The election is finally over.
It’s been a long and intense season for the World Zionist Congress (WZC), one that Aish has, for the first time, officially participated in as an organization. While I was personally involved in the last election five years ago, this time was different. This time, it was our movement, Aish Ha’am, the Fire of the Nation, stepping onto the global Jewish stage with our values, our voice, and our vision.
Over the past five years, I’ve spent significant time in Israel deepening my understanding of its institutions and the role Aish can play in shaping the Jewish future. What I’ve learned through this election has been deeply humbling, and I want to share some reflections with you, my extended family.
To speak about Israel is to speak about coming home. After 2,000 years of unimaginable persecution, exile, and displacement, we’ve returned to the land where our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, first walked 3500 years ago. To where Moses led our people, from Egyptian slavery, and where Joshua helped establish our homeland.
That land is not just a piece of real estate. It is our soul. It’s where we belong. And I’ve always felt deeply privileged to lead Aish, headquartered just steps from the Western Wall, in Jerusalem’s Old City. We may reach Jews around the world, but our heart beats in Zion.
When we entered this election, it wasn’t for politics, it was for principles. The three core values of Aish: Wisdom, Responsibility, and Love, guided every step of our campaign.
Our mantra remains: We are the People of the Book. The antidote to ignorance, assimilation, and even antisemitism lies in Jewish knowledge. Jamie Geller, our new Global Spokesperson, has carried this message boldly to the Knesset and beyond: If Jews are to thrive, we must understand why we are Jewish. Torah education is not optional; it is essential.
We believe every Jew has a responsibility to protect, inspire, and uplift the Jewish people. That’s why we produced Frontline Warriors, a powerful documentary highlighting antisemitism on campus. Through film, media, and storytelling, we aim to make sure our people are seen, heard, and defended.
This election also reminded me how divided we can be. Sadly, there’s no shortage of animosity among Jewish groups. We cannot afford to let hatred fester. It is especially during this period of time, which is commonly referred to as “Sefira,” that we remember the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, great scholars all, who perished because they lacked respect for one another. I personally observe the custom of not shaving for a month to remember how damaging hate can be, even among great Rabbis.
Love isn’t optional. We don’t have to agree with each other, but we do have to love one another.
Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz, our Rosh Yeshiva, has taught me that the most vital Jewish principle is loving every Jew. We’re not just a nation. We’re not just a religion. We are a family, and families are built on love.
This campaign also spotlighted the next generation of Jewish leaders. Our slate was the youngest of any list, filled with university students and digital influencers who are redefining what Jewish advocacy looks like. They are passionate, unafraid, and deeply connected. They are our future.
I want to highlight a special person whom I got to know through this election. Steve Rosedale from Cincinnati reached out to us and said he was moved by our message of Jewish unity and wanted to join our slate. He was the last person to join, and his decision to join us, driven by a vision of Jewish unity and love, touched me profoundly. His story is a testament to the fact that our house of love that we are building is resonating far and wide.
I want to thank Rabbi Elliot Mathias, who led this campaign so ably, along with his top-notch staff. We have made a strategic decision that Rabbi Mathias will continue to lead Aish Ha’am as it becomes the movement of Aish. We are incredibly excited, so stay tuned to join us as we look to build a stronger, wiser Jewish people.
Last Shabbat was one I’ll never forget. I had the honor of hosting five of our student leaders and alumni. Our conversations were long, rich, and filled with dreams for the Jewish future. The highlight was when we hosted a number of couples who were themselves on a Jewish journey. Some of them had already moved to a strong Jewish community, and others were in the process. The give and take at the table from young Jews who were starting out in their climb towards greater spirituality to those who had kindled their Jewish flame later in life was exhilarating.
Watching these diverse Jews, some just beginning, others deeply immersed, connect over Shabbos, Torah, and shared dreams was simply breathtaking. It was a vision of what Aish is all about: building bridges between Jews, empowering journeys, and creating sacred spaces of growth.
As we approach Lag Ba’Omer, the festive day when the current period of national mourning ends and beyond, I’m filled with hope. The election may be behind us, but the real work is just beginning. Together, with your support, we will continue to build a movement of Torah, of love, and of light.
One day soon, please God, our building in the Old City will become the second most beautiful building there, because the Third Temple will stand once again.
