Israel Affairs

Israel Affairs Committee Mission

The co-chairs of the Israel Affairs Committee, Richard Lederman and Sam Gilston, in collaboration with Rabbi Israel have drafted a proposed Statement of Principles to guide the committee’s work. The essence of this statement is a call for Zionist Renewal, a mission to reaffirm the founding Zionist ideals upon which Israel was created as expressed unequivocally in the Israel Declaration of Independence.

Hitchadshut Tsiyyonit (התחדשות ציונית)

Zionist Renewal

A Proposed Statement of Principles

Zionist Renewal is a movement intended to unite American Jews, Diaspora Jewry and citizens of Israel in a reaffirmation of the founding dream of Zionism and particularly the vision proclaimed in Israel’s Declaration of Independence. Zionist Renewal calls for a renewed commitment to that vision in word and deed.

As stated in that Declaration, Israel must be “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; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

Israel has always been a project of worldwide Jewry. Diaspora Jews are deeply connected to Israel and have consistently supported and defended it. For many, Israel represents a renaissance of Jewish religion and culture; where the language spoken in homes, shops and on the streets is Hebrew, our ancestral language, the language of the Bible. It is the only place in the world where daily life pulsates with Jewish life.

Thus, Diaspora Jewry has a legitimate stake and voice in what happens in Israel because Israeli actions have an impact on our core values as Jews and Zionists.

Zionist Renewal believes Israel has the right to defend itself from forces that seek its destruction. Yet, if Israel fails to find a new, balanced and humane relationship with the Palestinian people and its Arab neighbors, it will risk losing Diaspora

Jewry’s loyalty, friendship and devotion. This could cause a widening schism and irreparable breach within the world Jewish community.

Moreover, the government’s actions have threatened the goodwill and support it has received since Israel’s inception from allied countries around the world. Israel will not be able to exist as a just and democratic nation if it becomes a pariah in the eyes of the civilized world.

Only by living up to its founding Declaration, core Zionist ideals and ancient Jewish values can Israel find meaningful and lasting peace and security with the Palestinian people, the Arab world and the community of nations.

On May 19, Rabbi Israel gave a presentation to the Congregation about his recent sabbatical to Israel. Click here to watch the entire presentation.