Latest / The Pluralist Podcast - with Orly Erez-Likhovski and Rabbi Josh Weinberg / Why Liberal Zionists Cannot Abandon Israel’s National Institutions with KKL-JNF's Eyal Ostrinsky

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Why Liberal Zionists Cannot Abandon Israel’s National Institutions with KKL-JNF's Eyal Ostrinsky · The Pluralist Podcast - with Orly Erez-Likhovski and Rabbi Josh Weinberg

• Audio: what is your message to those hundreds of thousands, of Jews, know, that young people on college campuses who are really struggling with trying to 0024: those who are really struggling with trying to figure out, wait, can I still be a Zionist? What does that mean? I think it shouldn't be a question of if we are able to do it. Yeah. Because we must do it. Because if we don't do it, then Zionism will remain Audio: figure out, can I still be a Zionist? What does that mean? think it shouldn't be a question of if we are able to do it, because we must do it. Because if we don't do it, then Zionism will remain a place only for racists, fascists, ultra-orthodox camps. 0024: A place only for racists, fascists, ultra ultra-orthodox camps, settl settlers in the West Bank and so on, and we must not let it happen. We must reclaim it. We must not just reclaim it, but we must take it back. We must win it back. We must be able to do what we did in twenty twenty-five, where we took Audio: settlers in the West Bank and so on and we must not let it happen. We must reclaim it. We must not just reclaim it but we must take it back. We must win it back. We must be able to do what we did in 2025 where we took our past losses and we've reversed them. if we decide, okay, this is not a place for us. 0024: our past losses and we've reverse them. if we've d we decide, okay, this is not a place for us, let's give the g give the right wing the the sole ownership of Zionism, then Zionism will look just like we think that it may look if it happens. And and we must not let it happen. Audio: Let's give the right wing the sole ownership of Zionism, then Zionism will look just like we think that it may look if it happens. And we must not let it happen. Welcome back to the Pluralsist Podcast from both sides of the ocean. I'm Orni Ereznikovsky, 0015: back to the Plurist Podcast from both sides of the ocean. I'm Orly Erich. Audio: Executive Director of the Israelogist Action Center. I'm really, really excited to be recording live this time. Well, it is wonderful to be here I'm Rabbi Josh Weinberg, and I serve as the Vice President for Israel and Reform Zionism for the URJ and as Executive Director of ARTSA. And here we are, one of our first or the next series of our live recorded podcasts or recorded in-person podcasts. 0015: I'm really, really excited to be recording live this time on the Zoom, Well, is wonderful to be here I'm Rabbi Josh Weinberg, and I serve as the Vice President for Israel and Reform Zionism for the URJ and as Executive Director of ARTSA. And here we are, one of our first or the next series of our live recorded podcasts, or recorded in-person podcasts. And we have Audio: of the honor to be in none other than the offices of Kerem Kayemet Yisrael, the Jewish National Fund, with its chair, Mr. Eyal Ostruinsky. Thank you, Eyal, so much for welcoming us and being our host today and for this conversation that we're going to have together. It's my privilege. Wonderful. So really, we want to talk today about Kakad, JNF, one of the most important national institutions, which is way more than blue boxes, forests, and land development many of us think about. 0015: the honor to be in none other than the offices of K. the Jewish National Fund with its chair Mr. Eyal Ostrovinski. Thank you Eyal so much for welcoming us and being our host today and for this conversation that we're going to have together. It's my privilege. Wonderful. So really, we want to talk to you about Kaká, JNF, one of the most important national institutions, which is way more than blue boxes, forests and land development many of us think about. We want to talk about it as a political arena where liberal Judaism has positions of power and Audio: We want to talk about it as a political arena where liberal Judaism has positions of power and 0015: and Audio: how we should use them to advance our values, especially at a time of social and deep moral crisis in Israel. We want to ask what is the role of an institution created to help establish 0015: how we should use them to advance our values, especially at the time of social and deep moral crisis in Israel. We want to ask what is the role of an institution created to help establish a Jewish state now that Israel is sovereign, and how should Kakal use its power and resources to reflect the responsibilities of modern Zionism. And then we can get to the global session. Exactly, and we are really thrilled to be here with you, Eyal, and let me just introduce you. Eyal is, as we said, the chair of Kakal JNF. Audio: a Jewish state now that Israel is sovereign, and how should Kakal use its power and resources to reflect the responsibilities of modern Zionism? And then we can get to real conversation. Exactly. And we are really thrilled to be here with you, Eyal. And let me just introduce you. Eyal is, as we said, the chair of Kakal GNF and 0015: and the youngest person to hold this position in this organization's history. we'll talk about it The first one to be a reformed Jew. Audio: the youngest person to hold this position in this organization's history. And we'll talk about it soon. the first one to be a reformed Jew. Another, 0015: That was going to be the punchline. We're building up to that. And before taking office in January of 2026, Yad served for five years as director of Israel-Deaspora relations at the World Zionist Organization and I want to mention that earlier in your career you worked Audio: another. That was going to be the punchline. We're building up to that. And before taking office in January of 2026, Ayel served for five years as director of Israel diaspora relations at the World Zionist Organization And I want to mention that earlier in your career, you worked. at Iraq, the Israel Religious Action Center in the public outreach department. go way back since then, we know each other. And 0015: at IRAC, at the Israel Legislative Action Center in the public outreach department. We go way back since then, we know each other. You Audio: you also live in Beviseratia, where you're a member of our joint congregation, the local reform congregation, Kamatz. Which is a great source of pride for us. But yeah, we want to start with a little bit about your own biography and your own story. So other than the most important 0015: also live in Bivaseratia, where you're member of our joint congregation, the local reform congregation, Kamatz. Which is a great source of pride for us. But yeah, we want to start with a little bit about your own biography and your own story. So other than the most important moment in your life, which was working with Orly, the most formative moment, yeah. No, but really, Audio: moment in your life which was working with Orly. The most formative moment. No, but really what what 0015: what brought you into public life in the beginning? And what drew you specifically not only to the reform movement, but then to the Audio: What brought you into public life in the beginning and what drew you specifically not only to the Reform Movement but then to the 0015: national Audio: national institutions and building a career serving the Jewish people in the state of Israel? Well, first, as a child, I was very aware of economic situation in Netanya, the city where I grew up, where it is basically sometimes two cities in one. 0015: institutions and building a career serving the Jewish people in the state of Israel. Well first as a child I was very aware of situation in Netanya, the city where I grew up. Well it's basically sometimes two cities in one. You have Audio: you have the core of Netanya, the old city, who is very, very poor, sometimes neglected and so on. And you have a new outside ring, for example, outside of the old city. This is basically much more prosperous, much more rich and so on. 0015: the core of Netanya, the old city, which is very, very poor, sometimes neglected and so on. And you have a new outside ring, for example, outside of the old city. This is basically much more prosperous, much more rich and so on. And... Audio: And growing up in Netanya, I was... 0015: Growing up in Netanya, I was one of the first kids that had the integration, which means that on the seventh grade, not the ninth grade, you go to middle high school. And then you combine people from the southern neighborhoods, the core neighborhoods, and people from the outside neighborhoods into one. And then you can simply see the economic inequality, the social inequality. Audio: one of the first kids that had the integration, which means that on the seventh grade, not the ninth grade, you go to the middle high school. And then you combine people from the southern neighborhoods, the core neighborhoods, and people from the outside neighborhoods into one. And then you can simply see the economic inequality, social inequality. 0015: the Audio: the deficiencies between the core neighborhoods and the other neighborhoods. And you remember back then in seventh grade that it bothered you, like this disparity? Yes. I think it was parallel to the fact that Netanyahu first took office in 96 and has basically began with his neoliberal policies, economic policies. Even back then, in 2003, he did it in the extreme. 0015: deficiencies between the core neighborhoods and the other neighborhoods. And you remember back then in seventh grade that it bothered you, like the disparity? Yes, yes. And I think it was parallel to the fact that Netanyahu first took office in 96 and has basically began with his neoliberal policies, economic policies. Even back then, in 2003, he did it in the extreme. Audio: Yeah, he was the finance minister. Back in 2003. But in 1960 he was first elected prime minister, and the social changes had begun even then. Now, after or when I entered the army, I served in a unit that captured deserters. And I got to see the poorest sides of some of Israel. 