Israeli Leaders Urge Strengthening Jewish Identity and Aliyah at Jerusalem Conference

At the "State and Jews" conference held in Jerusalem, Israeli officials and Jewish leaders emphasized the need to deepen Jewish solidarity, strengthen Jewish identity, and encourage immigration to Israel despite existing disagreements. The event was organized by the Department for Zionist Jewish Identity of the World Zionist Organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the fight against antisemitism.

Ophir Sofer, Israel's Minister of Aliyah and Integration, told Channel 7 that the issue should be a national priority, stating, "Ultimately, the State of Israel is the home of the entire Jewish people." He highlighted the importance of maintaining ties with Jewish communities worldwide and promoting aliyah. Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Shikli called for bringing aliyah back to the center of public discourse, asserting that Jewish education is key to the future of the Jewish people. He said, "We want the Jews here in the Land of Israel," adding that raising children in Israel is the strongest guarantee they will grow up Jewish.

Roi Avksis, head of the Zionist Jewish Identity Department, explained that the conference was inspired by public debates about the relationship with the Diaspora, aiming to explore whether this relationship is solely about aliyah or also about mutual responsibility and shared identity. MK Moshe Tur-Paz of Yesh Atid stressed that investing in connections with world Jewry benefits both the global Jewish community and Israel, noting that thousands of soldiers who immigrated from abroad currently serve in the IDF as "our brothers and sisters in arms."

Rabbi Doron Peretz, chairman of World Mizrachi, called for a change in Israel's public discourse following the events of October 7, urging respectful dialogue and warning against delegitimizing differing opinions, emphasizing, "In the end, we are all in the same boat." Rabbi Avi Berman, CEO of the OU, reported a strengthening of Jewish identity among North American Jews since October 7, with many considering aliyah. He stressed that successful absorption in Israel depends on warm community support, noting that small daily gestures can determine whether new immigrants stay permanently or return abroad.