The Concept of a Second Jewish State: Feasibility and Controversies

Why do we need additional states such as a second Jewish state, a Christian country, or a Caliphate? Why can't we all live and work together seamlessly, sharing the vast resources the world has to offer? These are complex questions that intertwine social, economic, and political factors. However, let us explore these ideas further.

If There Was a Second Jewish State, Where and How?

The idea of a second Jewish state in the context of contemporary geopolitics raises many questions. Historically, the existence of a Jewish state, Israel, has been a controversial and complex issue. Today, if we were to consider a second Jewish state, the most logical location for it would be the West Bank, an area currently under Israeli occupation. The West Bank is stateless, albeit not unpopulated, with a population that includes both Jews and Palestinians. Forming a new Jewish state here would undoubtedly bring forth numerous challenges and international condemnation.

The Historical Context: The Jewish Autonomous Oblast (JAO)

Interestingly, a second Jewish state does exist today and has existed for over a century. The Jewish Autonomous Oblast (JAO) is a semi-autonomous region of the Russian Federation (formerly the Soviet Union). Formed in 1928, the JAO covered an area of approximately 14,000 square miles, which is about 1.75 times the size of Israel. The region has been under Jewish control, with Governor Levintal being a Jewish leader and a legislative assembly. Although it has a Jewish heritage, its primary focus shifted from maintaining a distinct Jewish state to integrating with the broader Russian and Soviet society. Today, only a small percentage of the population (2-3%) identifies as Jewish.

My Personal Perspective on the Need for a Second Jewish State

As someone who is an Israeli citizen, I can attest that Israel is becoming an increasingly unstable and divisive place. Issues of political corruption under figures like Benjamin Netanyahu only exacerbate the situation. The idea of consolidating state power under a single nation is taking a contentious turn. On the other hand, the concept of a second Jewish state, while intriguing, might not be the solution to all our problems. Having an incredible state like Israel in place should not necessarily mean the division of people.

Alternative Jewish States: New York City and Kiryath Joel

However, there are alternative mini-Jewish states that already exist in the form of Theological city-states such as: New Square, New York Kiryas Joel, New York Kiryas Tosh, New York These cities are governed by Jewish law and culture, offering a distinct living environment for those who want to live in a theocratic society. Perhaps the concept of a second Jewish state is not as far-fetched as it may seem, as these smaller, self-contained communities already exist.

Conclusion

The idea of a second Jewish state is complex and multifaceted. Whether such a state is needed or desirable is a matter of considerable debate. While the West Bank and the JAO offer potential locations, the feasibility and consequences of establishing a second Jewish state are significant. Alternative Jewish communities in the United States demonstrate that Jewish identity and governance can thrive within smaller, self-governed entities. Ultimately, the future of Jewish statehood depends on the ongoing global and regional dynamics, and the aspirations and decisions of the Jewish people themselves.