0016: Yeah, it was the finest finance minister. Exactly. In fact, in two thousand and three, but in ninety six he was first elected prime minister, and the social changes had begun even then. Now, after or when I was hi I entered the army, I served in in the in a unit that captured deserters. And I I got to see the poorest sides of some of Israel Audio: cities or any soldiers that ran away from the army exactly exactly and 0016: cities or in its nation. Israeli soldiers that ran away from the army. Exactly. Audio: I just so that there is a deep connection between criminal activities or or non not normative behavior and economic and social and situations and in terms and so I I was very very aware of the fact 0016: I just saw that there is a deep connection between criminal activities or or non not normative behavior and economic and social situations and and terms and so I I was very very aware of the fact that you need to create change on not just at the at the at the end line and being a social worker or a teacher but at the policy level systemic change. Audio: that you need to create change not just at the end line and being a social worker or a teacher, but at the policy level. The systemic change 0016: that needs to happen. Exactly. And therefore I've decided that I wanted to go into public life. In those years, my formative years 2003 to 2005, Amir Perez basically was the head Audio: that needs to happen. Exactly, at the macro level. And therefore, I've decided that I wanted to go into public life. In those years, my formative years, 2003 to 2005, Amir Peretz basically was the head... 0016: of the Histadrut, the union of labor unions in Israel. The association of labor unions and he was the one taking and fight against Audio: of the unions in Israel, the association of labor unions. And he was the one taking a fight against 0016: And his economic policies when he was finance minister. And then when I finished the army back in twenty two thousand and five, Amir Perez has decided to run to the to be the chair of Labour versus Simon Perez back in the day. Audio: Netanyahu and his economic policies when he was finance minister. And then when I finished the army back in 2005, Amir Peretz has decided to run to be the chair of labor versus Simon Peretz back in the day. 0016: And I was I decided to join Labour and support him. I I was I I think I was very I I related to him because I came from Audio: And I decided to join labor and support him. say that he came from a background that was not traditionally the Labor Party, right? He came from, you know, Moroccan Union. I think I was very, I related to him because I came from 0016: the same background, not from a city that is a southern city, a social periphery and so, but a neighborhood in Atania which is a social periphery just as such. Audio: the same background, not from a city that is a southern city, a social periphery and so, but a neighborhood in Netanya, which is a social periphery, just as such. 0016: And I was very, very, I felt very related to Amir Perez and what he represented. And I decided to enter politics back back then or public life. Then I went to the Hebrew university and in the Hebrew university I found the labor association over there. Audio: And I was very, very, I felt very related to Amir Peretz and what he represented. And I decided to enter politics back then, or public life. Then I went to the Hebrew University. And in the Hebrew University, I found the Labor Association over there, the student cell of the Labor Party, TAOFEC, it was called. And then my 0016: Student cell of the Labour Party, Tao Feck it it was called. And then my Audio: perspectives has even increased or widened. 0016: perspectives has even increased or widened because I went into those life in as a i from the social and economic perspective but in jerusalem when you are an activist you meet some of the religious issues that tear us apart in a very very hard or dramatic way and then I got to know the Audio: because I went into those life from the social and economic perspective. But in Jerusalem, when you are an activist, you meet some of the religious issues that tear us apart in a very, very hard or dramatic way. And then I got to know 0016: Israeli religious action center Audio: The Israeli Religious Action Center. 0016: back in the days in Hebrew it was called America's Pluralism UV. And then we've been very close. Lawyers from the from Iraq has begun to come and introduce us to issues and explain, Rikki Shapira, Orli, Gilad, and several other people. Audio: back in the days in Hebrew it was called America's the pluralism, Yerudi. And then we've been very close. Lawyers from Iraq has begun to come and introduce us to issues and explain. Ricky Shapira, Orly, Gilad, and several other peoples, we were able to form relationships with because we fought for the same things. Sometimes opening businesses in Shabbat 0016: or or stopping the closure Audio: or stopping the closure. 0016: of business in Shabbat w if they wanted to open and then we we didn't encourage encourage business to open, but we didn't want businesses to feel that they were they have to be closed. Religious issues became also social justice issues. Exactly. I think as a social democrat, I see the resemblance and connection, deep connection between humanistic and and and religious and issues. Audio: of business in Shabbat if they wanted to open. We didn't encourage business to open, but we didn't want businesses to feel that they have to be closed. was where the religious issues became also social justice issues. Exactly. I think as a social democrat, I see the resemblance and connection, deep connection between humanistic and religious issues. 0016: civil issues for example and social and economic issues and even the issue of you know security, defense and foreign affairs and our control of other people and so on. I think these are these are all big parts of the same equation, let's say. So So you you you want to bring us to how you got into this current role? I when when I went to labor when I went to labor I was working with several members of the Knesset. Audio: civil issues, for example, and social and economic issues, and even the issue of, you know, security, defense, and foreign affairs, and our control of other people and so on. I think these are all big parts of the same equation, let's say. So you want to bring us to how you got into this current role? When I went to labor, I was working with several members of the Knesset after the university. 0016: after the university. After I was the head of the student cell, I began working after IRAC, I began working in politics with several MKs, Daniel Ben Simon, Aitan Kabel, and so on. And then in I I was a very close partner of the pluralistic Audio: after I was the head of the student cell, began working after Iraq, I began working in politics with several MKs, Daniel Ben-Simon, Eitan Kabel and so on. And then I was a very close partner of the pluralistic lobby. pluralistic lobby that Hizar and you folks at Iraq and so on has formed. And then I was introduced to the national institutions. 0016: The lobby, the provision lobby, the bizarre, Izhar and I and and you folks at Iraq and so on has formed. And then I was introduced to the national institutions. After we lost the election in 2015, the the the Zionist camp versus Netanyahu elections. We've lost after we fought we felt like we were going to win. And then I was introduced to KKL and and I understood Audio: After we lost the election in 2015, the Zionist camp versus Netanyahu elections, we've lost after we felt like we were going to win. And then I was introduced to KKL and I understood that this is a very, very big place to operate in, in order to, let's say, bring our values to the table. And I've decided I'm going to push for a change in labor control over KKL. 0017: very very big place to operate in in order to let's say bring our values to the table and I've decided I'm going to push for a change in labor control over KKL back in the days when it was Effish Tensler we decided to take him on and Danny Attar I was his chief of staff and I ran his campaign to be chair of KKL when he won I entered with him basically I've met again Audio: Back in the days, it was Effie Stensler. We decided to take him on. And Danny Attar, I was his chief of staff. And I ran his campaign to be chair of KKL. When he won, I entered with him. Basically, I've met again with the reform, 0017: the liberal camp reform conservative movements and so on and we form very close relationships Audio: liberal camp, reform, conservative movements, and so on. And we formed very close relationships. And when I left, I never truly left. I always felt like... 0017: And when I left, I never truly left. I always felt like Audio: the desire or need to come back. And in 2020, I came back with Ishar. Ishar S. from the conservative Used to be the former executive director of the authority and conservative movement in Israel. I entered his office as his chief of staff when he was vice chair of 0017: the desire or need to come back. And in 2020, I came back with his heart. His heart used to be the former executive director of the authority and conservative movement in Israel. I entered his office as his chief of staff when he was vice chair of WZO. Audio: WZO. This was very formative years in the case of first the change government in Israel, our bloc that formed the government. 0017: This was very formative years in the case of first the change government in Israel, then our block that formed the government, Audio: And after that, current government and the laws against the legal system and the laws against the free media and so on. And in the national institutions, we took the fight. We've been very, very active. We were very, very successful. We took the election in 2025 very seriously. 