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There is one aspect of the Monica Lewinsky affair that should be of special interest to Jews everywhere who care about their Jewish identity.

It has nothing to do with politics or with President Clinton's attitude toward Israel. It pertains to the state of American Jewry, the world's largest Jewish community.

Obviously, Lewinsky does not have the outstanding credentials and academic qualifications of a Henry Kissinger or a Sandy Berger, who both made it to top positions in the U.S. government.

She is a very ordinary girl and it was only thanks to what Israelis call protektzia — having the right connections — that she landed the much-sought-after White House job. The situation shows the extent to which American Jews have become so well-connected, right up to the highest levels of society and government.

It seems to me the behavior and norms that motivated Lewinsky and her family are entirely, if not typically, American.

Let me put it this way: Given the choice, how many Jewish parents in America would opt for a White House internship for their child rather than a scholarship to the Hebrew University? My guess is that at least 90 percent would jump at the opportunity to send their child to Washington. So Lewinsky only demonstrates the extent to which most American Jews have assimilated.

Statistics on assimilation published this fall by the World Jewish Congress show that the American Jewish community is fast disappearing from the Jewish demographic map. The report maintained that within two decades, the present 5.5 million Jews in the United States will drop by half.

Membership figures in Reform and Conservative congregations don't reflect the extent of the problem because many of those congregants have lost their Jewish identity, even if they show up for High Holy Day services or continue to pay membership fees.

The situation in other communities, such as Britain, France, Argentina and Australia is not much better.

Some diaspora leaders have insisted that the status of their communities should be likened to the Jewish community in ancient Babylon, which flourished during the Second Commonwealth of the Land of Israel.

These diaspora leaders are tragically mistaken, for two reasons.

First, today's Jews assimilate easily because they submerge into societies that are mainly secular and do not require conversion in order to welcome Jews. Secularism was nonexistent 2,500 years ago.

Second, two millenium of dispersion have caused an irretrievable erosion of Jewish culture, language, religion and custom. So there can be no comparison to an ancient Jewish community.

Some communities abroad have tried to maintain and strengthen Jewish identity through such measures as Sunday schools, day schools, adult classes and weekend seminars.

Demographic statistics tend to show, however, that none of these communities has succeeded to stem the tide of assimilation. Nor can the semi-ghettos of Williamsburg, Boro Park or Stamford Hill provide a lasting solution. There is no escaping the fact that in the long term, Israel is the only means of maintaining and ensuring Jewish survival and identity.

Israel's government, the Jewish Agency and Jewish leaders worldwide must wake up to the urgent need to take action in the face of the impending disaster. This issue must be placed at the top of our priorities. It is no less vital than ensuring Israel's own security and survival.

There are many ways and means of attracting diaspora Jewry to the reality of Israel. Jews who care about maintaining their identity should be approached and shown that Israel cares about their future as Jews, and that they should consider making Israel their first or second home, spending time in Israel and sending their children to study — and possibly live –in Israel.

We must save diaspora Jews from extinction by bringing them to Israel. Even Lewinsky is welcome.irretrievable erosion of Jewish culture, language, religion and custom. So there can be no comparison to an ancient Jewish community.

Some communities abroad have tried to maintain and strengthen Jewish identity through such measures as Sunday schools, day schools, adult classes and weekend seminars.

Demographic statistics tend to show, however, that none of these communities has succeeded to stem the tide of assimilation. Nor can the semi-ghettos of Williamsburg, Boro Park or Stamford Hill provide a lasting solution. There is no escaping the fact that in the long term, Israel is the only means of maintaining and ensuring Jewish survival and identity.

Israel's government, the Jewish Agency and Jewish leaders worldwide must wake up to the urgent need to take action in the face of the impending disaster. This issue must be placed at the top of our priorities. It is no less vital than ensuring Israel's own security and survival.

There are many ways and means of attracting diaspora Jewry to the reality of Israel. Jews who care about maintaining their identity should be approached and shown that Israel cares about their future as Jews, and that they should consider making Israel their first or second home, spending time in Israel and sending their children to study and-or live in Israel.

We must save diaspora Jews from extinction by bringing them to Israel. Even Lewinsky is welcome.