Listening to the Wide Spectrum of Young American Jewish Thought on Israel Series
The response to the eruption of violence in Israel and Gaza in May of 2021 revealed a changing perspective on the part of younger American Jews regarding the Jewish State and its relationship with the Palestinian people.  In order to fully understand this shift, we are inviting thought leaders representing varying views as expressed by younger American Jews.  We invite you to join us in listening, confronting and wrestling with divergent opinions as we consider the relationship between Israel and American Jewry. 

Taking place in the Beit Midrash with live Zoom option

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Jonathan Kessler is the founder and CEO of Heart of a Nation, a non-profit aimed towards bringing together progressives of all faiths and backgrounds to form an intentional Community of Purpose that is committed to the ambitious task of making Israel and America better countries.  As the progressive impulses in Israeli and American societies are challenged by darker forces, American progressives are drifting away from Israel and Israeli politics is just a shadow of its progressive roots. The acceleration of these trends will harm both countries, as well as advancements toward equality, justice, and peace. For these reasons, uniting in common purpose the progressive communities in the U.S., Israel, and Palestine is more urgent than ever.

Before founding Heart of a nation, Kessler spent 18 years as a member of AIPAC’s senior staff, having previously served as executive director of the Center for Middle East Peace, executive editor of Middle East Insight magazine and president of a consulting firm specializing in Middle East public diplomacy.