Originally published June 20, 2024
When I landed in Toronto last Sunday night, finally back home after nearly 3 weeks in Singapore, I was thrilled (and more than a little relieved) to read the reports and see the pictures of Toronto’s UJA Walk with Israel on June 9. Over 50,000 people showed up to show their support, their pride, and their commitment to Israel. One friend who attended told me it felt like actually being in Israel – to be surrounded by so many Jews, to hear Hebrew on the streets. While I’m disappointed I missed out, I’m so excited to be at our very own Walk for Israel this Sunday in Waterloo – and I hope you’ll join me there.
Given the 50,000 who turned out in Toronto, you might wonder, “Why bother having a walk for Israel here in Waterloo? Why does it matter?” Our presence, individually and as a community, matters a great deal. It matters to the Israelis in our community – to know that we see and hear their pain and their love for Israel, and they are not alone. It matters for those who would hate us, or hate Israel – to know that no matter how strong their hate, our love and pride are stronger. It matters for our broader Jewish community – to know that we are committed to a vision of a Jewish and democratic State of Israel, one that embraces religious pluralism. And most importantly, it matters for us – to know, in our hearts and in our children’s hearts, that we are a part of something bigger, that our pride and our Zionism is not merely a private conviction, but a public value to be acted on.
I’ll be there on Sunday, with my family – please join me with your families as well!
Rabbi Miriam Farber Wajnberg
