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Until now, said Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevitch, Israel spoke to global Jewish leaders only when it was convenient or necessary in their eyes, leading to “miscommunication, hurt and missed opportunities on both sides.”
Anyone can give—young or old, with large or small dollar amounts. The organization has already partnered with Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi).
“We didn’t learn about the broader region where I’m from in Jewish day school,” said the Tashkent native. “I didn’t hear about the Central Asian/Bukharian Jewish community and adjacent communities in the media, nor in my Jewish studies or Near Eastern studies classes at the University of Washington.”
Executive director David Brog said building bridges has become even more important as “the issue of racial justice has dominated our streets and evening news throughout the summer” and will “almost certainly dominate campus politics this fall.”
Even with the pro-normalization content, the New Jersey native of Israeli parents does not consider himself to be a “pro-Israel advocate” per se.
“We are not 7 million Jews in Israel and 8 million throughout the rest of the world, but a united nation of 15 million with one common destiny. With this in mind, we can take on any conflict or challenge facing us,” said Knesset member and Minister of Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevich.
While travel is off the table for now, Middle Eastern ingredients can substitute the feeling of being with community abroad.
The tradition that was “inspired by our ancestors” provides a safe way to connect to others when many have been socially isolated and when stereotypes abound.