Israel Today

Our Role and Responsibility as a Jewish Community

Many of us have been discussing the latest updates from Israel these past few weeks. We’re continually asking ourselves what the role and responsibility of a community Jewish Federation is. Especially at this moment in time.

Our Federation’s role is clear: we need to create a space for community convening, discussion, and education. To that end, we’ve invited clergy, educators, and local Jewish leaders to share their thoughts on Israel, relationship with Diaspora Jewry, and the current state on Israeli politics.

We encourage respectful dialogue across our community and hope you will take the time to dive deeper by reading the thoughts and opinions below.

Articles and Other Resources

No to Levin’s revolution, yes to changes in the legal system
Jpost op-ed by Prof. Yedidia Z. Stern, President of the Jewish People Policy Institute (January 13, 2023)

The Case for a ‘Constitutional Truce’ in Israel
Wall Street Journal op-ed by Yohanan Plesner (January 10, 2023)

Is Israel Really Threatened by Ben-Gvir’s Temple Mount Gambit?
by Jonathan S. Tobin, Jewish News Syndicate (January 4, 2022)

Jewish Federations Briefing on the New Israeli Government with IDI
A briefing co-hosted by Jewish Federations of North America’s President and CEO Eric Fingerhut and Israel Democracy Institute President Yohanan Plesner which focuses on the potential consequences of the new government for the North American Jewish community (January 4, 2023)

Governing Coalition Parties and Areas of Concern
Jewish Federations’ document (December 30, 2022)

The Jewish Path Back to Israeli Democracy
by Yossi Klein Halevi, The Times of Israel (December 30, 2022)

Responding to Israel’s New Reality
Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Elana Stein Hain on how Liberal Zionists can reorient themselves to protect Israel as a Jewish and Democratic state (December 14, 2022)

Prof. Suzie Navot Explains the Override Clause
Video explanation by Prof. Suzie Navot, Vice President of the Israel Democracy Institute (December 8, 2022)

A constitutional coup will backfire
Op-ed by Shuki Friedman, Vice President of the Jewish People Policy Institute (December 5, 2022)

The Override Clause Explainer
Article by Dr. Amir Fuchs, Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute (November 11, 2022)

“The Israel We Knew” is not gone…
Daniel Gordis’ response to Thomas Friedman (November 4, 2022)

How Do Israeli Elections Work?
A video explaining the basics from Jewish Federations of North America (October 23, 2022)

How Do Israeli Elections Work?
In-depth document from Jewish Federations of North America (August 2019)

Federation's Work In Israel and Overseas

Supporting a civil society in Israel, developing vibrant partnerships within the Negev region, bringing Israel home to GMW, and taking care of Jews around the world

Explore your connection

Federation's Partner Communities

Federation has relationships with six overseas communities: five in Israel and one in Cherkassy, Ukraine.

Meet our partners

From the OP-Fed Blog

Israel’s Government and Policies: An Update

Dov Ben-Shimon|January 18

...

Upcoming Events

The Future of Religion and State in Israel
February 9
1-2 p.m.
Zoom

Questions about the relationship between religion and state in Israel have been debated for decades. Some members of the new Israeli government are determined to make changes to the current situation, and this is reflected in coalition agreements. Join us to explore which changes may be made, and the possible consequences of such moves. Register here