Discussing the future of the Jewish people
The 91 delegates from four states who attended the conference at Beth Weizmann comprised 12 streams of Judaism, numerous political affiliations and a range of ages.
The Kol Ha’am (Voice of the People) conference, one of 15 such sessions being held globally, brought almost 100 delegates from across Australia together in Melbourne last Sunday to discuss Jewish peoplehood, Israel–Diaspora relations, and the main challenges and opportunities faced by world Jewry.
The 91 delegates from four states who attended the conference at Beth Weizmann comprised 12 streams of Judaism, numerous political affiliations and a range of ages.
An initiative of President Isaac Herzog, the aim of Kol Ha’am is to create a “Jewish Davos” – a collaborative forum for Jewish representatives from around the world to engage in complex and sensitive discussions regarding the future of the Jewish people.
The conference was jointly held by the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the World Zionist Organisation (WZO).
Over several intensive group sessions, delegates were asked to brainstorm how the Kol Ha’am forum might look, as well as identify potential issues that would need to be overcome in its formation.
Participants engaged in robust debate regarding the realistic scope of the initiative, how to ensure it would be truly representative, how to set clear goals and measure their success, and a range of other related issues.
In his video message to delegates, Herzog cited global Jewry’s own “polarisation and alienation from one another” as the greatest threat to the Jewish people.
“We have so much to be grateful for and so much to be proud of. We are a thriving and accomplished people, connected by ties – historic ties, religious ties, family ties – that stretch across the globe over millennia,” he said.
“But within this blessing, we must acknowledge that there are some serious fault lines within our people. Not only are we agreeing less and less, but we seem to be losing our ability even to have a talk, to discuss.
“We need a place where we can come together, hear each other, listen to each other, talk with each other, and hold deep conversations intimately and closely to identify challenges and common denominators.”
He thanked delegates “sincerely for contributing your views and for helping take the Jewish future in your hands”.
JAFI representative for Australia and New Zealand Orit Elkayam Cohen told delegates, “The need for a dialogue and understanding has never been more urgent.
“Kol Ha’am aims to create a platform where the voices of our global Jewish family can be heard, where ideas and perspectives can be exchanged freely,” she said.
“I am honoured to stand here before you as we embark on this remarkable journey together.”
ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said one of the most important ingredients for maintaining Jewish continuity and the centrality of Israel in Jewish life “is a strong relationship between Diaspora Jewry and the State of Israel”.
“If you don’t have dialogue, you can’t really have a relationship,” he said.
“We’ve just heard the President of the State of Israel tell us that our voice here in Australia – Diaspora Jewry’s voice – is important, and that he needs to hear it and the State of Israel needs to hear it. And that goes both ways.”
He added, “I’m proud when I look around the room and I see the strength and the diversity of the Jewish community in Australia.”
ZFA CEO Ginette Searle said of the event, “It was energising to witness the participants contribute thoughtful and candid reflections and creative ideas from a truly holistic Jewish community perspective.
“We are excited that Australia’s input will help shape the scope and framework of this important global initiative.”
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