“JUSTICE, JUSTICE SHALL YOU PURSUE SO THAT YOU MAY LIVE AND INHERIT THE LAND THAT ADONAI YOUR GOD HAS GIVEN YOU.”
(DEUTERONOMY 16:20)
:צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף לְמַעַן תִּחְיֶה וְיָרַשְׁתָּ
אֶת הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ
(דברים טז:כ)
The Just Zionism Program is a new, progressive Israel initiative emphasizing social justice. The program is run by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and its social justice arm, the Religious Action Center (RAC).
A select group of young leaders with a demonstrated passion for North American social justice issues will forge relationships with Israeli activists and help lead our advocacy for change in Israel and in our approach to Israel as North Americans.
Because… “Zionism is a Social Justice Movement!”
~Rabbi Richard G. Hirsch (1925-2021)
Values, collaboration, and activism in Israel and North America are the key tenets of the Just Zionism initiative.
These tenets will inform how these leaders explore Israel and grapple with a variety of Israeli social justice issues. Then, we will develop relationships with Reform Jewish Israeli activists to share ideas and strategies while learning from each other’s experiences.
As a Just Zionist, I commit to working for:
Religious Equality
We envision and work for an Israeli society in which all Jewish denominations are treated fairly and with respect – a society in which all of us are seen as Jews, regardless of our interpretation of texts and traditions.
We also seek an Israel in which people of all genders can pray, work, and live together as equals who deserve respect.
Combatting Racism, Discrimination, and Hatred
Religious and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and all members of Israeli society deserve to be treated with civility, dignity, respect, and full equality under the law.
Security in the Region
The pursuit of peace, security, and stability for Israelis, Palestinians, and the surrounding region remains our goal.
Two States for Two Peoples
We know that although the road may seem long, we are committed to peace based on a two-state solution.
We believe that two states are essential for the security and stability of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Just Zionism Initiative
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