Peoplehood 2.0
How can the Jewish world help 'restart' post-war Israel? The Atchalta NGO has mapped dozens of new Israeli societal initiatives concentrating on various facets of this restart
Amid intense internal polarization and the ongoing war, Israel faces a pivotal moment. There's an uncommon unity in the call to 'restart' the nation following these trials. This reset centers on deep reforms, crafting a 'new covenant,' reshaping our collective narrative, and revitalizing institutions. Our very national identity requires refreshing, woven into efforts to restore faith in the State and strengthen our collective fortitude.
A strong, inclusive future
The Jewish world proactively seeks to empower these efforts, ensuring a strong, inclusive future for Israeli society, by supporting initiatives that focus on societal resilience and unity, rehabilitation, education, and mental health, while spurring economic innovation. These initiatives, among others, have been at the forefront of discussions among Jewish philanthropists from the Diaspora during the recent Jewish Funders Network conference held in Israel.
Yet surprisingly, none of the reviewed Israeli initiatives have carved out a notable role for the global Jewish community, other than financial backing. In most initiatives, World Jewry is an external benefactor, not a true partner. In a State that represents the Jewish people's right to national self-determination, the Diaspora is notably missing as an important partner at a pivotal moment in the state's evolution.
Atchalta believes that the Jewish world should and could stand out as a partner and a potent catalyst for change. The Jewish world could potentially bring a unique value and, in many cases, is better positioned to take the lead than Israeli organizations. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, World Jewry isn't subjected to the same level of categorization and stigmatization as Israeli organizations and leaders, who are often pigeonholed based on the 'tribe' they are perceived to belong to. This labeling hampers the potential for Israeli-led initiatives to gain traction beyond their original communities.
In contrast, the global Jewish community is seen as a credible intermediary and, paradoxically, is in a more advantageous position to spearhead initiatives from a holistic Israeli perspective. Furthermore, numerous Jewish communities and entities already support initiatives aimed at bolstering Israel's social cohesion and local leadership, which are viewed as crucial for alleviating sectarian and communal tensions in Israel. Beyond the moral imperative of involving World Jewry in shaping the future of the Jewish State, by utilizing its established networks, operations, and resources within Israel, the global Jewish community can enact significant positive changes in Israel.
Updating Diaspora engagement
The impact of the events on October 7th is also reshaping Jewish identity in the Diaspora and is fueling a global rise in antisemitism that threatens Jewish communal life. This grave threat, however, also offers a unique chance to revitalize Jewish identity and update the ways the Diaspora engages with Israel. It could herald a pivotal moment of unity and solidarity within the global Jewish community.
Atchalta's Peoplehood 2.0 vision represents a transformative leap in the relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora, making the benefits of Peoplehood self-evident. Both in Israel and across the Diaspora, challenges demand global Jewish unity and partnership, especially fostering connections and collaborations between Israel and the Jewish world. This vision underscores the crucial role of the Jewish Diaspora in actively enriching Israel's social landscape, transitioning from mere observers to pivotal change-makers.
Conversely, it also emphasizes Israel's vital contribution to strengthening Jewish identity within the Diaspora, showcasing a mutual enhancement of resilience and identity across the global Jewish community. Recognizing the surge in antisemitism as a shared threat, this vision calls for a united front in combating antisemitism. Such collaboration underscores the shared responsibility to safeguard the collective Jewish future.
Atchalta's collaboration with the Zionist Enterprises Department of the World Zionist Organization in events like Latam 120 and the Jewish Leadership Network exemplifies the principles outlined above. These pilots, aimed at fostering dialogue and partnership across the global Jewish community, underscore the importance of collective action and innovative leadership in addressing shared challenges. By uniting diverse Jewish voices, these forums champion the cause of strengthening Israel's social fabric and Jewish identity worldwide, mirroring Atchalta's vision for a deeply interconnected Jewish future.
Atchalta is a non-partisan NGO dedicated to being the guardians of national and social resilience across Israel and the Jewish world. Visit: atchalta.com >>
