Rabbi Landsberg's Blog

Meeting the Ambassador

After the heated discussions of this morning’s seminar on Zionism, it was a stark contrast this afternoon to meet with the Canadian Ambassador to Israel, Jon Allen. Together with members of all the Canadian delegations, I listened to and exchanged views with Ambassador Allen for something over an hour.

The meeting kicked off with an outpouring of gratitude for the steadfast support of the Canadian government for the State of Israel. This didn’t prevent the Ambassador from being forthright articulating how he believes Israel must better ensure its own security and support from the international community. He reiterated Canada's belief in a two state solution that will address the challenges of borders, refugees, and settlements without minimizing the challenges this would entail.

Nearly as interesting as the remarks of the Ambassador were the responses of the assembled Canadian groups that seemed to span from a polite hearing to scepticism to outright dismay. The responses were not simply academic or solely matters of ideology. Many of those present are parents or grandparents (or even one great-grandfather) of citizens of the state of Israel. Even the most diplomatic discussion of the threats and challenges that Israel is facing could not disguise the personal fears and hopes that underlay the reactions.

It was delightful meeting Ambassador John Allen. He is clearly a committed Canadian public servant of the first rank and does his country and Israel a great service.

Jews come in all shapes and sizes....

Here at the World Zionist Congress you meet every type of Jew which--as much as what is said--is a statement itself about Jews as they are: in all their diversity and differing visions of how to remake the Jewish world. In every meeting there are Shomer Hatzair blue shirted youth proudly holding up the flag of Socialist Zionism, observant ladies in their hats from the world Mizrachi organization, together with representatives from every other shade of Jewish Zionist life including ourselves of course.

The difference between a meeting here and many I have attended elsewhere in the Jewish world is the fiercely clear fact that what divides the strands of Jewishness are real and passionate. For example, this morning during a talk on Zionism/Post-Zionism/Renewed Zionism by Dr Micha Goodman (of the Hebrew University and one of Debra’s teachers at the Hartman Institute), one of the moderators stood up and said that perhaps the real issue is that Reform and other liberal Jews are supporters of the Palestinian cause and not of Israel! With this as but one example of the accusations that are flying in all directions (remember that Shas is now for the first time represented here at the Congress), you can imagine that a number of the meetings are already quite heated.

I think that the interactions that happen at the WZC are of primary importance. The reality of the diverse Jewish world--the many accents, languages, and viewpoints--and the reality of Israel as the meeting place for all is palpable. As well, one point of great pride: the Canadian delegation (Mizrachi, ARZA and Mercaz) interact with great respect and friendship.

　

　

　

At the Caucus...

The Zionist Congress begins tomorrow, but nonetheless today was our first day of all day meetings.  The pre-Congress caucus met at the Hebrew Union College campus.  There is a lot to say already but is is late Jerusalem time (and even later for my jet-lagged brain), so let me just share some headlines now, which maybe I will have time to chew on later.

ARZA-Canada is part of the larger movement, ARZENU (International Federation of Reform and Progressive Religious Zionists).  We heard reports from the state of Reform Zionism around the world (struggling in Switzerland, blossoming in Australia and so forth).

Of great interest is the fact that ARZENU is now in alliance with both Israel's Labour party and Meretz (which together are the two most progressive Zionist parties in Israeli politics).  Collectively, they form the largest caucus at this World Zionist Congress.  Rabbi Gilad Kariv, the leader of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, was clear that the alliance of these three progressive Zionist forces will be a powerful combination to renew the flame of a progressive Zionism that promotes democracy,  Zionism and a state of Israel as a vital force for Jewish renewal. 

 More tomorrow....

Off to the World Zionist Congress..

Together with my wife - Rabbi Landsberg - we have arrived in israel for the World Zionist Congress. During the Congress I shall be posting reports to give a flavour of the events and convey what it means to this Canadian ARZA delegate.

A little Jargon busting: ARZA Canada is the Zionist movement of Canadian Reform Judaism. Together with its sister movements throughout the world, Reform Zionists are part of ARZEINU which is the global Zionist movement of Reform Judaism.

Thanks to Rabbi Landsberg for letting me use her blog during the Congress.