American presidents have had a long history of interacting with Jewish artists, from President Monroe attending a play by Jewish playwright Isaac Harby in 1817 to Teddy Roosevelt inspiring Israel Zangwill's play "The Melting Pot" in 1908.

Peter Beinart's book "The Crisis of Zionism" addresses the disconnect between young, liberal American Jews and Israel, arguing that the American Jewish establishment's unwavering support for Israel despite its policies is alienating the next generation.