0017: and after that the current government and the laws against the legal system and the laws against the free media and so on. And in the national institutions, we took the fight. We've been very, very active. We were very, very successful. We took the election in 2025 very seriously. Just remind everyone for our listeners that they understand that after we vote in the elections, then the negotiation process starts for forming a bloc and a coalition. And Eyal, you were really at the center of that. Audio: Just remind everyone for our listeners that they understand that after we vote in the elections, then the negotiation process starts for forming a bloc and a coalition and Eyal, you were really at the center of that. And say that we know that a lot of our listeners have been heavily involved in the elections, put a lot of energy and voted for an... 0017: have been heavily involved in the elections and amount of energy and voted for and Audio: They should know that their effort mattered because it gave us the opportunity to be able to have this negotiation and being held for a position of power, not a position of disadvantage but an advantage. And we've done tremendous job. I got the confidence of the bloc to represent them in those dealings and 0017: They should know that their effort mattered because it gave us the opportunity to be able to have this negotiation and being held for a position of power, not a position of disadvantage but an advantage and we've done tremendous job. I got the confidence of the bloc to represent them in those dealings. agreements and so on and I think we were able to take back KKL Audio: agreements and so on. And I think we were able to take back KKL. 0017: for at least two and half years and we were able to take WZO for two and a half years and I think it was a dramatic change from the trend of 2020 where we lost control of both institutions and once we got KKL and then Yair Lapid decided to withdraw from the national institutions I've got the confidence of people to come here and represent as chair of KKL Audio: for at least two and a half years. And we were able to take WZO for two and a half years. And I think it was a dramatic change from the trend of 2020 where we lost control of both institutions. And once we got KKL and then Yair Lapid has decided to withdraw from national institutions, I've got the confidence of people to come here and represent as chair of KKL the greatest 0017: greatest Audio: honor of my life and the greatest achievement that I can. 0017: honor of my life and the greatest achievement that I could Audio: could ever hope for, and hopefully we're going to do a good job. I just wanted to add that like that change in the national institutions was even more important because it comes at a time, and I'll state the obvious here, when the government and the Knesset is not on our side necessarily, to put it mildly. And so that is even more meaningful. I just want to spell it out for our... Let's hope we will be the beacon of light that will basically bring the light to the government and coalition. 0017: ever hope for and hopefully we're going to do a good job. I just wanted to add that that change in the national institutions was even more important because it comes at a time, and I'll state the obvious here, when the government and the Knesset is not on our side necessarily, to put it mildly. And so that is even more meaningful. I just want to spell it out for our... Let's we will be the beacon of light. to the light to the government and coalition in the Knesset. Yeah, for sure. And definitely this is an arena where we can really bring into, implement our liberal values. But let's take a step back and Audio: in the Knesset. Amen. Yeah, for sure. And definitely this is an arena where we can really bring into implement our liberal values. But let's take a step back and sort of talk a little bit about what Kakal is all about, right? I mean, it was founded in 1901, 0017: sort of talk a little bit about what Kaká is all about, right? I it was founded in 1901. Audio: right before the state of Israel was established. And I want to ask you, what do you see? How do you see Kakal's role today in the sovereign state of Israel? And maybe say a few words about what is what is Kakal doing in general? So our listeners would understand where we are now. 0017: state of Israel was established and I want to ask you what do you see how do you see Kakal's role today in the sovereign state of Israel and maybe say a few words about what is what is Kakal doing in general so our listeners would understand where we are now. Audio: So when it comes to the core mission or values, think that KKL should promote Zionism in Israel and the Jewish world as it fits 2026, which means the challenges of the Zionist movement as we speak right now, isn't the same challenges as back in 1948 or 1901 and so on. So we need first to describe or define what is the challenges. And I think that settling the north and the south, 0017: So when it comes to the core mission or values, think that KKL should promote Zionism in Israel and the Jewish world as it fits 2026, which means the challenges of the Zionist movement as we speak right now, isn't the same challenges as back in 1948 or 1901 and so on. So we need first to describe or define what is the challenges. And I think that settling the North and the South and most importantly, the Galilee and the Audio: and most importantly the Galil and the Negev, 0017: and Audio: the Golan, the Aravah and so on is our major challenge right now in Israel. Alongside it is developing excellence in education and leadership in education when it comes to youth movements, youth organizations, mechinot and shnot shirut and student villages and so on. 0017: so on is our major challenge right now in Israel. Alongside it is developing excellence in education and leadership in education when it comes to youth movements, youth organizations, and student villages and so on. And technological Audio: technological education and scientific education within the 0017: education and scientific education within the social and geographic periphery in Israel. This is the main challenges all combined into basically bringing the progress of the state of Israel into every region of Israel and every corridor that we have in Israel that we haven't brought it to them yet. This is the one thing and the other thing is we need to give back to Audio: social and geographic periphery in Israel. This is the main challenges all combined into basically bringing the progress of the state of Israel into every region of Israel and every corridor that we have in Israel that we haven't brought it to them yet. This is the one thing. And the other thing is we need to give back to the global Jewish diaspora. 0018: global Jewish diaspora. Audio: Now it's the time. 0018: Now it's the time they've given us everything that we have. KKL especially is working or operating based on the 13 % of Israeli lands that were bought by global Jewish diaspora back in the days before the formation of Israel. And right now, the global Jewish communities are facing immense challenges, security issues, security threats, facing the effects of anti-Semitism, not just anti-Semitism. Audio: They've given us everything that we have. KKL especially is working or operating based on the 13 % of Israeli lands that were bought by global Jewish diaspora back in the days before the formation of Israel. And right now, the global Jewish communities are facing immense challenges, security issues, security threats, facing the effects of antisemitism, not just antisemitism. 0018: but what it causes, is physical danger, sometimes cultural attacks on students on campuses and so on, developing Jewish and Zionist leadership. Audio: but what it causes, physical danger, sometimes cultural attacks on students on campuses and so on, and developing Jewish and Zionist leadership 0018: when you and that must take into account the challenges of the Jewish world that faces and that they face even sometimes based on the policies of Israel. So I think these are the main missions of KKLR right now. We are trying Audio: that must take into account the challenges of the Jewish world that they face even sometimes based on the policies of Israel. So I think these are the main missions of KKLR right now. We are trying. 0018: to refocus on these core values. We are trying to basically go back into forestry, developing more acres of forest and planting more trees. Audio: to refocus on these core values, we are trying to basically go back into forestry, developing more acres of forest and planting more trees. Ecology and yeah, more places within the forest that are basically sites that people want to come to, have them come, tourism. 0018: creating more places within the forest that are basically sites that people want to come to to have them come with tourism and biking roads or cycling roads and course helping all those who suffered after October 7th course and like I said resettling the north and the south and especially the communities of October 7th in the Gaza envelope and the Iron Swords War in the Audio: biking roads or cycling roads. And of course helping all those who suffered after October 7th. And like I said, resettling the north and the south and especially the communities of October 7th in the Gaza envelope and the Iron Sword War in the northern 0018: Northern borderline, the heart of the Galeel and so on. again, Zionist education, this is what we are trying to focus on. Also, especially Audio: borderline, the heart of the Galilee and so on. again, Zionist education, this is what we are trying to focus on. Also, especially 0018: going into climate change and helping municipalities in Israel be more prepared, more inclined to do projects that help them in fighting climate change. These are our core We should say some of the things you're doing, it would have made sense that the government of Israel would Audio: going into climate change and helping municipalities in Israel be more prepared, more inclined to do projects that help them in fighting climate change. These are our core And we should say that some of the things you're doing, would have made sense that the government of Israel would have 0018: done and you stepped in because unfortunately the government did not do what it should definitely about helping the people who suffered most on October Audio: done. And you stepped in because unfortunately, the