Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the semiannual board meetings of the Jewish Agency. These gatherings are always a powerful reminder of the global Jewish community. I get to meet passionate Jews from around the world, build relationships, and strengthen our shared commitment to the future of the Jewish people. This year, the experience took on a whole new dimension.
Everywhere I turned, people wanted to know about Aish Ha’am. The board of governors is heavily influenced by the World Zionist Congress, so the fact that Aish not only has a presence but now has an actual party has sparked a lot of curiosity. What really caught their attention was the incredible slate we’ve put together. Our list of candidates is significantly younger than most, with many university students who have faced antisemitism firsthand stepping up to lead.
Last week, The Jerusalem Post ran an article highlighting how many social media influencers are on our slate. People kept asking me how much we were paying them to be brand ambassadors for the Jewish people. My answer? Not a penny. These digital warriors stand with Aish because they believe in our mission to take responsibility for the Jewish people and humanity, to study and spread Jewish wisdom, and to embrace every soul with love.
One of the most meaningful conversations I had during the conference was over breakfast with my longtime friend, Rabbi David Eliezrie, who represents Chabad. Rabbi Eliezrie is known for his warmth and humor, and we had an important discussion about how Aish and Chabad can work together. Aish has become the largest and most effective Jewish presence on social media, reaching Jews who aren’t connected to any organizations. I told him it would be an honor to collaborate more closely with Chabad to help strengthen Jewish identity around the world. He was surprised by my candor and noted that many organizations still operate in silos. I responded that at Aish, we understand the size of the mission the Almighty has given us. We have a big job to do, and the best way to achieve our goals is by working together with precious partners.
In the midst of the Jewish Agency Board Meetings, I was scheduled to meet with my close friend, World Zionist Congress Chairman Yaakov Hagoel. About 30 minutes before our meeting, Yaakov suddenly tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Let’s go.” I was confused—I thought we were meeting at the hotel. Next thing I knew, I was sitting in his car on the way to the Mount of Olives cemetery. It turns out that it was the Yahrtzeit of Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and we were heading to the ceremony by his grave.
It was a deeply moving experience. Menachem’s son, Benny Begin, recited Tehillim (Psalms) for his father. After the ceremony, Yaakov took me to the front of the grave and explained why Begin chose not to be buried at Mt. Herzl with Israel’s other Prime Ministers. Instead, he had requested to rest beside his two close friends who had died fighting for Israel’s establishment; one Ashkenazi, one Sephardi. Their ancestors had taken different paths to Israel, but in the end, they stood together as family. I couldn’t help but feel that the Almighty was sending me a message about the very purpose of Aish Ha’am; unity, responsibility, and a shared destiny for the Jewish people.
After the board meetings, we hosted a remarkable event at Aish, a dinner bringing together religious leaders from multiple faiths, including Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Jews. Among the attendees was Samer Sinjilwai, a former member of Fatah who had spent time in Israeli prisons for attacking Jews in his youth. This gathering wasn’t about religious dialogue. It was about human connection. We were also honored to host ambassadors, including my dear friend, Panamanian Ambassador Ezra Cohen.
The most powerful moment came when Samer spoke about his visit to the shiva home of Yarden Bibas. With tears in his eyes, he embraced Yarden and asked for forgiveness on behalf of his people. Then Aish’s Rabbi Daniel Rowe shared how he had visited the Bedouin Al Ziyadne family after learning that their father and brother had been murdered by Hamas. This is what it means to take responsibility. This is what it means to embrace others with love.
This Monday marks the start of the World Zionist Congress elections. We need thousands of votes to make a difference. If you believe that every Jew must take responsibility for our people and the world around us… If you believe Jewish wisdom is essential for our continuity and connection to the Almighty… If you believe in love… then join us. Visit aish.com/vote starting this Monday and strengthen the Jewish nation.
Together, we will shape the future.
