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On December 5th, 2007 six MASA participants were selected from the BFL Seminar Series to participate in the opening session of the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute (JPPPI) Master Class series comprised of top Israeli students from universities around the country. A think tank | created to “help assure a thriving future for the Jewish People and Judaism,” JPPPI operates by, “engaging in professional strategic thinking and planning on short and long-term issues” of concern to the Jewish people.
The most fascinating encounter of the evening was a dialogue with Isaac Herzog, Israel’s Minister of Welfare and Social Services, Minister of the Disapora, Society, and Fight Against Anti-Semitism. Mr. Herzog’s address began with a discussion on the major issues concerning international Jewish leadership today, and evolved into an interchange with the JPPPI participants concerning issues that ranged from the present political mood in Israel, the international threat of President Hugo Chavez to the Jews of Latin America, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the Diaspora.
One primary matter of concern for Mr. Herzog was the development of Jewish leadership today, commenting that a strong and committed Jewish leadership is, “the only way the Jewish people will succeed.” Warning most young Jews today do “not necessarily [feel] committed to a cause,” Mr. Herzog praised organizations like MASA and the JPPPI and stressed the impact such programs have on world Jewry.
Believing there, “definitely is an urgency today” Mr. Herzog stressed that Jewish identity, Diaspora relations, Israel, and Zionism are elements young Jews around the world need to engage.
Concerning Israel, Mr. Herzog commented there is a difference between how the Diaspora has traditionally understood Israel to how Israelis understand Israel. In the eyes of the Diaspora, "the purpose [of Israel] doesn’t really change." On the other hand, Herzog stressed, within the boarders of Israel, "the agenda is changing all the time.” New immigrant waves, sideline populations moving mainstream, and minority issues are just some of the forces besides the security situation that are changing the internal dynamic and structure of Israeli society, resulting in an array of "constant challenges" Israel has to face. Yet, as a true politician Mr. Herzog was quick to instill calm by stating, "These constant challenges are continuously fascinating." Coming from a man who exudes capability and confidence, it is hard not to believe him.
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