Israel Advocacy

The new Israeli Advocacy Committee will serve as a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering education, engagement, and support for Israel within the local community. The committee will focus on promoting a deeper understanding of Israel’s history, culture, and geopolitical significance by organizing informative events, educational workshops, and public discussions. Through collaboration with local leaders, institutions, and interfaith groups, the committee aims to counter misinformation and foster dialogue that highlights Israel’s contributions to technology, innovation, and humanitarian efforts.

In addition to education, the committee will engage in proactive advocacy efforts, including outreach to policymakers, media engagement, and social media campaigns to amplify Israel’s story. By mobilizing community members and equipping them with tools to advocate effectively, the committee seeks to build a network of informed and passionate advocates. Whether hosting cultural events, organizing trips to Israel, or supporting initiatives that strengthen Israel’s ties with diverse communities, the committee will act as a hub for meaningful and impactful advocacy efforts.

We are participating in collecting knit hats for soldiers. Here is the link for the initiative:  https://israel.jewishphilly.org/hats-for-heroes-a-new-volunteer-initiative-to-knit-for-israel/

December: Our first foray connecting our community to Israel was supplying Israeli snacks at the Chanukah party

January: MLK Day, we will be writing letters to Israeli Soldiers with the social action committee

February: We will crew an Israel table  (hopefully not a hostage table we hope they will be home)

March: A  game at the Purin Carnival 

April:  TBD

May: Help out at the RAK DAN event celebrating Israel's birthday.

Let's keep the Zionist dream alive and come join us in connecting our community to Israel

Israeli snacks at our Hanukkah dinner, compliments of the Israel Committee.

The World Zionist Congress Election Is Coming! As you may be aware, the voting period to elect the members of the World Zionist Congress will begin on March 10 and run through May 4. VBS supports the Mercaz Olami slate of candidates representing the global Conservative/Masorti movement. Voting for Mercaz is critical to protect liberal and pluralistic Judaism in Israel and around the world from the takeover of the WZC by ultra-Orthodox parties, with important issues including access to the Kotel, conversion recognition, environmental concerns, and many more hanging in the balance. This is because the WZC controls billions of dollars in funding and sets the priorities for four national institutions in Israel: The World Zionist Organization - The umbrella organization of the Zionist movement. It spends millions of dollars to promote Zionist education around the world and since October 7 has been a leader in supporting the families of hostages. KKL [Keren Kayemet L'Yisrael]/JNF - The national land purchasing fund of Israel focusing on development and environmental preservation. (This is not the same US-based JNF that plants trees in Israel.) The Jewish Agency - The organization that facilitates making aliyah and is the voice of the Diaspora -- giving it a major voice in the ongoing discussion in Israel about "who is a Jew". The JA is also a major supporter of Ramah camps, USY, and other important connections between Israel and the rest of the world. Keren HaYesod - The primary fundraising organization of world Jewry. Voting will be open to all Jews over the age of 18 outside Israel and will only require a few clicks on your phone and a nominal $5 administration fee. You'll be hearing more about this important election in the coming weeks ahead. When the voting opens in March, we want Ohev Shalom  to show its community strength and be a leader among conservative shuls around the world! If you have questions or would like to get involved in the OS  effort to ensure the future of pluralistic Judaism, please reach out to Rabbi or our shul's election captain Iris Gold (iritrg@gmail.com).

Israel Committee Chairs:

Ayala Rahimi Click here to email Ayala

Iris Gold Click here to email Iris.