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Activities
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The President's Forum on
World Jewish Affairs
Prof. Sergio DellaPergola The Jewish nation finds itself at a very unique moment in its history at the end of the 2004 year. On the one hand, the situation—in comparison to other periods—is as good as can be insofar as variables such as levels of education, income, and social welfare are concerned. As indicated in the report, broad sectors of the Jewish nation benefit from these comforts, as 92% of the Jews reside in the world's twenty leading countries. Furthermore, the State of Israel was established and has progressed; despite security and other problems, it ranks among those same twenty leading nations. In fact, it could very well be that from a material standpoint, the Jewish people have never had it better. On the other hand, an examination of the demographic aspects that pertain to the identity and continuity of our young generation arouses other thoughts. That said, we must note the existence of a rich, diversified framework of institutions in Israel and throughout the world, which contribute to the uniqueness of the Jewish nation. The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute was founded to assess the existing situation and to formulate and offer various creative solutions for the future. It is imperative that we take into account quantitative and demographic issues as well as new issues, such as our relations with cultures and nations that we have previously not been familiar with (like China, Japan, and India). We must develop models that enable us to contend with the crises that occasionally flare up. Accordingly, I will point out a number of areas that the Institute plans to research with the objective of providing feasible solutions for the Jewish people's needs. In brief, the report reveals that despite all the positives, our future is far from assured. Investments in culture, organization, and planning are prerequisites for success. Moreover, critical decisions must be made and a long-range strategic policy constructed. Unfortunately, both individuals and institutions principally concern themselves with the short term and with solving the problems of the hour. This conduct is true of the State of Israel as well as the Jewish organizations in the Diaspora. Let us turn our attention to several statistics that, even if they are not surprising, are important in their own right. It is a fact that the world's Jewish population is in a state of stagnation. Over the last twenty-five to thirty years, the Jewish population has increased by 2%, while the population of the world has grown by 70%. Today the entire Jewish population is proportionally half of what it was at the end of the Second World War, primarily due to the rapid expansion of other nations relative to our own. In 1945, the Jews in the Diaspora totaled 10.5 million and today there are about 7.5 to 7.8 million. This reduction not only stems from aliyah (immigration to Israel), but from the aging of the communities, low birth rates, etc. Israeli society is also contending with an acute demographic predicament: if the demographic balance between the Jewish and non-Jewish segments of the Israeli population—between the sea and the mountain— does not shift in our favor within five to ten years, the Jews are liable to lose their majority status in Israel. Obviously, the manner in which this question is resolved will have consequences on Israel's quality of life and its complexion as both a Jewish and democratic state. Furthermore, even in the qualitative field, we have encountered figures that leave much room for concern with respect to questions of Jewish identity. A couple of days ago, I came across a new survey that was conducted in Buenos Aires, Argentina on households consisting of at least one Jew. The survey found that out of 244,000 individuals of Jewish origin, some 161,000 said that, "I think that I am a Jew." Some 60,000 considered themselves Catholics, and another 20,000 declared that they are not religious; in other words, they are of Jewish descent, but do not consider themselves Jews. Similar results in other countries leave us with much food for thought. For example, a UJC survey that was conducted in the United States in 2000-2001 also pointed to the problem of erosion. In addition it reported that the Jewish community was occasionally unable to reach consensus on internal matters, to the point that divisiveness is more pervasive than harmony in American Jewish life. In the past, the Jewish people contributed their unique share despite poor material conditions, and there was little correspondence between the Jewish community's economic level and the quality of Jewish spiritual enterprise. Today the Jews reside in affluent societies and the question that begs asking is, what is the Jewish people's contribution to the spirit—the message of tikun olam (remedying the world)—beyond the mere provision of existential needs? There are additional factors that must also be taken into account. For example, the protracted conflict in our region (perhaps, a small window of hope has opened over these past few months). It is a fact that the local conflict has an impact on Jewish life in the Diaspora. The Report indicates that we in Israel are not isolated; we maintain ties and interact with our fellow Jews throughout the globe. Consequently, what affects us here also has an effect on the Diaspora, and this demands strategic thinking. Likewise, anti-Israel