500 Days Since 10/7: Representing the Reform Movement on COP Israel Mission

Last month, I was deeply honored to represent WRJ and the Reform Movement in Israel. Reflecting on this recent trip, I am filled with gratitude for our deep partnerships with the Reform and Progressive Movement in Israel, and for Judy Wexler, WRJ’s First Vice President, whose steadfast support made this journey all the more meaningful. Judy joined me for the first portion of our mission, to spend time with our Israeli grantees, and shared her meaningful thoughts on our experiences last week. I will share some reflections on the latter half of the trip, when I represented the Reform Movement on the 50th anniversary mission of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations (COP). The Conference of Presidents unites a diverse coalition of U.S. Jewish community leaders, including organizations like URJ, CCAR, ARZA, and WRJ, all of whom play a pivotal role in shaping discourse about Israel and the Jewish community at large. This gathering serves as a vital platform where Jewish leaders come together to amplify our voices on critical issues that impact us all. These missions are an opportunity to learn from colleagues with diverse perspectives, and to collaborate with organizations with common values. During this trip, our shared priorities—highlighting the safe return of hostages, the protection of democracy, and the advancement of women’s rights—were central to our discussions, and it was heartening to see the tangible impact of our collective advocacy.

Throughout the trip, we engaged in powerful conversations about the future of Israel, and throughout the journey, I made it my mission to elevate WRJ’s presence and ensure our voice was integral to these crucial dialogues. It was a rare and invaluable opportunity to connect with leaders from across the Jewish world, and I felt an immense pride in representing WRJ while advocating for our core values.

One of the most significant moments of the trip was Prime Minister Netanyahu’s opening address at the conference. Hearing from him directly provided a platform for me to underscore the Reform Movement’s stance, particularly on the issues where we differ. I am especially grateful that Judy was able to join me for the dinner following Netanyahu’s address, which offered further opportunities for meaningful connection and dialogue.

Another highlight of the trip was our meeting with Israeli President Herzog. During our meeting, I had the privilege of asking him about the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages—an issue that remains deeply personal for so many. I also had the opportunity to introduce myself on behalf of the Reform Movement and emphasize the importance of our collective work in Israel and in North America during these critical times.

After meeting these high-level leaders, our journey took us to southern Israel, where we visited communities directly impacted by the October 7th attacks. At Kibbutz Nahal Oz, a community on the Gaza border, we planted a tree—a symbol of resilience and renewal in the face of devastation. Standing on ground that had witnessed such tragedy, this small act of remembrance felt deeply powerful. Alongside rabbis from the Conservative Movement, I offered a prayer for the tree, hoping that one day it will flourish, serving as a living testament to the strength of Israel’s people. I hope many of you will one day see it bloom, a reminder that even in the wake of loss, life persists.

Another moving experience was our visit to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Last year’s WRJ mission also included a visit to the Knesset, and standing once again in the heart of Israel’s government felt just as powerful. We had the opportunity to hear from the Speaker of the Knesset, followed by lunch with several members, including MK Shelly Tal Meron, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing for the podcast last season. However, the most significant moment of the Knesset visit came when I was invited to speak before the Knesset Committee on Immigration, Aliyah, and Absorption about antisemitism. It was an incredible honor to represent our concerns on such a critical issue, and the experience was made even more meaningful by the fact that this was the first committee meeting chaired by MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv—the former CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, and now a member of Knesset. To stand in that room, lending my voice to the ongoing fight against antisemitism, was a moment I will never forget. As I reflected there:

Since October 7th, many around the world feel more connected to Israel, to Jews around the world, yet distanced or even disregarded or denigrated by our neighbors and coalition partners. And yet, this is not a moment to turn inward, to put up walls... Antisemitism is a particular challenge for our people that represents a universal problem. The rise in antisemitism is the telltale sign of an unhealthy     democracy, of a society fueled by bias, hate, and division. We must maintain, deepen, and dig into our multi-faith, multi-racial relationships and coalitions to fight all kinds of hatred - antisemitism, racism, and misogyny.

Reform Jews can often show up and speak out where others cannot or do not. We look to our legacy as the conveners and co-authors of the US civil rights act, as the first denomination to ordain women as rabbis and seek full gender equality in Jewish life, as the first to fully welcome LGBTQ individuals     and celebrate racial diversity in our community. We know that we are in deep covenant with each other, that we strengthen each other, that when we come together as unique individuals, our whole is greater than the sum of our parts.

The day took on an even deeper significance with the presence of hostage families who courageously shared their heartbreaking stories. The families of those held hostage, now for over 500 days, regularly come to Knesset committees to speak on behalf of their loved ones. Sitting with them, hearing their anguish and unwavering determination, was an experience that will stay with me forever. I offered personal support to several families of those still held in Gaza, a humbling and emotional encounter. It was a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of conflict and the urgent need for our continued advocacy. Their pain is unimaginable, yet their resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit—and a call to action for all of us.

Later that week, we turned our attention to northern Israel—an area that has received far less media coverage despite the toll the conflict has taken there. At Kibbutz Manara, we witnessed the impact of relentless bombings, with homes and infrastructure in ruins and the community now a ghost town due to mass evacuations. At Kibbutz Sasa, only 10% of residents are currently able to live there, holding on in the face of uncertainty. The rest of their community is evacuated and scattered throughout the country. These visits underscored the immense challenges facing Israel’s northern communities, where displacement has become a harsh reality.  

Amidst these sobering encounters, we had the privilege of meeting with leaders of Israel’s Druze community, a small but significant religious sect known for their support for their Jewish neighbors and fellow citizens. The Druze are an integral part of Israeli society, serving in the military and playing a vital role in the nation’s defense. In a powerful and unexpected moment, one of the Druze leaders we met shared that he had attended the Leo Baeck School in Haifa and participated in a shared society program—one that WRJ now supports through our YES Fund. It was a striking reminder of the connections that bind our communities together and the profound impact of investing in dialogue, understanding, and coexistence.

During our mission, we marked the 500th day since October 7th—a heartbreaking milestone tracked by the Hostage Family Forum to ensure the world does not forget those still held captive. The weight of the week grew heavier when we learned that the bodies of the two young Bibas children, Ariel and Kfir, had been returned to Israel. The news was devastating, a stark reminder of the immense suffering that continues. I was standing there, in Hostage Square surrounded by families who have endured unimaginable pain, reinforcing the urgent need to stand in unwavering solidarity with them.

Before departing, I had the honor of introducing a panel of business and economic leaders, framing my remarks with a quote from one of the speakers we met the day before at Kibbutz Sasa: “Resilience begins with people.” Those words echoed in my mind as I reflected on the extraordinary resilience of everyone I encountered—from the families still waiting for their loved ones to return, to the Israelis rebuilding their communities, to the Jewish leaders tirelessly working for a better future. This has been an incredibly challenging time for Israel and the Jewish people, but amid the grief and hardship, I saw profound strength and determination.

As I look back on this mission, I am reminded of the power of community, solidarity, and hope. Our work is far from over. We must continue to stand for peace, justice, and the safe return of those who are suffering. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent WRJ and the Reform Movement and to play a role in this critical advocacy.

Beginning this Monday, you have a significant opportunity to make an impact on Israel, by voting in the World Zionist Congress Elections. Please vote for the Reform Movement slate, share it with family and friends, and send me and other leaders to represent us and our values in Israel this fall. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Together, we will continue to make a difference.