We have reached the end of the most tumultuous year in memory, a year of constant struggle filled with enormous challenges. In the face of despair, we chose to stand on the side of hope. You stood together with us. And for that, I want to thank you on behalf of the entire IRAC team. It has meant more to us than you can imagine.  

We marked the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. While continuing our struggle against this scourge, we presented Israelis with an alternative to the government’s extremism by sharing a vision of a shared society between Jews and Arabs.  

We received the devastating news that six hostages were murdered by Hamas. It was doubly unbearable knowing that they could have been saved had the government agreed to a deal. On September 1st, I joined 500,000 Israelis in Tel Aviv for the largest protest I have ever attended, marching with so many people who refused to remain silent in the face of a government that had abandoned its own people.   

We toured, with the IMPJ, the communities along the Gaza border to commemorate the anniversary of the October 7th attacks. It was the first time I had been to the south since that horrific day. Up until then, it had been too painful for me to go, but I felt it was time. It was devastating, but along with the immeasurable pain, I felt resilience and faith in a better future emerging.  

More than a year later, we are still in the midst of a terrible war that continues to take lives. One hundred captives are still held in unbearable conditions in Gaza. Tens of thousands are still evacuated from their homes, hoping to return after a ceasefire. Innocent civilians on all sides are suffering incredible pain. And yet, in the middle of all of this, the government has resumed the regime coup it launched in 2023, attempting to erode Israeli democracy.  

What did IRAC do in the face of these and other challenges? We continued to fight for Israel’s soul as a Jewish and democratic state. We prayed with our feet, marching at least once a week, calling for the government to make the hostages its top priority and protesting to protect Israel’s democracy. 

Along the way, you strengthened us. Your concern has been the wind in our sails, helping us fight for a better future during these exceptionally tough times.  

We know that your year has been extremely challenging as well, with the rise in antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments and incidents, and the dramatic election results in November. We are with you, as you face these great challenges.   

There are so many people here in Israel and around the world who refuse to give up. We look ahead with deep concern, but also with a strong belief in our collective strength and shared values. Together, we will continue to struggle for a world governed by equality, justice, and peace.  (This is an abbreviated version. Click above to read the full letter).