Looking to the Future: From the Desk of Yehuda Setton, CEO

Today, we are at a critical moment for Israel and world Jewry. The horrific attacks on October 7, 2023, and the wars that have followed, have marked a turning point for Israel and the Jewish people. These events have pushed us, as an organization, to think critically about the needs of Israel and of the Jewish people, reshaping our vision for the future and propelling us to action. 

 

This is a time of tremendous challenges. The ongoing war in Israel, with multiple fronts, is affecting the country’s resources, economy and morale. The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, continues to affect the lives of more than a million Jews in the region. And around the world, we have seen an alarming increase in polarization amongst Jews and antisemitism, with a rise in both threats and violent attacks on Jewish communities. We find ourselves in an ever-changing reality, with unprecedented challenges, but also unprecedented opportunities. 

The Jewish Agency’s strategy to address these pressing challenges centers on two guiding principles. First, enabling every Jewish person to take an active role in rebuilding the State of Israel. And secondly, ensuring mutual responsibility globally, through connection, resilience, and security.

 

TAs per our new mission statement, The Jewish Agency acts collectively to strengthen Israel and the Jewish people worldwide by: 

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• Advancing Aliyah as a core value

• Deepening Jewish connections

• Supporting resilience and security of global communities

• Encouraging every Jewish person to engage with Israel

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Our ability to overcome urgent challenges and meet changing needs relies on the unwavering support of our partners, employees, donors, and the global Jewish community—you are integral to our success. Together, we have repeatedly demonstrated that when we work together, we can accomplish the extraordinary. 

 

I have faith in a brighter future for Israel and the Jewish people, a future that will be realized through the power of our unity and resilience. For nearly 100 years, The Jewish Agency has been a guiding light, inspiring others to join us in supporting the Jewish State and ensuring the enduring strength of our people. And now, more than ever, we need your partnership to fulfill our mission of rebuilding a thriving State of Israel.