government did not do what it should, definitely about helping the people who suffered most after October 7th. 0018: 7th. No but Audio: But go ahead. No, but I 0018: I wanted to highlight you made a fascinating point that I want to make sure our listeners really understand is that what you said Audio: wanted to highlight, you made a fascinating point that I want to make sure our listeners really understand, is that what you said, the Kakao owns, the Kakao owns 13 percent of the state of Israel that was purchased essentially from the funds of the collective diaspora, know, philanthropic efforts of Jewry. then so that they 0018: that Kakal owns 13 % of the state of Israel that was purchased essentially from the funds of the collective diaspora, philanthropic efforts of Jewry. then so that they Audio: should see themselves essentially as having ownership of part of the state of Israel. having a say. And having a say and being involved. And that Kakaal sees that as part of its mandate, which is fascinating. We know that Diaspora Jewry 0018: should see themselves essentially as having ownership of part of the state of Israel. having a say. And having a say and being involved. And that Kakal sees that as part of its mandate, which is fascinating. We know that diaspora Jewry, Audio: made an almost parallel effort as it did in 1948 after October 7th. Share with us just a little bit about how Kakaal stepped in and what it's doing now to help, whether it's the Gaza envelope area. 0018: made an almost parallel effort as it did in 1948 after October 7th. Share with us just a little bit about how Kakao stepped in and what it's doing now to help, whether it's the Gaza envelope area Audio: or in the north and spell that out because I think a lot of our members abroad, 0018: or the north and spell that out because I think a lot of our members abroad Audio: you know, want to help. The question that I got every congregation that I visit, it was a very simple question with a complicated answer. What can I do? 0018: You don't want to help. The question that I got every congregation that I visit was a very simple question with a complicated answer. What can I do? Audio: And a lot of people were really focused on the rebuilding of the Kibbutzim and so I think they would be very interested to hear what Kakao has been doing in that area. Well, first I want to say that I... 0018: And a lot of people were really focused on the rebuilding of the kibbutzim. And so I think they would be very interested to hear what Kakao has been doing in that area. Well, first I want to say that I deeply, deeply, deeply appreciate the efforts of the world Jewry to help the redevelopment, resettlement, renovation efforts in the community. Audio: deeply, deeply, deeply appreciate the efforts of the world Jewry to help the redevelopment, resettlement and renovation efforts in the communities 0018: in the Gaza and Northern borderline. I know that on October 7th, a lot of people in Sabbath, in the day of Sabbath, opened their phones in their synagogues and congregations, Audio: in the Gaza and Northern borderline. I know that on October 7th, a lot of people in Arab Sabbath opened their phones in their synagogues and congregations. 0018: donated to Israel, supported Israel, and mission after mission after mission after mission came to the Gaza and Northern borderline in support. First of all, moral support, and then economic support, and other aspects of support. It was a tremendous thing to do that showed Audio: donated to Israel, supported Israel, and mission after mission after mission after mission came to the Gaza envelope and then the northern borderline in support. First of all, moral support, and then economic support and other aspects of support. It was a tremendous thing to do that showed 0018: the Audio: the deep connection and the fact that Jewish peoplehood lives on in these days more importantly and more strongly than ever. And I think that in KKL we try 0018: deep connection and the fact that Jewish people would lives on in these days more Importantly and more strongly than ever and I think that in KKM we try to bring as I said the Jewish world into those areas as well Immediately after October 7th, we've supported the Audio: to bring, as I said, the Jewish world into those areas as well. Immediately after October 7th, we've supported The re-equipment or equipment of the security squads. 0018: equipment of the security squads in the Kibbutzim, in the north, in the south, and other areas as well. Audio: in the Kibbutzim, in the north, in the south, and other areas as well. We've basically given each municipality 0019: basically given each municipality. Audio: first aid money to do whatever they felt needed back in the day, one million shekels to each of the municipalities in the northern borderline and in the Gaza envelope, to basically do whatever you need to do with the money. After that, we've came to... 0019: first aid money to do whatever they felt needed back in the day, one million shekels to each of the municipalities in the northern borderline and in the Gaza Strip to basically do whatever you need to do with the money. After that, we've came to, back let's say mid 2024, we decided to help them for the first time in the north because it was still under attack with emergency aid for less Audio: back, let's say mid 2024, we've decided to help them for the first time in the north because it was still under attack with emergency aid for let's 0019: let's Audio: say buildings that have been suffered attacks or hits or targeted and so on. In the south, we've started redeveloping the area. We've invested in every municipality back then in 2024. 0019: say buildings that have been suffered attacks or hits or targeted and so on. In the south, we've started redeveloping the area. We've invested in every municipality back then in 2024. Audio: In 2025, we took it even a step further. We've basically decided that all the 13 red kibbutzim or settlements in the southern Gaza envelope will receive special help from KKL in a growth neighborhood being brought to every one of them to have temporary communities and groups that want to come and resettle the area. 0019: In 2025, we took it even a step further. We've basically decided that all the 13 red kibbutzim or settlements in the southern Gaza envelope will receive special help from KK. in a growth neighborhood being brought to every one of them to have temporary communities and groups that want to come and resettle the area. Audio: In Niroz, we've invested 75 million shekels that were instrumental for the redevelopment plan of the kibbutz. Without this money, there wasn't going to be a redevelopment plan. thinking about talking about what the government should have been doing. The government has done its part, not enough. Not enough, and without KKL, it wasn't possible. And most importantly, 0019: In Miroz, we've invested 75 million shekels that were instrumental for the redevelopment plan of the kibbutz. Without this money, there wasn't going to be a redevelopment plan. The government has done its part not enough not enough and without KKL it wasn't possible and most importantly our side in KKL the liberal bloc was instrumental in having this decided because our Remember the KKL is a board that is politically comprised of different political parties and so it's not always easy to make those Audio: our side in KKL, the liberal bloc, was instrumental in having this decided because our Remember, the KKL has a board that is politically... It comprises different political parties, and so it's not always easy to make those kinds of decisions. members of the right wing in KKL board didn't support those efforts to the full extent that we felt needed. It was a struggle. It was a fight. 0019: The members of the right-wing in KKL board didn't support those efforts to the full extent that we felt needed. It was a struggle, it was a fight and we won against the person who was sitting in this room before me. The former chair of KKL didn't want to do it. Didn't want. She wanted to cut the money for Neiros dramatically to increase the money to other organizations, to other municipalities, let's say more... Audio: and we won against the person who was sitting in this room before me. The former chair of KKL didn't want to do it. Didn't want. She wanted to cut the money for Neeros dramatically, to increase the money to other organizations, to other municipalities, let's say more... Right-wing. 0019: More right-wing municipalities and so we fought and we won in this sense, but we didn't win enough and then I decided to take office in 2026 Audio: More right-wing municipalities. And so we fought and we won in this sense, but we didn't win enough. And then I decided to take office in 2026. 0019: and once I'm in we are doing I think what we need to do and we are refocusing on our core missions core values core areas and so on we've basically took Manara in the north and invested 30 million shekels in the redeveloping of Manara that was Audio: and once I'm in, we are doing, I think, what we need to do. And we are refocusing on our core missions, core values, core areas, and so on. We've basically took Manara in the north and invested 30 million shekels in the redeveloping of Manara that was almost 75 % of the buildings have been destroyed by Shizbala and its rockets. We've invested 115 million shekels in other northern borderline settlements, both Kibbutzim or Moschavim. 0019: Almost 75 % of the buildings have been destroyed by Hezbollah and its rockets. We've invested 115 million shekels in other northern borderline settlements, both kibbutzim or moshavim, that were targeted by Hezbollah. A dramatic effort from Misgav Am in the east to Adameet in the west. Audio: that were targeted by Hezbollah. It's dramatic effort from Misgav Am in the east to Adameet in the west, 0019: 11 other settlements including Aramshe, which is a Bedouin settlement in the northern borderline that wasn't evacuated. 40 % of its residents are serving in the IDF. And we've decided even though they weren't exactly, Audio: 11 other settlements, including Aramshe, which is a Bedouin settlement in the northern borderline that wasn't evacuated. 