I cherished my summers spent at the local Jewish Community Center in Portland, Oregon. Going to camp at the JCC gave me the opportunity to play sports, make friends, and also to learn more about my Jewish heritage and values. While there were few Jewish students in my classes, summers at camp offered a rare opportunity to be around people who also understood what it meant to be Jewish. Whether through stories, games, and bonding with other American Jews, I quickly learned that Judaism centers justice, respect for others and the belief in tikkun olam, or repairing the world.
It was at summer camp that I learned about the importance of Israel in the Jewish experience. During Shabbat dinners on Friday nights, camp counselors would share stories about Jewish biblical figures, such as King David, Abraham and Moses. In one way or another, all of these stories highlighted the deep connection that the Jewish people share with Israel.
At a mock-Olympics event our camp held each year, staff split their campers into teams representing different countries. Most countries received a standard introduction with minimal fanfare. However, when the kids representing Israel were introduced, everyone rose to their feet with roaring applause. Even as kids, we felt a deep pride in this place. We understood that Israel was a symbol that represented the aspirations of our ancestors and the entire Jewish people. Despite facing persecution throughout history, we overcame and built a society rooted in our values.
However, as I got older, I realized that many of the actions of the Israeli government were not in line with the Jewish values I learned about at summer camp. The undermining of democracy in Israel and the persecution of Palestinians did not uphold justice, respect or tikkun olam.
Many American Jews recognize and are uncomfortable with the discrepancy between the actions of the Israeli government and their values. Many, including my peers, are withdrawing from the conversation, convinced that they have no ability to change this trajectory. However, this could not be further from the truth.
The World Zionist Congress Elections offer a unique opportunity for American Jews to have a direct say in Israel’s future. The World Zionist Congress is responsible for deciding how five billion dollars in non-profit money is spent in Israel over five years. It will determine whether the money is squandered on a settlement movement that threatens the safety of Israelis and Palestinians alike, or invested in civil society programs that strengthen the Jewish and democratic state.
And as American Jews, our votes matter. In 2020, just over 123,000 American Jews voted in the elections, which is fewer people than vote in a typical US congressional election. If American Jews want to have a say in Israel’s future, the World Zionist Congress is an effective way to use our voices.
At this moment, it is essential that American Jews ask how we can help Israel live up to its own aspirations. This is why I am joining the Hatikvah slate for the World Zionist Congress Elections. The Hatikvah slate represents the opinions of the mainstream American Jewish community. A majority of American Jews oppose settlement expansion in the West Bank. The Hatikvah slate is the only slate that opposes settlement expansion. A majority of American Jews support an end to the war in Gaza and a peace agreement to end the conflict for good. The Hatikvah slate is the only vocally pro-ceasefire slate. Additionally, the Hatikvah slate advocates for actively investing money into peace-building programs between Israelis and Palestinians to help foster long-term peace in the region.
Giving up on Israel is not the answer. Offering the country’s leaders our wholesale support isn’t either. Rather, as American Jews, we need to speak up for our values. American Jews share a vision of an Israel grounded in the values we were raised to believe in; justice, respect for others and tikkun olam. Vote for the Hatikvah slate in the World Zionist Congress because those values are on the ballot.