I was surprised to see the Israeli connection, as well.  My wife said that an Israeli woman gave an expression (arti?) at the recent LA event. And. she says there are more than a few Jews that she has met. Even our local EV coordinator is Jewish.

If my memory serves me correctly,  on Forum 7, the issue was raised regarding Jews and cults. Apparently, there is an over-representation of American Jews in cults. Meaning, if a religious "slice" were taken of the American religious population, in the 1960's through the early 1980's, Jewish youth were inordinately involved in cult organizations, when compared to other youths claiming a different, prior religious affinity. So, for example, if Jewish youth represented 1% of the US general youth population, there were many times that demographic percentage involved in known cults (not just DLM-EV).

Most sociologists were puzzled at the spike in Jewish involvement. To my knowledge there has not been a conclusive study and/or explanation about why Jewish Americans were (and maybe still are) inordinately involved in cults. Having grown up Jewish in the US, I have anecdotal explanations, but nothing scientific. Anyone have ideas?