The State of Israel was born as a country that combines a variety of different worlds, values and people coming from multiple traditions, cultures and voices - all of which predate its existence. The upcoming celebration of Israel’s 75th birthday invites us all to touch once again its basic foundations, and by using them, to create a new vision which will illuminate all our lives. While Israeli society is more divided than perhaps ever before, and filled with raging voices of hatred, we ask to remind ourselves and others who we are and why we all gathered here together. What are the core values that should stand at the center of conversation, and can lead Israel and all its inhabitants to a better future in the years to come? Inspired by the work of Rabbi Andrea Weiss, who initiated “Values & Voices”, a campaign of 100 letters sent to the American administration first in 2017 and than in 2021, and from a deep concern about the discourse of the Israeli society and a great desire to do something which will help to hold on to the hope, we created:
From Rosh Chodesh Shvat until Yom Ha'atzmaut - one letter a day.
We believe it is possible to live on this land together, with partnership, respect, harmony and good neighborly relationships.
Together, we will bring back hope!