Friends,
As American patriots and supporters of Israel, we share a profound love for both countries. And yet we see so clearly the dangerous, authoritarian paths leaders from both countries are taking.
To paraphrase Frederick Douglass, the best friend of a nation is one who acknowledges its shortcomings. So many of us can relate to that sentiment given the current situations in both the United States and Israel.
Next week, we are sure to feel this struggle even stronger as Israel celebrates its 77th Yom Ha'atzmaut, its Independence Day. We can think of no better time for our community to come together and embrace the nuance.
So I invite you to join J Street, Hatikvah and our Progressive Israel Network partners in honoring what we’re proud of – and what we continue to aspire to – in Israel as well as celebrating those peacemakers doing the hard and often thankless work of embodying our Jewish, democratic values.
Register here to join us on Thursday, May 1 at 2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific >>
Rabbi Sharon Brous, a leading voice for justice in our community and senior rabbi of IKAR, and Evan Wolfson, civil rights lawyer and gay rights advocate, will kick off our hour together with a discussion moderated by J Street NYC’s Communal Chair and Hatikvah delegate Talia Benamy about Israel’s past, present and future – as well as our role as progressive Jewish Americans.
We’ll then move into an action opportunity, giving voice to our values by getting out the vote for the Hatikvah Slate for the World Zionist Congress elections. Already voted? We’ll huddle up and map out a plan of action to text, call and email our personal networks to encourage them to cast their ballot.
Polls for the World Zionist Congress close just a few days after we convene, so your attendance is critical. We have an opportunity right now to directly influence decisions being made for Israel and on behalf of the Jewish people around the world.
I hope you can join us on Thursday. Register to mark your calendars >>
Wishing you a meaningful week as we honor and reflect on the journey and future of Israel.
Best,
Sam Berkman
National Director of Communal Relations, J Street
P.S. Can’t make it to the webinar? You can still vote for Hatikvah (#16) and encourage your friends and family, too. Voting ends May 4.
