Israel

How to Help Support Israel's Democracy

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
Rabbi Josh Weinberg
Daryl Messinger
Here are some ways you and your community can support Israeli democracy and the Israeli Reform Movement during this critical moment.

Reform Jewish Leaders Respond to Netanyahu’s Conciliation to Delay Judicial Overhaul

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497
We are relieved PM Netanyahu has finally responded to months of protests by nearly every sector of Israeli society that vigorously opposed the government’s judicial revolution. However, this temporary pause has come at an exorbitant price. To keep his fragile coalition intact, Netanyahu struck a deal with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to create a “national guard” that would fall under his authority. The formation of a civilian militia, which falls outside the scope of the Israeli police and under the stewardship of a far-right extremist leader like Ben-Gvir, is a threat to Israel’s democracy and civil security. 

URJ Leaders Respond to West Bank Violence

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497
We share the anger and pain felt across Israel and the diaspora following the fatal attack on Israeli brothers, Hallel and Yagel Yaniv. The perpetrators must be found and held responsible for this heinous attack. 

Reform Jewish Leader Addresses Protest Against Proposed Judicial Reforms in Tel Aviv

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497
On Saturday evening, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, addressed a crowd of over 160,000 people demonstrating against the proposed judicial overhauls in Tel Aviv. Delivering his remarks in Hebrew, Rabbi Jacobs told protestors that Jews across the diaspora shared their concerns about proposed changes to Israel’s democracy and would continue to stand with them in solidarity.