The relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewish communities is a crucial one that has matured and changed over the 77 years of the State’s existence. A prevailing understanding of shared interdependence now lies at the heart of our appreciation of the centrality of Israel to Jewish communities and of the role the Diaspora plays in supporting Israel.

This is underscored by the concept of ‘peoplehood’ – the view that there exists a common identity of Jewish people, shared by those living in Israel and all around the world.

The next few weeks are a vital time in this relationship as we approach the forthcoming World Zionist Congress elections. This marks a rare opportunity in which Diaspora Jewish communities are invited to elect delegates who will play a vital role in representing their communities at the World Zionist Organization – the body responsible for policy and funding priorities of many projects that relate to Israel and Israel education.

Jewish community members over the ages of 18 need to register to vote. This costs $5 and is accessed through this link: https://au.eventmagix.com/. The entire process takes between three and five minutes.

As a Zionist school which is closely affiliated with Progressive Judaism Victoria, we call upon our community members to engage in this process in order to protect the values of egalitarianism, Tikkun Olam and community mindedness which are essential to our school.

The movement of Progressive Judaism is supporting a joint ticket of ARZA (Australian Reform Zionist Organisation) and Masorti (Conservative Judaism). The aim of this ticket is to elect delegates who will fight to protect the values of Jewish religious pluralism, Tikkun Olam and inclusion.

The School encourages you to support our movement in its efforts to protect the democratic character of Israel, and the promotion of policies, projects and educational funding which aligns with a vision of an Israel that is open and inclusive.

Israel’s Declaration of Independence called for an Israel “based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.”

On Yom HaAtzmaut our students signed a giant replica Declaration of Independence and today we call upon you to take the time to engage with the process and to vote for a list which will support actions which are in line with these lofty ideals.

Shabbat Shalom,
Marc Light