CURRENT ISSUES FOR OUR IRAC COMMUNITY

Over the past few weeks, The Pluralist Podcast has been examining what Israel's election results mean for the country's political and democratic future. This week, the conversation turns to what these political changes could mean for the Reform Movement itself — and how we can help shape what comes next.

On Sunday, Rabbi Josh Weinberg moderated a special post-election webinar with MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Dr. Nachman Shai, and Anna Kislanski. We are sharing that conversation this week on The Pluralist Podcast.

The election has created a significant opportunity for change, but what that change will look like remains uncertain. Negotiations to form a new government are only beginning, and the parties that could replace Netanyahu have substantial differences to overcome.

Yet the work does not have to wait for a new government.

As Kariv explained, the new balance of power in the Knesset could allow the parties opposed to Netanyahu to pursue immediate parliamentary changes: replacing the Knesset Speaker, reversing the dangerous judicial coup legislation with the judicial overhaul, and advancing a State Commission of Inquiry into the failures surrounding October 7 — even while Netanyahu remains prime minister of the outgoing caretaker government.

But forming the next government presents an even more difficult challenge.

Unfortunately, not all parties seeking to replace Netanyahu are willing to form a government with the support of Arab political representatives. Bringing ultra-Orthodox parties into a coalition could require significant compromises on Haredi military enlistment and other matters of religion and state. Another possibility is a unity government that includes Netanyahu, despite commitments by several parties to remove him from power.

These are not simply questions about who becomes prime minister. The answers will help determine whether the next government can meaningfully change Israel's direction — and whether it can begin rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, advance religious pluralism, create a more inclusive relationship between Jewish and Arab citizens, and repair Israel's strained relationship with liberal Jews around the world.

We are following closely the political developments and know that even if a government of change will be established, change will take time. But that has never been a reason to stop.

Just days before the webinar, seven new Israeli Reform rabbis were ordained. Four are already serving Reform congregations, yet only one of those communities has a permanent building of its own. Across Israel, Reform rabbis are developing leadership, creating places of belonging, and helping communities recover from years of war and displacement — often without the recognition and resources they deserve.

We cannot afford to wait for ideal political conditions. We are actively building the institutions, communities, and partnerships that will help turn the possibility of change into a better future for Israel.

As Anna Kislanski puts it: “We are not building walls, we are opening doors.”

That pioneering work also extends across the ocean. A change of government could create opportunities to repair Israel's relationship with Diaspora Jewry, particularly with younger liberal Jews who have struggled to maintain their connection to Israel. But rebuilding trust will require much more than a change in political leadership.

The Reform Movement already has communities, institutions, and partners on both sides of the ocean that can help make those connections meaningful. One practical idea raised in the conversation is for North American congregations to develop sustained relationships with Israeli Reform communities — through shared learning, personal encounters, and ongoing support. Please reach out if you’d like to explore the different options available to show your support and build connections with the Reform movement in Israel.

The coming weeks will be critical. While politicians negotiate the next government, together with our partners, we are preparing to pursue the opportunities political change may create, while continuing to build the foundations of a more inclusive and pluralistic Israeli society.
 

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The election may have opened a door, but creating a more democratic, equal, and pluralistic Israel will take much more than a change of government. It will require political courage, sustained partnerships, and a commitment to building the future we want.

Thank you for being with us on this journey.