40 % of its residents are serving in the IDF. And we've decided, even though they weren't exactly 0019: they didn't exactly fit the proportionality of damage that we've decided on, we've decided to help them even still because this kind of population should receive the Audio: they didn't exactly fit the proportionality of damage that we've decided on. We've decided to help them even still, because this kind of population should receive the help 0019: of KKL and it has special meaning. Audio: of KKL, and it has special meaning. 0020: אמור להיות, בנוגע לזה, בנגד להשתמשות הגדולה לגבי הקיבוצים והקהונות בנוסח ובנוסח, יש מקום מאוד מוכן שהשתמשה עבור רעים ובו הפסטיבל נכנסה. האם רוצה לדבר עם זה קצת? כן. זה גם מקום שצריך להשתמש בצביעה בגלל... Audio: Of course, Eyal, also in addition to that, incredible support for the Kibbutzim and the communities in the north and the south. There's a very powerful site that has been developed around Reim and where the Nova Festival took place. Do you want to share with us a little bit about it? Yes, it was also a place that we needed to basically be built in struggle because... Nobody in KKL has decided that it's important enough until a member of our group, Aitam Ginsberg, has decided to form a 0020: in KKL has decided to, that it's important enough until a member of our group, Ithan Gינסבורג, have decided to... Audio: current member of Knesset and former vice chair of KKL. He decided that it's important enough. And three weeks before October 7th, 2024, we've 0020: And three weeks before October 7th, 2024, we decided to Audio: decided to 0020: invest 4 million dollars in developing this site. It was a Audio: invest 4 million shekels in redeveloping this site. It was... a very, very respectful thing to do. And it is a very, very, I think, meaningful site. People needed it, right? I they did. And I think that, and I know that the first time I got there, I just seen bus after bus after bus after bus 0020: very very expectful thing to do, and it is a very very, I think, meaningful site. People needed it, right? I think they did, and I think that I know that the first time I got there, I just seen bus after bus after bus after bus. ויש אנשים עולים לבאסטים ומטורים את המטרות. יש לנו מיליון זכויות בקרוב הראשון, Audio: coming and people are going down the buses and are touring the sites. We had one million visitors in the first year. 0020: 750,000 בשנת השני. זה מאוד מאוד קטן ומטור מאוד מוצאה, וכך הלאה. עכשיו אנחנו עכשיו החליטים לתת 4 מיליון שקל יותר במטרות המטרות, להתמודדות לבחורות של שאנחנו רואים. אני חושב שאנחנו עושים את זה כמה פעמים, Audio: 750,000 in the second year. It's very, very strong, very, very meaningful and so on. Right now, we've currently decided to invest 4 million shekels more in upgrading the site, fitting into the needs that we see. And I think we're going to do it several times over. Each time we're going to put more money and more money into it based on the dialogue that we hold. 0020: ויותר מעניין לזה, על ידי הדיאלוג שאנחנו עושים עם Audio: with the families of the murdered young people. it's a... Seriously, we couldn't say an amazing place about a place like this, but I think a very, very powerful and meaningful place. And this is in the Nova. We are also working 0020: החיים של המתנדבים והאנשים הילדים. ובאמת, אנחנו לא יכולים לומר במקום מעניין על המקום הזה, אבל אני חושב שזה מאוד מאוד פעולה ומנהיגי. וזה בנובעיה. אנחנו גם עוסקים לא רק כמו בנובה, אבל בכל זאת, Audio: not just like the Nova, but in the same essence... 0020: אנחנו עוסקים על עבודה ממוריאלית ועבודה, אני חושב, עבודה בכפר עזה, בארי וניר עוז ובכל הקיבוצים בכפר עזה אנחנו הולכים להשתמש 15 מיליון שקלים בממוריאלית, הם הולכים להשתמש במוריאלית, להשתמש להם, להשתמש להם וכו'. Audio: We are working on memorial efforts and commemoration, I think, efforts in the Kfar Aza and Be'eri and Niroz and in all the red kibbutzim. In Kfar Aza, we're going to invest 15 million shekels in their memorial efforts. They're going to operate memorial sites, build them, equip them and so on. And we're going help them. as part of the healing that And I want to stress that unlike the Israeli government that is basically using its money to try and force their methods of memorializing the event over the communities, we've told the communities we want you to hold the memorial, to have the memorial ideology that you see fit. You choose whatever fits you, fits us. We have no intention and no desire. 0020: And I want to stress that unlike the Israeli government that is basically using its money to try and force their methods of memorializing the event over the communities, we've told the communities we want you to hold the memorial, to have the memorial ideology that you see fit, you choose whatever fits you, fits us. We have no intention and no desire and Audio: and no meaning to try and basically 0020: no meaning to try and basically Audio: coerce you into memorializing the event in a way that you don't want to. And we are going to instill in the agreements that we have with them a clause that says that no one else can have a veto over the efforts of memorialization, which means that they will be able to decide how to hold their memorial efforts. That's amazing. Thank you, Yauf. 0020: ממשיכה לממשלת האמת במה שאתה לא רוצה. ואנחנו הולכים להשיג את האגרימות שיש לנו עםיהם, קבוצה שאומר שאי-אחד יכול להיות וטו על ממוריאליזייה של הממוריאליזייה. זאת אומרת שהם יוכלו לדחות איך להשיג את הממוריאליזיה שלהם. Audio: that as I said I think this is something that should have been done by the government and the fact that Karkali is doing this is amazing. Sometimes the government try to destroy it and we try to build. Yeah, especially this is we really appreciate it. I wanted to ask you know we spoke about Karkali you know working for you know the benefit of Israelis and for the Jewish people and going back a little bit to the question of you know Karkali was established before the state of Israel was established and now we have a sovereign state that of course we have Jews but we have also non-Jews who are living in Israel. 0020: זה משהו שצריך להגיד עליו בגבי המדינה ועל הדבר שקאל עושה את זה הוא נכון. איכותי המדינה מנסה לדיסטור את זה ומנסה לבד. כן, בטח, אנחנו מאוד מעריכים את אני רוצה לשאול, אנחנו מדברים על קק"ל עובדים על המחקרות של ישראל ועל האנשים היהודים, ולנסות לדבר על השאלה קק"ל שהיהודים לפני שהיהודים היוודים, ועכשיו יש מדינת ישראל, וכמובן שיש יהודים, אבל גם לא יהודים שיושבים בעזרא. Audio: Christians, Muslims, people from a variety of religions. And I wanted to ask, where do you see, what is the role of Kakal towards the non-Jewish population in Israel? That if the government would have been putting a lot of money in that, that would have been one thing. But many of them suffer, they have a lot of needs that are not being met by the government. So where do you see the role of Kakal around that 0020: קריסטינים, מוסלמים, אנשים מבחינות רליגיונות. ואני רוצה לשאול, איפה אתה רואה מה הערכה של קק"ל בעבור הפופולציה אם הקברה היתה הרבה כסף בזה, זה היה עוד דבר, אבל הרבה מהם ספרו, יש הרבה בעיות שלא היו מתקדמים בקברה. אז איפה אתה רואה את הערכה של קק"ל בעבור Audio: issue? Especially land and infrastructure and other things. that KKL should be a bit more Zionist than the state of Israel. 0020: קצת יותר זיוניסט מאשר מדינת ישראל, Audio: which means that KKL has a mission, has a core mission, and it should stick to it. I think that we should distinguish between some non-Jews communities. The Druze, for example, who has a very long partnership and commitment to the Zionist movement, not just the state of Israel, must meet KKL and its efforts in a very 0020: זאת אומרת ש-KKL יש מישון, יש מישון קור, וזה צריך להשתמש בזה. אני חושב שאנחנו צריכים להשתמש בין קהילות לא-יהודים. הדרוז, למשל, יש פרטנר וקהילות מאוד לזיוניסט, לא רק מדינת ישראל. צריך להשתמש את KKL ואת העבודה מאוד קטנה. Audio: serious way. 0021: I Audio: I want to tell you that I've decided in my second month in office to basically support the efforts of the Druze community in Israel to help the Druze brethren in Asaida County in Syria that are facing mass killings, mass, basically genocide efforts. Persecution and sometimes genocide efforts by the Syrian regime, which is a terror regime. 0021: want to tell you that I've decided in my first or my second month in office to basically support the efforts of the Druze community in Israel to help the Druze brethren in Asaida County in Syria that are facing mass killings, mass basically genocide, persecution and sometimes genocide efforts by the Syrian regime which is a terror regime by every sense of the Audio: by every sense 0021: sense of the world and I think that it was a very important thing to do because just like we feel the pain of our brothers and sisters in Broadway Beach or in Detroit or in Michigan when they tried they tried just recently to have a terror attack on a reformed community the largest one in the United States or North America I think that Audio: of the world. And I think that it was a very important thing to do because just like we feel the pain of our brothers and sisters in Broadway Beach or in Detroit or in Michigan when they tried just recently to have a terror attack or the reform community, the largest one in the United States or North America, I think that... 0021: the truth people that are our partners that see their brothers and sisters Audio: the Druze people that are our partners, that see their brothers and sisters 0021: in Syria suffer from things that we haven't we haven't seen ever since October 7th just before that Holocaust maybe that I think it was very important for us to do so and we brought them 2 million shekels to their efforts logistical, medical aid, stuff like that and awareness raising awareness tools around the world and in Israel and so on Audio: in Syria suffer from things that we haven't seen, we haven't seen ever since October 7th and just before that Holocaust maybe, then I think it was very important for us to do so. We brought them two million shekels to their efforts, logistical, medical aid, stuff I get, awareness, raising awareness tools around the world and in Israel and so on. 0021: so this is one thing and the Druze communities in the northern borderline and the Galilee Audio: So this is one thing