demonstrations have essentially become anti-Jewish demonstrations under the façade of clean and neutral politics. The age-old anti-Jewish motives are resurfacing and have occasionally triggered the silent Jewry phenomenon, even in the enlightened nations of the West! Nevertheless, as aforementioned, there are also positive figures. The power that we have amassed demands that we weigh its use with discretion; the Jews have influence on and maintain a presence among the intellectual elites, in the media, and prestigious professions. Therefore, our influence goes beyond our relative share of the general population. One of the remarkable developments of our era has been the resurgence of ideologies over the past decade despite the forecasts that they would vanish as the globalization process continues to expand. In recent years, the search for ethnic, spiritual, and private identities has actually grown at an astounding pace. We Jews must discern and take advantage of this development so that we may find opportunities that can lead us in the right direction. One of these directions may be outwards: to impart the message of Jewish enlightment to external factors that are interested in holding a dialogue with us. We are already working on the report for the year that has just begun. Among the issues that we plan on delving into is the profound crisis that has beset the Jewish community in France; Jewish communities that appear to be on their last legs from a socio-demographic standpoint, but continues to carry considerable historic or symbolic significance. Moreover, we will raise additional issues such as the improvement of decision-making in the Jewish world; the status of women and their contribution to Jewish society; and apparatuses for improving relations between Israel and the Diaspora. It is our hope that the Institute's research will enhance our ability to confront these issues and thus produce innovations and propitious results. Mr. Steve Hoffman The Report refers to hard and soft power. Usually, the IDF is considered as falling under the category of hard power, while we in the Diaspora thought of ourselves as the "soft" part of this equation. However, one must admit that this scenario has somewhat changed in recent years. We in the United States—the Conference of Presidents and other bodies—have designed a plan for ensuring the safety of Jewish institutions in the United States. Moreover, we have cultivated our relationship with the government authorities in order to advance this initiative. Today our objective is to also guarantee the security of Diaspora Jewry wherever it may be. On this topic, then, we have scrupulously implemented the recommendations of the Report. A joint effort is needed to preserve Israel's Jewish character with all that this implies insofar as the field of education is concerned. The same can be said with respect to Jerusalem, as the future of the city touches upon all Jews, not only Israelis. We are committed to articulating a general, global concern for the policies of various countries with respect to their ethnic groups. There have been xenophobic outbreaks in Germany, France, and even Canada that have involved Jews. We must undoubtedly do more on the issue of the Jewish perspective towards globalization. For example, we should invest considerably more on education in every Jewish community, including Israel, in order to inculcate the sense of a shared identity onto every Jewish child. Accordingly, we are harnessing the new means at our disposal—computers and media outlets—for the sake of advancing our objectives in the areas of Jewish unity and education. This brings us to deliberations over the material aspects of our resources. We at the Institute are convinced that the targets that have hitherto enjoyed a substantial share of the Jewish people's assets must be changed or redesigned. Israel must invest the funds it receives on special objectives, so that the means that we afford it with merely compliment what its citizens provide on their own. Today it is clear to all of us that decisions made in Israel have ramifications on the entire Jewish people, including those living outside its borders. I am not only referring to political matters, as other decisions also influence the prosperity or decline of Diaspora Jewry. There are those who have called for the establishment of a representative body for the Jewish nation, which will have an advisory role in the State of Israel. In other words, the Israeli government will take into account its opinions especially on issues that affect the entire Jewish nation. Dr. John Ruskay I commend the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute on the completion of its first report. At the UJF, we dedicated an entire session of the Executive Committee to the report. To all those present who have yet to read the report, I recommend that they do so and that they devote meetings and seminars in their organizations to an in depth analysis of the issues that have been raised. One of the findings points to the need for formulating a policy on the Palestinian question, as this topic not only pertains to Israel's security, but to the well-being of the entire Jewish people wherever they may be. Recently, we again proved our solidarity with Israel by raising millions of dollars that have enabled thousands of Israeli children and youth to take part in rehabilitative activities in camps and various other frameworks (for instance, in Sderot). However, our hope is that our solidarity will soon be put to the test in times of peace. The report examines an array of issues, but I will concentrate on those that touch upon the Jewish identity of our youth. We have substantially increased our attention to this question since the 1990 demographic survey, which found that the inter-marriage rate had reached 52%. Many Jews consider Judaism an option and not an obligating, irreversible fact. With this purpose in mind, we have developed several strategies: 1. We are bolstering Jewish institutions such as synagogues, community centers, and Hillel groups that operate on a regular basis and are places where Jews naturally tend to meet. 2. We are attempting to increase the amount of Jews that participate in edifying Jewish experiences that solidify their identity as Jews: for example, summer camps, day schools, and trips to Israel. 