Friends,
We, like many of you, have been following the events in Israel with a mixture of concern and pride. Over the last two-plus months, we have watched Israelis—right and left, Ashkenazi and Mizrahi, secular and religious—take to the streets demanding the protection of their democracy. The ruling coalition’s suggested judicial reforms have inspired the most powerful and widespread protest movement the country has ever seen. This weekend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over Gallant’s calls to halt that effort prompted the resignation of Israel’s Consul General in New York and led to a nationwide general strike yesterday. And, while Prime Minister Netanyahu has agreed to table the judicial reform bill for now, it is likely to be re-introduced after the Knesset’s Passover recess.
Just 11 days ago, as we celebrated the birthday of Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, we taught our students of his deep commitment to Zionism and the State of Israel, explaining that since our founding, the steadfast support of Israel has been a pillar of our community and of our congregation. We are a community of Zionists, of ohavei tzion: lovers of Israel. And, as Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (our national affiliate), told the thousands gathered in Tel Aviv last month, “The Israel we love is Jewish and democratic.”
As a Reform congregation and staunch supporters of Israel, your leadership strongly affirms the principles reflected in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, which created a democratic Jewish homeland. We believe this is a time we must speak up, take action, and mobilize just as we would if Israel were in danger from external threats.
There is much to say and learn about this unfolding situation. Please note the following upcoming events:
