Israeli Initiative Connects Global Jews to Foster Leadership Amidst Disagreements

A new initiative called "Voice of the People" (Kol Ha'am) aims to bridge divides within the Jewish world by bringing together individuals from Israel and diaspora communities to foster leadership and strengthen connections. Launched from a vision by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the program encourages participants not to avoid disagreements but to "grow from them," seeking practical solutions to shared challenges.

The second cohort of the 16-month program is now open for applications, seeking 150 participants. Shirael Dagan-Levi, CEO of Voice of the People, emphasized that the initiative is designed to move beyond mere discussion, focusing on creating tangible impact through collaborative work. She highlighted President Herzog's commitment to all Jewish people globally and the program's goal of cultivating a "new, diverse, and generous leadership" in the Jewish world.

Noam Mayorov, a member of the Voice of the People council and an entrepreneur specializing in regional partnerships, shared that his participation challenged his assumptions as an Israeli. He noted the profound care diaspora communities have for Israel's future and the Jewish people, revealing a reality he hadn't fully grasped before. Mayorov found that even for Jews living outside Israel, events there are a "deep part of their identity."

The program actively seeks diversity, with the first cohort ranging from 19 to 82 years old and including individuals from various religious and professional backgrounds. Dagan-Levi stressed the importance of including "immediate suspects", those not traditionally seen as leaders but possessing the potential and desire to influence. The events of October 7th have added a new dimension, inspiring many who previously had a quiet Jewish identity to become active, a phenomenon Dagan-Levi terms "October 8th Jews."

Mayorov described navigating internal Jewish disagreements as more complex than his experience building bridges with Arab and Muslim partners, noting the nuances and differing interpretations stemming from cultural backgrounds. He advised seeking both differences and commonalities, ultimately identifying the future of Israel and the Jewish people as the unifying factor.

Dagan-Levi acknowledged the initial discomfort participants experienced when encountering vastly different viewpoints, stating that "unease is part of the process" and essential for driving change. The initiative promotes "radical listening", engaging with challenging perspectives while maintaining focus on the broader shared mission. Mayorov found the program personally transformative, providing him with direct connections to Jewish leaders worldwide, creating a bridge between Israel and the diverse global Jewish community.