3. We have increased the resources allotted to the recruitment of counselors and communal workers in order to ensure that we attract people of the first order to fill these crucial positions. There have indeed been achievements in these fields since 1990, and the Report challenges us to do more. Our fundraising remains closely tied to crisis issues because we have failed to impress upon our donors that similar amounts are required to take advantage of opportunities. For example, we continue to raise funds based on the premise that Israel is in danger, but even an additional $500 million will not guarantee Israel's future. This was not always so. When David Ben Gurion sent Golda Meir to raise $50 million in 1948, Israel's very existence for the next six months hung in the balance. During Israel's first years, the Appeals raised one-third of Israel's budget so that these funds were absolutely vital. However, we must think differently today, as the money raised by the Appeals is but a small part of Israel's gross national product, which reaches a hundred billion dollars. The Appeal funds help solve special needs and are an expression of Jewish solidarity, but they are not what will solve Israel's security or economic problems. While aliyah remains one of Israel's central objectives, it does not usually involve rescue operations or Jews in distress. Therefore, our job is to explain to the donors that an opportunity to enhance Jewish identity and rejuvenate Jewish life has now fallen on our laps. This is the area of the Report's recommendations that in my estimation fall under the purview of the American Jewish organizations. It is paramount that we understand that a strong Israel and strong Jewish communities throughout the world are vital to both Israel and the Jewish people. We applaud the Israeli government for its willingness to support and encourage the visits of youth to Israel in both the short and long term. These trips will not only bolster Jewish identity, but aliyah as well when the day shall come. We are a unique generation with respect to both the means that are at our disposal and the opportunities that exist for making a difference. Our contributions can allow any Jewish child who so desires to study in a Jewish day school or attend a summer camp. We can ensure that our schools, camps, and synagogues are quality education centers that befit a caring and responsible community. There is also the issue of guaranteeing a Jewish identity in Israel because the Hebrew language on its own is incapable of delivering the goods. Besides for strengthening Jewish identity in Israel and the Diaspora, the Jews of Israel and the United States must take responsibility for the Jews living throughout the far corners of the earth. This can only be accomplished by abandoning the individualistic approach that has weakened the notion of a collective responsibility and the bonds between the individual Jew and his community and nation. Devoting resources to shared experiences is likely to induce a mutual sense of responsibility and solidarity between my grandchildren in the United States and your grandchildren here in Israel. In order to forge this solidarity, it is incumbent upon us to support aliyah as well as Jewish education in the Diaspora, particularly those communities that are unable to do so on their own. This shared responsibility demands that we recognize the special opportunity that currently exists for enhancing Jewish identity and reviving Jewish life. This can be achieved by forming a network of ties between all Jews throughout the world, who will then take it upon themselves to fulfill these missions. The report challenges us to become more responsible communities that are concerned about our partnership, so that we will once again be a "light unto the nations." Mr. Malcolm Hoenlein I will not say that we live in the best of worlds, but the report in question provides an optimistic outlook from the standpoint that it tells us that we are capable of dealing with the problems that stand before us. It is not easy being an optimist when you are aware of reality; however, the Report has goaded us into doing something that we do not always do—think. We normally react to what happens, rather than attempting to design what is happening around us. Yet the Report forces us to think about the long-term. For the most part, we think in terms of the coming week, month, a little more, and here we are compelled to consider our obligation to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, about the world they will inhabit, and the hurdles they will have to surmount. Ignorance is immensely dangerous, and not being familiar with our past is a luxury that we can ill afford. As Jews, we have always placed an emphasis on the past, for understanding it enables us to prepare ourselves for the future. One of the lessons that we can learn from this report is how to mold our youth into the future generation of Jews; into individuals who will be proud of their Jewish heritage and proud to be a part of our Jewish community. It is imperative that we raise a generation that will be more politically involved and savvier, as the tests that they will face will be greater than our own. The media must be cajoled into doing more to build bridges between the Jewish communities. This can be achieved via television, the internet, and perhaps by establishing an international Jewish channel that will attract Jewish audiences from around the world with quality programs that unite the nation and constitute a source for Jewish identity and education. There are topics that are likely to unify us and transcend borders. One of these topics is the struggle against terrorism, which characterizes the twenty-first century for all of us. Another development that we must keep an eye on is the persistent and dangerous process that was poignantly expressed in Durban and which harbors the glaring threat of anti-Semitism. The large increase in the number of poor Jews has also commanded our attention and demands action… Our firm voices saved the lives of Jews in Iran, while Muslims and Christians were put to death in that country over the past two years. That said, we must find new shared interests such as the quality of life of Jews in Israel and the Diaspora, as fortunately the causes that we took up—for example, the problems of Soviet, Syrian, and Ethiopian Jewry—were all solved. We must also contend with the question of Jerusalem. Regarding all these topics, it is incumbent upon us to nurture and improve our capacity for cooperation. There is also the problem with fundraising: Jews contribute large sums to Christian institutions, museums, etc., for we have yet to find a way to improve the image of many Jewish causes so that donors will reap a sense of satisfaction from contributing to the needs of the Jewish community. The realization of this goal demands a new leadership. This means breaking frameworks, implementing change, and introducing—as the Report suggests—new modes of operation. One of the recommendations that have been raised calls for the founding of what has been termed the Bait Shainee (Second House). This body is supposed to offer counsel to Israeli policy makers in all that concerns the Jewish people and its future. I am not sure that we need such a new framework. Israel and the Jewish Communities throughout the world do not stand on equal ground. We are voluntary communities and Israel is a state. We are not equivalent, and a second house alongside the Knesset is out of the question. How will its members be elected? Moreover, the new body will stoke the flames of "dual loyalty" being leveled against certain Jewish communities. On the other hand, it is true that the synthesis and coordination between Israel, as an independent nation, and the power of the Jewish Diaspora communities enabled us to carry out the operations that rescued Jews in the Soviet Union, Syria, Ethiopia, etc. We have a task that we wish to fulfill. As Israel's National Security Council put it, the Jews of the Diaspora are part of the Jewish state's strategic resources. This contribution not only consists of our political support, but includes our role in the public-relations struggle and our participation in various programs and initiatives in Israel. Every nation that I have visited is jealous of this wonderful resource that Diaspora Jewry constitutes, except for Israel herself. The Israeli government must factor in the needs and circumstances of the Diaspora communities, even if their interests cannot be designated a decisive factor in its policy. Occasionally, the decisions of the Israeli government have an impact on the status quo of the Jewish people or parts of it. Nonetheless, we are not a determining factor and the State of Israel must take into account all its interests, but this means that it must also consider the well-being of the Jewish communities. We do need apparatuses, but not the one that the Report calls for. The globalization process also influences the Jewish nation. It is a process that affords opportunities as well as challenges. We must preserve our distinction as a nation; however, alongside the integration and coordination between all Jews, we must perpetuate the unique aspects of the communities. We desire Jewish unity, not Jewish homogeneity. The Jewish nation as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts! We are cognizant of the fact that we possess one faith and one destiny. We share a common destiny, and if one of our parts is in danger then we are all threatened. I am not only alluding to traditional or Islamic anti-Semitism. When Moses passed on the leadership to Joshua, he bestowed him with a blessing for "strength and courage." This blessing has come to signify the type of leadership that the Jewish people need: strong in the sense of a resolute faith, and the courage to implement this belief, put it into practice, and lead the nation. It is imperative that Jewish leaders recognize the challenges we face, admit their mistakes, and display a willingness to fight for the implementation of their beliefs and perspectives. The presentation and responses to the Report of the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute were followed by a wide-ranging discussion and the summation of the honorable President Katzav.
2. Continuing along the lines of the previous question, it is important to note— especially with the leaders of American Jewry on hand—that the vast majority of Jews want to provide their children with a Jewish education, but the financial burden of $1,000 or more per month is often beyond their means. The donations should be deposited in a sustainable fund that is designated especially for this purpose. This is a paramount issue, for unless we see to it that more of our children attend Jewish schools, mixed marriages will rise beyond the current rate of 52%. Consequently, it is incumbent upon all of us—Israelis and Americans alike—to provide as much Jewish education as possible. Jewish education must start well before the kids go off to the summer camp. In other words, a system must be put in place that begins from the nursery on up… 3. There are very few young people in attendance. Are there any plans to create some sort of framework in which the young generation will be represented and allowed to express itself? 4. A year ago, the United Jewish Appeal adopted the slogan, “We are one.” Yet we all know that this is not exactly true. One of the Jewish people’s most prominent attributes is our heterogeneity: various streams, a multitude of thoughts, and countless opinions. How, then, can we impart a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie to each and every Jew, irregardless of their origins or affiliations? How can we strengthen the bond of love between the Jews of Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora? 5. In his speech, Mr. Honlein argued that the Israeli and Jewish-international media have to display more sensitivity and play a more constructive role; in other words, the Jewish press must place more of an emphasis on the message itself and less on criticism. The respondent, however, is convinced that criticism and self-criticism are decidedly constructive forces. Maintaining a critical approach is the key to drawing sectors like the academe and students for whom criticism is a major part of the public discourse. Therefore, instead of referring to criticism as a threat to the Jewish people, the leadership should learn to appreciate the positive forces that it instills into the community. Debate and sectarianism have always characterized Jewish life and the Jewish media. It is thus in the interest of both Israel and the Diaspora to foster a more critical public discourse. 6. How can we convince young people to become Jewish spiritual leaders (Rabbis and teachers) that take their place among the rest of the community’s public servants? Today, people in this line of work feel that they are unable to adequately provide for the well-being of their families and children. We have to think of how to offer these people decent compensation so that these sort of positions will be just as attractive as opportunities in the ‘real’ world. 7. All the plans that have been unveiled before us are designed around the synagogues, community centers, and existing organizations. However, half of the Jewish people—be they the elderly, adults, and children—neither visit these institutions nor participate in these sort of gatherings. Until now, the wide array of Jewish organizations has failed to come up with plans that have managed to attract their slated audiences. How can we reach those people—not only in the United States but throughout the world—who are not registered in the Jewish community and do not take part in its activities? 8. According to the report that was outlined here today, Jewishness has increasingly become a matter of choice rather than fate. The report also refers to the fears concerning the future of what is known as “the Israeli spirit.” Is Israel willing and able to bestow an official status to the Reform, Conservative, and other streams of Judaism so that the country will enjoy a broader range of Jewish alternatives? 9. How can we get those masses of Jews who are currently unaffiliated with any of the Jewish organizations to start feeling like Jews and recognize Israel as the center of world Jewry? Alternatively, how can we cultivate a Jewish identity among the legions of people who have married Jews, but were not born to Jewish families and have no idea what Jewish nationalism or culture is all about? Until now, we have turned our back on these people and the time has come to find a way to turn to these people in a dignified manner. Answers Notwithstanding the fears over some of the trends and figures, there are also signs of improvement. On the one hand, a comparison of the figures from the 1991 and 2001 N.J.P.S. Surveys points to an increase in the number of mixed marriages. On the other hand, the figures for the younger generations have surprisingly improved over the course of the last decade. Perhaps the vast amount of thought and considerable investment that American Jewry has devoted to this topic is starting to pay off. A sound analysis of the problem has engendered better practical solutions, which are already producing results. As stated in the report, people are free to choose how to live their lives, but there is hope. Today the Jewish leadership in the United States is beginning to discuss issues that were previously ignored. We thereby hope to start reaching segments of the Jewish population