Dear Friend,
I just returned to Israel after two emotional weeks in the United States visiting communities in Boston, New York, and the Washington D.C. area, where I was honored to be invited to participate in the Women of Reform Judaism's Rabbi Marla J. Feldman Social Justice Conference. Throughout my stay, I felt wrapped in love and support that demonstrated once again how empowering it is to join our voices together calling for change and knowing that we are not alone in this fight.

My visit was timely, both because of the critically important elections for the World Zionist Congress (vote here) and because both Israel and the US are facing similar threats to democracy. Conversations I had with longtime partners and new allies alike echoed a familiar theme: Governments disregarding the rule of law, eroding fundamental pillars of our systems, and widening the gap between our values and political realities. It is indeed a challenging time when things we have taken for granted are suddenly in the balance.

In my talks in the US, I shared our experience fighting for Israel’s democracy for more than two years now. I stressed the importance of conveying a clear message to the public so people will know what is actually at stake, and the crucial importance of the liberal camp presenting a unified front against those threatening our democracies. I emphasized the power of protests to make a difference, going out into the streets to stand up for our values. Some may think our governments ignore our demonstrations, but the truth is that protest matters. In addition to empowering ourselves, we strengthen our gatekeepers, who feel the public is with them.

Just like here, I encountered a lot of despair and fear. Yet while recognizing the gravity of the situation, it was important for me to convey a clear message of hope. We must not lose sight of the fact that there are so many dedicated, resilient, and committed people who are unwilling to give up and choose to stand on the right side of history.

As always, I felt uplifted by how many people believe in IRAC's work and how many are standing with us as we fight for equality, human dignity, and justice. I was especially moved to receive so much positive feedback from readers of this newsletter, who told me they find it engaging and that it helps them maintain their connection with the Israel they believe in. And now you can also remain connected by subscribing to IRAC's new Pluralist Podcast on Spotify,  YouTube and on other podcast platforms.

Our First Episode: Defending Israeli Democracy in the Name of Judaism with Rabbi Talia Avnon-Benviniste

In just a few days, we will gather at our Seder tables to remind ourselves that we were slaves in Egypt. We, we say, as is traditional, not just our ancestors. We will recall the People of Israel's journey from slavery to liberation and recommit ourselves to protecting the freedoms that we must never take for granted, especially not in times like these.

We will especially remember the 59 hostages still held captive in Gaza, 24 of whom are still alive but in grave danger. We will not rest until they return home.

We must connect the liberation of our ancient past, which shaped us as a people, to a pledge to protect our democracy from those who seek to undermine it. For this is the true message of the holiday.

Rabbi Prof. Dalia Marx notes that during the Seder we ask, ma nishtanah? Literally, what has changed? She then adds that we should also ask ourselves, ma neshaneh? in the future tense, what will we change to make our lives more meaningful? How will we contribute to tikkun olam, the repair of the world?

This Pesach, we pledge to continue working as hard as we can for a better society, for equality, justice, and peace for all who call this land their home.
 
Hag Herut Sameah. May it be a true Festival of Freedom. This year more than ever.

Sincerely,

Orly Erez-Likhovski

Listen to or view the first episode of our new podcast, The Pluralist and subscribe today:
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PS. If you believe in building an Israel that reflects your values of democracy, equality, justice, and religious freedom, there’s something you can do, right now! Vote in the World Zionist Congress elections! The WZC controls billions of dollars, funds that can either support liberal Jewish life in Israel or fuel an extremist and fundamentalist agenda. Your vote determines where those resources go. Voting Reform means investing in pluralism and against extremism. This opportunity arises once every five years and voting ends on May 4. Vote Reform today at zionistelections.org  before the polls close, and help shape the future of Judaism and democracy in Israel.
Vote Reform! Vote Now! Spread the word!
https://www.vote4reform.org/
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