Rabbi Bergman met on Thursday, October 21, with the Israeli minister to reinforce their mutual commitment to a plural Judaism, and to talk about how their work through technical teams and educational programs can help achieve that goal.
In order to accomplishing this and strengthening connections between Reform Jews from all over the world and from Eretz Israel, Rabbi Bergman highlighted the important work the World Union has been carrying out with its approximately 1.8 million members worldwide in more than 1,200 Reform and Progressive congregations in over 50 countries.
“The effective work we’ve been developing with the national Zionist institutions (WZO, KKL, JAFI, KH), our movement in Israel, and with Arzenu organization will allow us to better support our local communities and projects, expanding Israeli Government endorsement to a renewal based on a plural and equity representation of all different expression of Jewish life”, explained Rabbi Bergman.
The scope includes the work between local Zionist federations and Israelis who are part of our communities around the world through WZO’s Department of Irgoon and Connection with Israelis Abroad; Netzer Olami, the Zionist youth movement of Progressive Jews throughout the world; and Reform Schlichim. All in the context of the challenging objectives of our common agenda in local and global Zionist political scenarios.