Last month, 103 House Democrats and one Republican voted to terminate U.S. military aid to Israel. Although the measure failed, it highlighted a profound shift: The cracks in the U.S.-Israel relationship are now more visible than ever. Given that younger generations tend to have less favorable views of Israel, this shift could prove permanent.

A recent Gallup survey revealed that more Americans now sympathize with the Palestinian cause. Among adults under 30, 53 percent sympathize more with the Palestinians, compared with 23 percent who sympathize more with Israel. Notably, Republicans between the ages of 18 and 49 also tend to be more sympathetic to the Palestinians than their older counterparts. This trend may become more prominent throughout American politics and public life in the years to come.

Much of Israel’s enduring support in the United States and the broader Western world stems from the historical memory of the Holocaust. But that foundation was always likely to weaken with the inevitable passage of time.

The Holocaust profoundly shaped Western attitudes toward Israel, reinforced by survivors’ testimony, family histories and cultural touchstones such as “Schindler’s List” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.” But future generations will be less tethered to that history as survivors and veterans pass away and newer conflicts reshape public opinion.

Also, the lessons we were taught about Nazi atrocities are being questioned as people see descendants of the victims of Nazi persecution serving in the Israeli military and allegedly committing atrocities themselves. Moreover, critics argue that Israel uses the Holocaust as a political shield against accusations of war crimes, and they find the lack of empathy toward Palestinians astounding. Whether one agrees or disagrees, the parallels are nevertheless widely discussed.

Historical sympathy, however, is only one pillar of Israel’s support in the United States. Religion is another.

Christian Zionism is another significant support base that may not have staying power either. While this movement within Christianity views modern-day Jews as the “chosen........

© The Daily Caller