Published: 29 August 2024
Last updated: 3 September 2024
In an attempt to improve international co-operation between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is beginning a process to create a new 150-member Global Jewish Council.
The Council, which will officially launch on September 15, is an outcome of President Herzog’s Kol Ha’am - Voice of the People initiative, which launched in May 2023 as a response to the growing divide between Israel and the Diaspora.
CEO of Voice of the People Shirel Dagan-Levy said the Global Jewish Council was an opportunity for the current generation to “create a legacy that will guide and inspire future generations”.
“Imagine in 20 years looking back and seeing how each cohort of our council has shaped the Jewish people’s trajectory. Through their recommendations and our collective efforts, we will be able to trace the development of our communities and understand the impact we have made.”
The Council will comprise 150 individuals: 50 from Israel, 50 from the US and Canada, and 50 from other Diaspora communities, divided into working groups of about 15 people.
Members of the global Jewish community can have their say on what topics they want the Council to work on by participating in a global survey, which is now open. The survey asks participants to choose the most important topics for the Council from:
- Rising (above) antisemitism
- How are we keeping our Jewish culture & heritage alive?
- Economic discrimination against Jews & Israelis
- Enhancing Jewish and non-Jewish relations
- The challenges with Jewish identity & practicing as a Jew today
- Polarisation & dialogue between different Jewish communities
- Israel & global Jewry relations
- Growing up as a Jew in different educational systems: Is it working?
- The gap in proactive Jewish leadership
- How do we make a difference in the world? (Tikun Olam).
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