A new study by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) shows that only 72 percent of American Jews feel that Israel is important for the long-term future of the Jewish people. It could be worse: in France, that number would be only 53 percent. Which leads us to wonder what it all means to the Jews as a people.

Some say that this is a dire situation. That we need outreach to help these Jews understand the importance of the Land of Israel to our people’s survival. Others say that this is just an appropriate thinning out of the ranks: that these people will slowly leave through intermarriage, but the remnant will remain as strong and dedicated as ever, and will survive, a case of survival of the fittest.