There has been a special connection between American Jews and the people of Israel for more than 60 years. Israel is our spiritual homeland; its people are our family.

But over the past 10 years Israel has changed dramatically, and what we must do to support Israel must also change.

In the past decade, Israel has become a first-world country, with a growing economy and booming hi-tech industry. Unfortunately, that’s not the whole picture. By some accounts, nearly 30 percent of Israeli children are growing up in poverty. In Israel, a country where its people are its only resource, the future depends on each child reaching his or her potential.

Above all, the most dramatic change is the level of external threat. With the rise of Hamas and Hezbollah, peace seems an ever-distant hope. In our own community, connection to Israel, especially among younger Jews, is decreasing. Many Boston-area Jews still have a burning desire to protect and strengthen Israel. Yet, less than a third say Israel is a very important part of their Jewish identity.

Going forward, our Israel agenda will focus on advocacy, connection and impact.