and the Druze communities in the northern borderline and the Galilee will 0021: meet KKL in a very serious way. As I've said before, when we see it fit, for example, in the case of Ahamshe, we go and target places where non-Jews are living in and we want to help them, but it's a very limited effort because it's not the core values of KKL and KKL as a Zionist organization works mainly with the Jewish population. Audio: meet KKL in a very serious way. As I've said before, when we see it fit, for example, in the case of Aramshe, we go and target places where non-Jews are living in and we want to help them. But it's a very limited effort because it's not the core values of KKL and KKL as an Zionist organization works mainly with the Jewish... Can we 0021: Can Just to say something about the Bedouin in the south, I remember in the Negev, I remember a really ugly incident a number of years ago where some members of the government got specific permission from a halakhic authority to plant trees during the Shmita year Audio: to say something about the Bedouin in south, I remember in the Negev, I remember a really ugly incident a number of years ago where some members of the government got specific permission from a halachic authority to plant trees during the Shemitah year. 0021: if it was going to be on Bedouin land. Audio: if it was going to be on Bedouin land, we of course pushed back against that, but they were doing that under the guise of Kakaal in the previous administration. How do you feel about the position of the Bedouin in terms of going up against Kakaal land and how that... I'll take it first to the bottom line. We were able, me, 0021: We of course pushed back against that, but they were doing that under the guise of Kakaal in the previous administration. How do you feel about the position of the Bedouin in terms of going up against Kakaal land and how that does it? I'll take it first to the bottom line. We were able, me, Audio: alongside Gidi Eisen, who represents our Tzainut... Gidi's our guy. 0021: alongside Giddy Eisen who represents Artenu in the National Institution Audio: the National Institution of KKL and the vice chair of KKL and member of our executive committee, we were able to have an 0021: of KKL and is the Vice Chair of KKL and member of our executive committee. We were able to have an an agreement being reached and the policy being decided on. I think it's very important that we will not plant trees within a distance of 150 meters near Bedouin homes. Audio: agreement being reached and the policy being decided on. I think it's very important that we will not plant trees within a distance of 150 meters near Bedouin homes. we have a mission of planting Including unrecognized villages, right? Wherever there are homes, we will not plant trees in a distance of closer to 150 meters. Because we want to respect the fact that where there are homes and lands and so, I think it's very important. But when there aren't homes in an area, I think we should plant trees. It is our mission to plant trees in Negev. 0021: have a mission of planting Including unrecognized villages, right? Wherever there are homes, will not plant trees in a distance of closer to 150 meters because we want to receive the fact that where there are homes and lands and so I think it's very important but when there aren't homes in an area I think we should plant trees. It is our mission to plant trees in the Negev and basically have the Negev being forested and have more forest in the Negev I think it's very very important for us. And greening the Negev. And then we should touch about another issue which is the issue of the West Bank. Audio: and basically have the Negev being forested or have more forest in the Negev, I think it's very, very important for us. And greening the Negev. Exactly. And then we should touch about another issue, which is the issue of the West Bank. One of 0021: One of Audio: the things that is associated with you is really you're stopping the funding from programs of at-risk youth on the West Bank outpost, illegal outposts. Maybe you can say a word about this. is 0021: the things that is associated with you is really you're stopping the funding from programs of at-risk youth on West Bank outposts, you can say a word about this. to me it's one example of a bigger question about Kakao's mandate in terms of is the mandate for the land of Israel or for the state of Israel? There's an overlap there but they're not exactly the same. Audio: To me it's a one example of a bigger question about Kakao's mandate in terms of is the mandate for the land of Israel or for the state of Israel, which there's an overlap there, but they're not exactly the same thing. We have many arguments 0021: over the last seven, eight years about that. And, I just wanted to say how courageous and impressive that was to make this as part of a... Super important, especially with all the terrible phenomena of settler violence that unfortunately is Audio: over the last seven, eight years about that. And I just want to say how courageous and impressive that was to make this as part of a... Super important, especially with all the terrible phenomena of settler violence that unfortunately is... 0021: originating from those... I think many in our movement care very deeply about this as a moral and ethical issue. I think they are right. And I think that we should start by saying... Audio: originating from those out-of-the-world I think many in movement care very deeply about this as a moral and ethical issue. I think they are right. And I think that we should start by saying that 0021: that sadly in the past, even chairs that were a part of the labor movement has basically given, or basically, purchasing in the West Bank happened on their watch. Audio: sadly, in the past, even chairs that were a part of the labor movement has basically given, or basically, land purchasing in the West Bank happened on their watch. 0021: And I've declared and stated and said in no uncertain terms that in this term, under my leadership, there will Audio: And I've declared and stated and said in no uncertain terms that in this term, under my leadership, there will be no purchasing of lands 0022: no purchasing of lands in the West Bank, none at all. And I think it's very, very important for us to say that it's a very big issue for our voters in the United States, North America, and across the world. And I think we were able to basically give their voice a meaning in Audio: in the West Bank, none at all. And I think it's very, very important for us to say that it's a very big issue for our voters in the United States, North America and across the world. And I think we were able to basically give their voice a meaning. in KKL when we stated and decided that. This is one thing. The second thing is we were able to stop the activities and operations 0022: KKL when we stated and decided that. This is one thing. The second thing is we were able to stop the activities and operations Audio: of KKL in the agricultural farms in the West Bank. Agricultural, not educational, because the essence of the support that KKL gave the farms in the West Bank was at first educational. We wanted at-risk youth. 0022: of KKL in the agricultural farms in the West Bank. Agricultural, not educational, because the essence of the support that KKL gave the farms in the West Bank was at first educational. We wanted at-risk youth to be able to have educational activities in order for them to come back. But then we've... Audio: to be able to have educational activities in order for them to come back. But then we've 0022: recognized the fact or understood that the money was being given to organizations that doesn't want to take children away from the farms but want to bring them to the farms. this is not the And this is exactly, this is not the commission. It wasn't what nobody in KKL intended or maybe Audio: recognized the fact or understood that the money was being given to organizations that doesn't want to take children away from the farms, but want to bring them to the farms. And train them there, right? And this is exactly, and this is not the core mission. This wasn't what nobody in KKL intended or maybe. 0022: some intended but they didn't want to say that this was their intention. even then, Gideon Eisen, I'll give him credit again. Audio: Some intended, but they didn't want to say that this was their intention. Put it in under the... Even then, Gideon Eisen, I'll give him credit again 0022: for his work and with other folks in our side, they were able to recognize this fact. And once the Biden administration gave sanctions to some of the agricultural farms, they were able to bring KKL to a position of stopping all the efforts and operations in the farms in the West Bank. Audio: for his work. with other folks in our side, they were able to recognize this fact. And once the Biden administration gave sanctions to some of the agricultural farms, they were able to bring AKL to a position of stopping all the efforts and operations in the farms in the West Bank. 0022: And once we wanted to restore some of it back, we were very clear. No activities in agricultural farms where they foster violence and so on. Audio: And once we wanted to restore some of it back, we were very clear. No activities in agricultural farms where they foster violence and so on. 0022: only activities in educational farms when there aren't two farmers with six or seven youth that help them shepherd their livestock and so on but only educational farms where there are 60, 70, 50 children that come to a farm have educational activities and Audio: Only activities in educational farms when there aren't two farmers with six or seven youth that help them shepherd their livestock and so on. But only educational farms where there are 60, 70, 50 children that come to a farm have educational activities. and so on, and it's a very small and limited number of educational farms that there are activities on, and that's it. Now, we have some elements where we can 0022: so on and it's very a small and limited number of educational farms that there are activities on and that's it. Now we have some elements where we can and should I think do work even in the West Bank. For example, if we build parks or gardens for children and so on. Playgrounds and so on in settlements in Israel or Audio: and should, I think, do work even in the West Bank. For example, if we build parks or gardens for children and so on. Playgrounds and so on in settlements in Israel. or municipalities in Israel, I think that we shouldn't limit our efforts only to the green line because if there is a settlement, a legal one, a recognized one, a long-standing one, 0022: municipalities in Israel, I think that we shouldn't limit our efforts only to the green line because if there is a settlement, the legal one, recognized one, long standing one, think that children over there shouldn't receive less than children everywhere else. This is one thing. The issue that terrors us the most, and we are right now in a debate over it, and we'll see what we can do, if we can find compromises or so, Audio: think, that children over there shouldn't receive less than children everywhere else, this is one thing. The issue that terrors us the most, and we are right now in a debate over it and we'll see what we can do, if we can find compromises or so, is security roads within the West Bank. None of us wants October 7th to happen again in the West Bank, even if we don't agree with what they are doing over there and 0022: is security roads within the West Bank. None of us wants October 7th to happen again in the West Bank, even if we don't agree with what they are doing over there. the settling of places over there and it's an issue that we will have to try and find ways to have those security roles but with the minimal impact Audio: the settling of places over there. And it's an issue that we will have to try and find ways to have those security roads, but with the minimal impact. 0022: whatsoever on... No, it's a critical nuance to highlight and to understand because sometimes people hear the green line and anything over and I think we do recognize the difference between a consensus area versus an outlying area. I don't think we're going to make Audio: whatsoever on... No, it's a critical nuance to highlight and to understand because sometimes people hear the green line and anything over it and I think we do recognize the difference between a consensus area versus an outlying area. don't think we're going to make, 0022: you no one's going to make a big deal over a park bench in Madadoumim or a bike path in Goussout-Sionne versus a hilltop somewhere far out. some of our, you know, Audio: know, no one's going to make a big deal over a park bench in Maale Adumim or a bike path in Gush Etzion versus a hilltop somewhere far out. some of our, you know, 0022: our members in our movement, you know, are somewhat more rigid about those questions, but I think it's easy. And I have to, I have to imagine that that decision did not go over easily and that you were under a lot of pressure. Yeah. And I want to add, I think the really important Audio: our members in our movement are somewhat more rigid about those questions. But I think it's easy. And I have to imagine that that decision did not go over easily. None of them. And that you were under a lot of pressure for that. And I want to add that I think the really important thing, Eyal, is that you're putting a lot of thought into 0022: The is that you're putting a lot of thought into Audio: that. You're not doing this just out of your sleeve, understanding the difficulties. 0022: you're not doing this just out of your sleeve understanding the difficulties and Audio: and the challenges and you know we know it is very challenging and I think this is a good place to ask you really what does it mean to you to be as you said the first reformed Jew to have this institution and how do you see our values of democracy, inequality and pluralism, human dignity translating to what you're doing? First I think that it helps me refocus the efforts of KKL in consensual areas the north, south for example and less activities in 0022: the challenges and you know we know it is very challenging and I think this is a good place to ask you really what does it mean to you to be as you said the first reformed Jew to have this institution and how do you see our values of democracy and equality and pluralism and human dignity translating to what you're doing? First I think that it helps me refocus the efforts of KKL in consensual areas the north south for example and less activities in places that are non-concentral like Hilltops in the West Bank and so on. This is one thing. I think it gives us the perspective, the wider perspective that help us bring more activities, not the entire activities, more activities to non-Jewish communities. Audio: places that are non-concentral like Hilltops in the West Bank and so on. This is one thing. I think it gives us the perspective, the wider perspective that help us bring more activities, not the entire activities, more activities to non-Jewish communities and help them feel a tighter or deeper connection to the state of Israel and the Zionist movement. And most importantly, I think it's... 0023: and help them feel a tighter or deeper connection to the state of Israel and the Zionist movement. And most importantly, I think it Audio: basically faces me in the matters of a Zionist education and Zionist activities in the diaspora. Because I feel that as the Israeli coalition and the Israeli government, and I'll say it bluntly, spits in the face of 0023: basically faces me in the matters of a Zionist education or Zionist activities in the diaspora. Because I feel that as the Israeli coalition and the Israeli government, and I'll say it bluntly, spits in the face. of liberal Jewry worldwide. In Israel and outside Israel. Israel and outside of Israel. It is non-discriminatory in that aspect. In the most disgraceful way Audio: liberal jewelry worldwide. In Israel and outside Israel. Israel and outside of Israel. It is non-discriminatory in that sense. In the most disgraceful way. 0023: possible. And I'm talking about the current stream of legislation that try to criminalize liberal prayer in a egalitarian prayer at the Kotel, which is pure madness, simply madness, insanity, nothing more, nothing less, insanity, madness. Audio: possible and I'm talking about the current stream of legislation that tried to criminalize liberal prayer in a egalitarian prayer at the Kotel which is pure madness, simply madness, insanity, nothing more, nothing less, insanity, madness and it's a disgrace and I think that it comes at a time where the current policies of the state of Israel gives us, gives 0023: and it's a disgrace and I think that it comes at a time where the current policies of the state of Israel gives Audio: even a deeper and harder challenge. this, in spite of that fact, liberal Jews across the world are being more and more committed. 0023: us a deeper and harder challenge and in spite of that fact, liberal Jews across the world are being more and more committed. Audio: Even though they are conflicted, they are committed. And I think that instead of embracing them, trying to distance them, to give them a sense that only in the state of Israel, they are second tier. They are not full Jews. 0023: even though they are conflicted, they are committed. And I think that instead of embracing them, trying to distance them, to give them the sense that only in the state of Israel, they are second tier. They are not full Jews. Audio: I think it basically gives us in the national institutions the obligation to be more inclusive, to be more pro-liberal, to be more inclined to support, 0023: I think it basically gives us in the national institutions, the obligation to be more inclusive, to be more pro-liberal, to be more inclined to support Audio: help, advance policies and programs that work with the leadership of liberal Jewish communities. And it's something that goes with me wherever I go. We've just decided to support a fifth stream. 0023: help and advance policies and programs that work with the leadership of liberal Jewish communities and it's something that goes with me wherever I go we've just decided to support a fifth stream a humanistic and cultural stream of secular Judaism which I think is very important we are increasing our efforts in supporting the activities of the liberal streams worldwide and this Audio: humanistic and cultural stream of secular Judaism, which I think is very important. We are increasing our efforts in supporting the activities of the liberal streams worldwide. in 0023: And in Israel. And in Israel, of course. But worldwide it's even more important. In Israel it's important because Jews around the world see that Israel discriminates the liberal communities in Israel. The government does not discriminate. It alienates them even more. Audio: Israel. And in Israel, of course, but worldwide it's even more important. In Israel it's important because Jews around the world see that Israel discriminates the liberal communities in Israel. The government does not the It alienates them even more. 0023: And we in KKL have the obligation because we are the only place, the only place in the national institutions where liberal Jews across the world, egalitarian Jews, reformed, conservative and so on, have a voice. Audio: And we in KKL have the obligation because we are the only place, the only place in the national institutions where liberal Jews across the world, egalitarian Jews, reform, conservative and so on, have a voice, have 0023: have a vote, have a meaning, have power and we can't turn that away. We must embrace it, we must include it or be more inclusive because of it and this is the most meaningful Audio: a vote, have a meaning, have power. And we can't turn that away. We must embrace it. We must include it or be more inclusive because of it. And this is the most meaningful. 0023: thing that I as a reform Jew, as liberal Jew, as a person who worked with the head of the former conservative movement for five years, I understand it deeply, I relate to it deeply and therefore Audio: think that I as a reform Jew, as a liberal Jew, as a person who worked with the head of the former conservative movement for five years, I understand it deeply. I relate to it deeply. And therefore... 