national and traditional values, these elites risk abandoning their own society. This detachment is exacerbated by the fact that the intellectual guides for many Israeli elites are found in institutions in Boston or Brussels, which often disdain nationalism and tradition.

Instead of isolationism or boycotting Western institutions, the article proposes building an alternative international network of conservative allies. This network would provide ideological and political support for Israeli elites who value national loyalty and tradition. The author acknowledges the necessity of international connections for elite development, citing programs like the Wexner Foundation, but stresses that the *spirit* of these Western institutions is the problem, not the connections themselves.

The piece suggests that Israeli elites should engage with and build relationships with conservative thinkers, politicians, and cultural figures in the West who share similar values. This engagement is presented not just as beneficial for Israel but also for these Western allies who are grappling with issues like declining birth rates and the erosion of traditional values. The author believes that by offering support and sharing the Israeli experience, Israel can strengthen its own national identity and gain confidence in its path, fulfilling its role as a potential 'light unto the nations'.