that have previously been out of our reach. The entire topic of ‘means’ is crucial, as we must see to it that those with the means contribute their fair share. By increasing our budgets, we will be able to improve our relations with the media and, more importantly, bolster Jewish education. Many families brood over how to fund their children’s schooling. We owe it to future generations to help these families raise their children as Jews. If assimilation continues to mount then the blame must fall on our shoulders. Mr. Honlein then turns his attention to another issue. The United States and Israel both have about a million singles a piece. Why not introduce them to each other and thereby encourage the establishment of additional Jewish families. There is no doubt that there is an urgent need to include the young generation in the leadership ranks so that they may express themselves and take the initiative. Notwithstanding the generation gap and all the attendant differences between us, we are one people; we must recognize the differences and integrate our youth into leadership positions. The media coverage of Jewish news and events is problematic, as the Israeli communication outlets occasionally ignore what is going on in the rest of the Jewish world. For example, 200,000 Jews recently marched in Washington. The story appeared in a Chinese newspaper in Hong-Kong, but you could barely find a line about the rally in any of the Israeli newspapers! Granted, the event coincided with the terror attacks during Passover, but this still doesn’t excuse the fact that the largest Jewish demonstration of all-time wasn’t covered in the Israeli press. That said, it must be noted that the electronic media did report on the event. The journalists must make more of an effort to cover these sort of stories, for the press not only reports but shapes policy. In contrast, the television crew that was sent to Israel by the Conference of Presidents shot footage and produced programs that were eventually viewed by some 70 million people. We also publish The Israeli Campus Beat for students and have created an on-line network for discussing and finding information about Israel. The innovations in the press, television, internet, and computer have forged a new reality. We are still learning how to transcend the old means and methods by dint of these new tools that stand at our disposal. To
conclude, the challenges that we face in Israel and
the Diaspora are sometimes quite similar. Therefore,
it is imperative that we make a collective effort to
deal with them. Prof. Dror introduces three ideas that will be highlighted in the upcoming report: a. The establishment of a mandatory quota whereby 35% of the leaders of every Jewish institution and organization must be no more than 35 years of age. b. An academy for young Jewish leadership should be established on an international scale. c. How do we
present our traditional values to the young
generation? We must acknowledge the fact that we
won’t solve our problems by continuing ‘with more of
the same,’ even if we upload it onto the internet.
Summary of the Discussion: As we speak, the government is holding a session on the disengagement, while here we are discussing an engagement: the connection, affiliation, and unity of the Jewish people. This coincidence epitomizes the reality of the State of Israel and the Jewish nation. The surveys that we have heard were captivating, but we must all admit that the Jewish nation finds itself in a crisis situation: we are not growing; instead we are backtracking and declining. All of us here proceed from one discussion and conference to the next, but the time has come to act, so long as the possible courses of action are clear and familiar to us all. Nothing new has been suggested during our recent round of meetings, and it doesn't appear that we stand before any imminent change with respect to the prominent trends that have informed the last decade. We cannot procrastinate any longer and practical decisions must be made. Our country is developed and advanced, while at the same time the Jewish people are regressing. These problems have arisen even though we are not in the same predicament that we were in before the Second World War. In this room sit the leaders of the Jewish people, and the burden of responsibility falls upon our shoulders: on my own shoulders, on the government of Israel, the Jewish Agency, the Committee of Presidents, the Jewish religious movements, and the like. The statistics are disconcerting and leave much room for concern: the average family in Israel has 2.64 children, in the Diaspora: 1.5; the intermarriage rate, outside of Israel, has reached 56%. Most Jews have never visited Israel; some 65-75% are not involved in any Jewish framework and have no connection with anything Jewish. Only 50% of Jewish children in the Diaspora attend Jewish schools and this figure has plummeted to 33% in the United States. Our target is the 4.5 million Jews that are under the age of 24. Our objective is to bring them back to the fold of Jewry and to coexist with them within a Jewish framework. Although the environment is working against us—globalization, individualism, etc.