Getting involved with Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s Shared Society and Jewish Pluralism (SSJP) Committee* has been one of the most personal and meaningful things I’ve ever done.
I’m Israeli, living in New Jersey, far from home at a time when it often feels like everything is unraveling.
From left: Yael Birin with Ghadir Hani, activist and member of Spirit of Galilee, one of Federation’s SSJP grantees.
I’ve always been politically aware and active in different ways, but in recent years—especially from afar—things in Israel have sometimes felt like a dead end. There’s been this overwhelming sense of despair.
This work has helped me stay connected to home and allowed me to hold on to hope.
What You Might Not Know About Shared Society in Israel
Through Federation, I’ve been exposed to incredible organizations that are actually moving the needle, creating real, long-term foundational change. I’ve learned things that you don’t see on the news. Just staying in contact with these partners gives me the sense that things can be better. And when I’m active—when I’m doing something—it helps me feel better, too. Sometimes I still pinch myself that I get to be part of this work. I ended up in the right place at the right time. I’m grateful every day.
I’ve been involved in shared society and Jewish pluralism efforts for about ten years. What’s unique about Federation’s approach is that they understand how deeply intertwined these two parts of Israeli identity are. You can’t address one without the other. One organization we support, Tzedek Centers, does civic work that brings Jews and Arabs together to talk, build trust, and address local issues collaboratively.
This year, they created a Haggadah called Four Cups of Hope, with reflections from four different Israelis, including a mother of a hostage, a resident from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a retired IDF General, and Suleiman Maswadeh—a Palestinian Israeli journalist who’s now a leading voice on Kan 11, operated by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC). His story especially moved me: he grew up in East Jerusalem, didn’t speak a word of Hebrew until he was 20, and now delivers the news in Hebrew every night. Tzedek Centers brought all these voices together in a way that felt bold and deeply Jewish. I wrote to them after reading it. I was in tears. It was exactly what we need right now: courage, creativity, and a sense of vision.
During a Federation Mission to Israel this past March, I asked if I could bring hard copies of the Haggadah back to give to our committee members in New Jersey. It’s rare that this work feels so tangible.
This was one of those perfect moments, where it all came together: where we are, where we want to be, and the future we can imagine.
Why You Should Care About Shared Society
When people ask why Jewish people in Greater MetroWest should care about shared society initiatives, this is what I try to explain: If you still care about Israel—really care—and want a future that’s sustainable, inclusive, and Jewish in a way that feels familiar and open-minded, then this is the work. Twenty percent of Israel’s population is Arab. If we want Israel to stay strong and reflect the values we hold dear, we need to partner with that 20%. They’re essential—not just morally, but practically—to steering the country in a better direction.
Recently, we hosted leaders from the Abraham Initiatives in Whippany. They’re tackling the same challenges on campuses in Israel that we see here in New Jersey. These conversations are hard, but they’re necessary. And what gives me hope is how much we can learn from our grantees. It’s not a one-way street of funding these programs. Their experiences help us, too.
This Gives Me Hope Right Now
Over the past 10–15 years, there’s been real progress—a growing Arab middle class, more academic and job opportunities, more spaces where people from different communities interact every day. It’s not perfect, but it’s happening. That’s what keeps me going. I stay close to the work and the people doing it because that’s where I find the fuel to keep believing in a better future.
And honestly? That’s enough to keep me hopeful.
To see the full scope of what we’re building together—and where hope is taking root—check out our latest Shared Society Impact Reports.
*Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s Shared Society and Jewish Pluralism Committee is an Israel and Overseas Allocations Committee (IOAC) funding pillar.