Originally published August 29, 2024
Over the past few months, I’ve had conversations with many of you about how to best support Israel at this time. Like most questions brought to rabbis, this one has multiple right answers. Some support Israel by making aliyah, serving in the IDF, and literally rolling up their sleeves to build Israel into the best country it can be. Some support Israel with frequent travel and volunteering, which in recent months has provided an important economic and moral boost to our Israeli brethren. Some support Israel by giving tzedakah to any of the countless organizations, here in Canada and in Israel itself, that do important work supporting NGOs, schools, hospitals, synagogues, and more within Israel. Some support Israel by being vocal advocates here in the Diaspora, ensuring that our public narrative includes Israel as the only Jewish democratic state.
And many of us do a combination of all of the above! As a congregation, I want you to join me in taking one more concrete action step this year to build up Israel and ensure that it can continue to be a home for all Jews. Join ARZA Canada, the Reform Zionist voice in Canada and in Israel. This is a quick YES click on your 2024-2025 membership form, along with an $18 contribution to support ARZA Canada’s work pursuing peace, justice, and democracy. Joining ARZA Canada is important every year, as they do important work to support Israel education and advocacy throughout Canada’s Reform synagogues, but this year it has extra importance. It’s an election year, not only for our southern neighbours, but for the World Zionist Congress, which determines funding for important programs and institutions within Israel. The more members of ARZA Canada and the other progressive organizations with which it partners, the more votes, the more impact on ensuring that our Reform values are represented in Israel. Click YES for ARZA Canada membership on your membership form!
Watch the ARZA Canada video “Now More than Ever” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvgvc7JOJ5o