—this is a reversible trend that is susceptible to our influence, and we can handle these challenges. With this very reason in mind, an idea has been broached to establish a framework that will confront these problems. We can refer to this body as the Second House or by any other name. What's important is that it will serve as a venue for expressing and tending to all the problems that afflict the Jewish nation. There are two major reasons behind the decision to establish the Second House. The first reason, which stems from moral concerns, is that the State of Israel has no right to consider the problems of the Jewish people on its own. On the other hand, Jews that are dispersed throughout the world have no right to decide on matters that pertain to Israel's economy, security, and government, as these issues must be left to the discretion of the country's Jewish and non-Jewish inhabitants. However, why shouldn't we assess shared problems—such as "who is a Jew," the waves of anti-Semitism currently inundating the world, Jewish continuity and culture—together with the representatives of the Jewish Diaspora? These are issues that concern both Israel and the Jewish people. Naturally, Israel's ruling establishment can deal with these matters, but we are obliged to seek the counsel of the Jewish world. The second reason for the establishment of the Second House essentially stems from the very existence of this discussion here today: there is no international body that speaks on behalf of the entire Jewish people. All the organizations and institutions—the Jewish Agency, the World Jewish Congress, the Committee of Presidents, the Federations, the various religious streams, and the like—fill important roles. Despite all the efforts and resources that have been invested over the last generation, these distinguished organizations—many of which have been in existence for tens of years—have not managed to avert these negative developments and prevent the erosion of Jewish life. Therefore, we must admit that we have all failed—both the State of Israel and the organizations and institutions that I have mentioned—and we must find a replacement, a new structure, another equation for dealing with these phenomena. We must sit down together and examine how to construct this new structure (the Second House) in order to ensure that it will be as efficacious as possible, even if the idea behind it is less than ideal. As I have already noted, the Jewish world must commit itself to the mission of sending us the 4.5 million Jews under the age of twenty-four. This challenge, which has been thrust upon all of us, is an historic mission. The joint effort that this enterprise necessitates is a perfect example of an issue that should be brought before the Second House. It is not a parliament, nor will it be operated by the Knesset. What we have in mind is a separate, independent body, which will belong to the Jewish people and consist of the nation's representatives from the Diaspora and Israel. Within this framework, we will discuss how to draw those 70% of the Jewish people who are presently ambivalent about Judaism, Jewry, and the State of Israel back to the fold. How will the Second House be configured…? In my estimation, all the leading Jewish organizations and every Jewish community should be given a seat. All the communities will be afforded some measure of equal representation, but to some extent the representation of the communities will also be commensurate with their size. Internationally renowned Jews, such as Nobel Prize laureates and senior members of national governments and international organizations should also take part in this enterprise. We should be willing to build on all those dignitaries who express an interest in the Second House, even if many of them are currently alienated from Jewish life. In the days ahead, I plan on consulting with all the world Jewish organizations and am optimistic that next year, or perhaps by the end of the current year, the first session of the Second House shall be convened. Today, as aforementioned, the Israeli government is examining the disengagement plan, and there are expressions of optimism within Israeli society for a better future. Much is expected of Abu Mazen, the new head of the Palestinian Authority. There is no doubt that the central issue that he must contend with is the struggle against terrorism, for groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad are no less the enemies of the Palestinian people than of Israel. Efforts to combat terrorism will create an appropriate climate for holding negotiations, implementing the road map, and progressing towards understanding and peace. To our regret, the conditions for the advancement of peace and understanding between the two peoples will not materialize if Israel is again forced to struggle against terrorism. Let us hope for an historic transformation insofar as the Palestinian people and Palestinian Authority are concerned, but there is no guarantee that such a change of heart will indeed transpire. * * * The discussion can be found in its entirety on the President's website—http://www.president.gov.il—under: President's Residence/Forums/President's Forum on World Jewish Affairs. Similarly, a book with updated versions of all the year's meetings will be published towards the end of 2005.
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