HAIFA, Israel — In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at uniting and empowering Jewish communities worldwide, Israeli President Isaac Herzog inaugurated the “Voice of the People” council during a five-day summit in Haifa. This eclectic assembly of 150 Jewish leaders, predominantly young and diverse, is set to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the Jewish people today.
The council, which includes representatives from Israel, North America, and various countries around the globe, was formed through a unique selection process utilizing a “special algorithm” designed to ensure a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives. The members, ranging in age from 19 to 82, include actors, activists, rabbis, venture capitalists, and even a video game designer, reflecting the rich tapestry of Jewish identity.
During the inaugural meeting, Herzog emphasized the importance of collective dialogue in addressing urgent matters such as antisemitism, relations between Jews and non-Jews, polarization, heritage and education, and Diaspora-Israel relations. “As a nation, we are facing challenging times, with our foremost mission being the return of all the hostages to their homes,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the current situation.
The initiative was conceived prior to the October 7 terror attacks, but the subsequent events prompted a reevaluation of its focus. Shirel Dagan-Levy, CEO of Voice of the People, noted that many individuals who previously had not engaged deeply with their Jewish identity found renewed significance in it following the attacks. “Now more than ever, we need this initiative,” she remarked, highlighting the emergence of what she termed “October 8 Jews”—those who felt a newfound connection to their heritage.
The council members are divided into five working groups, each dedicated to one of the core issues identified through a comprehensive survey conducted after the attacks. Over the next two years, they will develop actionable plans to address these challenges, with the support of key organizations such as the Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist Organization.
The summit kicked off with a gala dinner, where Herzog mingled with participants, sharing his vision for the initiative. He drew inspiration from his own experiences at the World Economic Forum, where he was once recognized as a future leader. “It’s obvious to me that they will become impactful people in circles of life that deal with the Jewish story, wherever it may be,” he said, expressing confidence in the council’s potential to drive meaningful change.
The discussions during the summit have been lively and dynamic, with participants encouraged to engage in constructive debates. Dagan-Levy emphasized the importance of discomfort in fostering growth, stating, “We want people to experience some discomfort because if we keep just talking to people that look like us and talk like us, that’s not going to lead to change.”
As the council members began their work, they expressed a shared commitment to addressing the complexities of Jewish identity and community relations. “It’s like a big melting pot, and you’re not sure what’s going to bubble to the surface, but it could be very interesting,” remarked Dan Sacker, a communications consultant from London.
The initiative has garnered support from philanthropic partners, including the Wilf Foundation and the Azrieli Foundation, who are eager to back relevant projects that emerge from the council’s work. Mark Wilf, a representative of the Wilf Foundation, noted the importance of involving diverse voices in the conversation, stating, “I go to a lot of conferences, and I already know everyone, like an echo chamber. Here, I don’t.”
As the summit progressed, participants engaged in various sessions focused on critical topics such as security, resilience, and combating antisemitism. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a sense of hope and determination among the members, many of whom felt a renewed sense of purpose in the wake of recent events.
In his closing remarks, Herzog reiterated the significance of the initiative, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action. “The foundation of this initiative rests on our most significant asset as a people—the ability to engage in deep, collective dialogue and, through it, drive joint action,” he stated, inspiring the council members to embrace their roles as advocates for the Jewish community.
Justine Zwerling, Head of Primary Markets for the London Stock Exchange, Celebrates the Formation of a Diverse Global Family Committed to Addressing Urgent Challenges Facing Jewish Communities and the World
In a historic event that transcended borders and cultures, the inaugural Voice of the People conference brought together 150 remarkable individuals from 82 countries, including Singapore, Russia, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, the U.S., Canada, Israel, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Morocco, the UK, France, and Germany. Justine Zwerling, head of primary markets for the London Stock Exchange and founder of the Jewish Women’s Business Network, shared her excitement on social media, describing the gathering as “a whirlwind of pure good.”
The conference, which took place in Haifa, showcased a diverse group of participants, ranging in age from 19 to 82. Zwerling highlighted the unique blend of backgrounds and experiences represented at the event, noting that the attendees were not only accomplished professionals but also trailblazers committed to fostering positive change. “Our incredible group is warm, open, collaborative, and profoundly diverse,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of forming lifelong connections during the conference.
As the world grapples with significant challenges, the Voice of the People conference focused on five pressing issues: rising antisemitism, internal polarization, the relationship between Israel and global Jewry, Jewish and non-Jewish relations, and the preservation of Jewish identity, culture, and heritage. Zwerling expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to address these critical topics, stating, “Together, we are creating a legacy with impact. It’s time to make history.”
The conference served as a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at tackling these challenges head-on. Zwerling noted the profound sense of community that emerged from the event, with attendees forming bonds that transcended geographical and cultural divides. “The best part of the conference? Meeting each other and forming lifelong connections, and the hugs…WOW,” she shared, capturing the spirit of unity that permeated the gathering.
The initiative, supported by the Office of the President of the State of Israel, aims to empower individuals to serve their communities and the globe with pride. Zwerling’s enthusiasm for the conference was palpable as she called on others to join in this collective effort, declaring, “Yallah. Who is in?”
As the Voice of the People conference concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to addressing the challenges facing Jewish communities and the world at large. The event not only marked a significant milestone in global Jewish leadership but also set the stage for ongoing collaboration and action in the pursuit of a brighter future.
As the Voice of the People council embarks on its two-year journey, it stands poised to address the urgent challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation that promises to shape the future of Jewish life for generations to come.
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