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Email this pageGreetings for Yom Haatzmaut 5770
As Israel celebrates its 62nd birthday, we pause to reflect on our own role as the World Union for Progressive Judaism in the building of Israel. Almost 30 congregations around the country are affiliated with our Progressive Movement. Thousands are educated in our programs in schools across the country. The Mechina pre-army preparatory program trains our young people who will be Israel's leaders of the future. Mercaz Shimshon-Beit Shmuel provides educational and cultural programming to thousands of Israelis in Jerusalem. Mishkenot Ruth Daniel is making a marked impact in Tel Aviv-Yafo. And Kibbutz Lotan is on the cutting edge of ecological innovation and the "greening" of our planet. The list goes on.
But this year we have something truly special to celebrate - one of our own is being recognized as a leading force in Zionism and will light one of the torches at Israel's Independence Eve commemoration (for live coverage of the event on Independence Eve, click here). Rabbi Richard Hirsch was the visionary and "architect" of Mercaz Shimshon-Beit Shmuel. Dick knew that to be a presence in Israel, we had to have a presence, so he created the home of the World Union in the heart of Jerusalem. And for the past two years, Dick has led the World Zionist Organization - the first Reform rabbi to do so.
As we celebrate 62 years of Israel's existence and resilience, let us also celebrate this remarkable recognition of our movement and the Progressive movement's achievements in our homeland.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those that love you prosper.
Let there be peace in your homes and safety within your borders.
For the sake of my people, my friends, I pray you find peace.
For the sake of the Eternal our God, I will seek your good." (Psalms 122: 6-9)
Together with our partners in the Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism, and our affiliates and regional organizations around the world, we will continue in our commitment to building a modern, pluralistic and open society in Israel.
Chag Haatzmaut Sameach,
Steve Bauman, Chair, World Union for Progressive Judaism
The World Union's Management Committee and staff