0023: It's part of your identity. It's part of who you are and Eyal, as I'm listening to you, just it's reminding me of the Mishnah of your Kayavot, Audio: It's part of your identity. It's part of who you are. And Eyal, as I'm listening to you, it's reminding me of the Mishnah and Tirk Kehavot. 0023: the place where people aren't acting the way they should be acting. You should try and be that human being, you that mention. Let me say, a place where liberalism is almost cancelled or abolished, we must be liberals. Proud liberals. Audio: Let me say in a where liberalism is almost cancelled or abolished, we must be liberals, proud liberals. must be proud liberals. Both for Israelis and also I think as you said I think it helps a lot of liberal Jews around the world connect more to Israel when they see that we're not giving up and we're actually giving a fight in order to protect our values. I was the first KKL chair to go to the egalitarian Kotel and have and and be part of a service there that was held by the WZO vice chair's office and it was very important to me to stand there and say I'm proud I'm proud to stand here as 0023: fight in order to protect our values. I was the first KKL chair to go to the egalitarian Kotel and be part of a service there that was held by the WZO vice chair's office and it was very important to me to stand there and say I'm proud to stand here as a chair of KKL which belongs to the entire Jewish world including reform, conservative and so on and I think it was very meaningful Audio: a chair of KKL which belongs to the entire Jewish world including reform, conservative and so on. And I think it was very meaningful 0023: to say those words over there because of the fact that what's happening right now in the political sphere in Israel. Amen. And I can't tell you how inspiring this is, Eyal, really, especially for people both in Israel and outside. just, our time is coming to an end. Audio: to say those words over there because of the fact that what's happening right now in the political sphere in Israel. Amen. And I can't tell you how inspiring this is, Eyal, really, especially for people both in Israel and outside. Our time is coming to an end. 0023: But I do want to ask you just for your message because many of our... Audio: But I do want to ask you just for your message because many of our people, our members, reform Jews, liberal Jews in North America and around the world are really struggling. 0023: people are members reform Jews liberal Jews in north america and around the world are really struggling and they don't necessarily see liberalism and zionism as something that can go together and so i Audio: they don't necessarily see liberalism and Zionism as something that can go together. And so I just want to ask you, what is your message to those hundreds of thousands, of Jews, know, that young people on college campuses that said it's become cliche already, but those who are really struggling with trying to 0024: But those who are really struggling with trying to Audio: figure out, can I still be a Zionist? What does that mean? You know, I want to look to you as one of our top leaders who are bringing such a meaningful and deep message here. 0024: figure out, wait, can I still be a Zionist? What does that mean? You know, I I wanna look to you as one of our top leaders who are bringing such a meaningful and deep message here to s to to send a message to them, in terms of, you know, helping them to struggle with this this big question. I think it shouldn't be a question of if we are able to do it. Yeah. Because we must do it. Because if we don't do it, then Zionism will remain Audio: to send a message to them in terms of helping them to struggle with this big question? think it shouldn't be a question of if we are able to do it, because we must do it. Because if we don't do it, then Zionism will remain a place only for racists, fascists, ultra-orthodox camps. 0024: A place only for racists, fascists, ultra ultra-orthodox camps, settl settlers in the West Bank and so on, and we must not let it happen. We must reclaim it. We must not just reclaim it, but we must take it back. We must win it back. We must be able to do what we did in twenty twenty-five, where we took Audio: settlers in the West Bank and so on and we must not let it happen. We must reclaim it. We must not just reclaim it but we must take it back. We must win it back. We must be able to do what we did in 2025 where we took our past losses and we've reversed them. And I think that if we don't do it, if we decide, okay, this is not a place for us. 0024: our past losses and we've reverse them. And I think that if we don't do it, if we've d we decide, okay, this is not a place for us, let's give the g give the right wing the the sole ownership of Zionism, then Zionism will look just like we think that it may look if it happens. And and we must not let it happen. And when you look ahead Audio: Let's give the right wing the sole ownership of Zionism, then Zionism will look just like we think that it may look if it happens. And we must not let it happen. And when you look ahead, really want to end with a hopeful note? Are you hopeful that Then hopefully we'll have a regime change in Israel. Hopefully we'll have a different government, more inclusive, more liberal, more progressive, and more states and... 0024: Hopefully we'll have a regime change in Israel. Hopefully we'll have a a a different government, a more inclusive, more liberal, more progressive, and more state Audio: statemanship, don't know exactly a government which will be pragmatic, which will work together to find solutions to issues in the consensus and will reverse the 0024: statesmanship. I don't know if saying Mamlahti, a government which will be pragmatic, which will work together to find solutions to issues of in the consensus and will reverse the the Audio: current tide of bad legislation, destructive legislation, destructive policies that are being embraced by this government. I think it will happen. I'm confident that we can do it. 0024: current tide of of bad legislation, destructive legislation, destructive policies that are being embraced by this government, I think it it will happen. Yeah. I'm confident that we can do it. Audio: I'm going to work for three months in order to do it. Thank you so much. Thank you so 0024: I'm gonna work for three months in order to do it. Ayalo Stwinski. Thank you so much. So Da Rabat, thank you so much. Audio: much. I want you to continue to have strength. 0024: Kazakh very much. I want you to to continue to have strength and to lead with bravery and courage and to continue representing us and to keep doing the work for Ami Soil and Medinati Soil. And we really, really appreciate that. Thank you so much for this and for this talk and also for everything you're doing. Audio: to lead with bravery and courage and to continue representing us and to keep doing the work for Am Yisrael and Meninat Yisrael and we really, really appreciate it. Thank you so much, Yael, for this talk and also for everything you're doing. I think really the fact that you're raising this really important liberal voice within this institution is so not obvious and so appreciated and I really think, as you said, that it shows that it's such an important arena that we should not back from 0024: raising this really important liberal voice within this institution is so not obvious and so appreciated. and I really think as you said that it shows that it's such an important arena that we should not back from Audio: but actually pull in and try to influence as much as possible. So thank you and thank you for everyone who voted for the elections and made this happen. Conversations like this are exactly why we started this podcast. This podcast exists because we believe Israel can be better for all who 0024: but actually pull in and try to influence as much much as possible. so thank you and thank you for for everyone who voted for the elections and maybe made this happen. conversations like this are exactly why we started this podcast. This podcast exists because we believe Israel can be better for all who Audio: live here and for all who care about it from afar. But that takes honest conversation and it takes partnership. So if these conversations are important to you, please share this episode and help us keep the conversation going. 0024: That takes honest conversation and it takes partnership. So if this conversation is so important to you, please share this episode and help us keep the conversation going. And to stay up to date, subscribe Audio: subscribe on YouTube wherever you listen to podcasts. If you want to help us grow, make an engaging post on social media, leave us a five star review, something like that. Something like, hey, I didn't even know that Ayala Strinsky existed and now I'm incredibly inspired to follow him wherever he goes, okay, and to be involved and to make sure to vote and get everyone I know to vote in the next 0024: on YouTube wherever you listen to podcasts. If you want to help us grow, make an engaging post on social media. Leave us a five-star review. Something like that. Something like, hey, I didn't even know that Ayala Ostrinski existed, and now I'm incredibly inspired to follow him wherever he goes, okay, and to be involved and to make sure to vote and get everyone I know to vote in the next. elections in twenty thirty. You don't have to use that verbatim, but you know, you get the point, something like that. Audio: elections in 2030. You don't have to use that verbatim, but you you get the point, something like that. And of course, 0024: And of course Audio: If you'd like to sponsor an episode of the Pluralist podcast, it's a great way to honor someone for an anniversary, birthday, holiday. We'd love to hear from you and to be in touch. Thank you, Orly. Thank you, Eyal. Thank you. 0024: If you'd like to sponsor an episode of the Pluralist Podcasts, it's a great way to honor someone for an anniversary, birthday, holiday. we'd love to hear from you and to be in touch. Thank you, Orly. Thank you, Ayal. Thank you. Thank you.