One year ago today, I stood on the blood-soaked fields of Nova and wept. In places like Nova, Kfar Aza, and Sderot the trauma from October 7 is tangible. It is as though the ground, the trees, even the air has absorbed some of the blackness of that day. The Reform mission to Israel helped me to understand how connected we are, and my time with Or Hadash (our partner temple in Haifa) showed me the power and beauty of Reform Judaism in Israel.
Here is the U.S., Israel can feel very far away. As Americans, we have our own problems, and we sometimes feel discouraged or even powerless against the multiple storms around us. The truth is that we are not powerless. There are many ways that we can have an impact on our world, both big and small.
Next week, World Zionist Congress (WZC) voting will start. Voting is simple and cheap ($5) and yet we can have a significant impact on Israeli society. Reform Jews are a majority in the U.S., but a small minority (8%) in Israel. Unsurprisingly, the ultra-orthodox slate has been well-organized; without more votes we will continue to be marginalized in Israel. As many of you know, the WZC convenes every five years to bring together representatives from Jewish communities around the world to decide on key issues affecting the Jewish people in Israel and globally. The Congress elects the leadership that sets policies and influences the allocation of about $1 billion annually. It plays a crucial role in supporting activities both in Israel and around the world which promote Jewish identity and combat antisemitism. Even though we could do better, prior votes have helped the Reform movement in Israel secure $4 million annually, which has helped to strengthen progressive Judaism in Israel.
Please join me in voting for the ARZA/Reform platform in the WZC elections. Volunteer if you have time and help to get the word out. Five minutes and $5 is all that we need from each voter—and every vote matters.
Rob Joseph, Chair of ARZA @ TBE
Click here to vote for Israel’s future, March 10–May 4, 2025