Nearly 100 delegates gather for Kol Ha’am conference
Topics discussed included Jewish peoplehood, diaspora-Israeli relations and the main challenges and opportunities faced by world Jewry
The Kol Ha’am (Voice of the People conference), one of 15 such sessions being held globally, brought almost 100 delegates from across Australia to discuss topics including Jewish peoplehood, diaspora-Israeli relations and the main challenges and opportunities faced by world Jewry.
An initiative of President Isaac Herzog, the aim of the conference was 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.
In his video message, the Israeli president 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.” President Herzog said.
“Our nation’s ingenuity, creativity, and profound ethical calling, continue to contribute to our human civilisation and help heal our fractured world.”
In his address, ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “I believe 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 have a meaningful relationship.
“I feel very privileged to be standing here today. I am proud of the strength and diversity represented in this room. The recent survey conducted by Plus 61J demonstrates that on almost every metric, the Australian Jewish community’s connection to Israel is stronger than it was in 2017. It also demonstrates that our Jewish identity has depth and sophistication such that our connection to Israel remains strong regardless of whether we agree or disagree with the policies of the Israeli Government of the day.”
Jewish Agency for Israel representative for Australia and New Zealand Orit Elkayam Cohen told delegates, “In our incredibly interconnected world, 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 can be heard, where ideas and perspectives can be exchanged freely.
“I am honoured to stand here before you as we embark on this remarkable journey together.”
ZFA CEO Ginette Searle said, “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.”