Over the past month, I traveled across the Americas on behalf of Voice of the People, a journey that stretched from Los Angeles to New York, Washington, D.C., Miami, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. It was long and emotional, exhausting and energizing and deeply meaningful in ways I am still processing. As I write this, somewhere between flights, I’m replaying the moments, faces, and conversations that turned this tour into a living demonstration of Jewish unity in all its diversity.
The journey began in Los Angeles, stepping onto a huge synagogue bima before a packed room, sharing a mission, a story, and a sense of possibility. It was the moment the tour truly came to life: a room breathing with curiosity, connection, and hope for our shared future.
From there, New York opened its doors. Meetings with community leaders and key organizations sparked meaningful conversations about strengthening the bridge between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Around every table, one truth was unmistakable: we are one people, spread across many places, carrying a shared responsibility.
In Washington, D.C., the conversation expanded. Surrounded by global leaders from across the Jewish world, the urgency and commitment to protecting and empowering Jewish life could be felt everywhere. Presentations, interviews, and late-night discussions each added another layer to the mission, a reminder of why this work
matters so deeply.
Miami brought new energy. A vibrant community filled with warmth and creativity embraced us with open arms. Conferences, gatherings, and countless personal moments demonstrated a powerful truth: Jewish continuity throughout the Americas is alive, dynamic, and full of heart.
Brazil added another dimension. In São Paulo, grassroots strength shone through everyday dedication, people working quietly yet making an enormous impact. Their devotion reminded me that thriving communities are built not only by institutions, but by passion and persistence.
And in Rio de Janeiro, leadership and innovation stood front and center. Ideas turned into plans and plans into momentum. Between delayed flights and sprinting through terminals, the journey became an adventure powered more by purpose than luggage.
Across every city, every room, every conversation, one message echoed again and again:
We are different, but deeply connected.
We are spread out, but never separate.
Together, we carry the future of our people.
These highlights are only a glimpse. The true impact was found in countless voices and moments of partnership, all forming one powerful reminder:
Wherever we go, we are part of one big, resilient, and hopeful family.
In each stop, the greatest highlight was the same: meeting our council members in person. Nearly fifty of them across the tour.
In their communities, they are leaders.
Online with VOP, they are voices and ideas.
But face-to-face?
They are family.
There is nothing like looking someone in the eyes, sharing a hug, and hearing how Voice of the People has helped shape their lives, their work, and their sense of belonging. Those moments were the clearest reminder that the heart of our initiative is not only the initiatives – it’s the people.
If I could speak directly to every Jew in the Diaspora, I would begin with a question: What does it mean for you to be a Jew in the Diaspora today?
Lots of Israelis, myself included, do not fully understand what Jewish life looks like outside Israel. This trip changed me. I listened to stories of identity, challenge, pride, loneliness, and fierce love for Israel, even when the environment makes that complicated.
And I shared what I know to be true:
There is no “here” and “there.”
The dividing lines must disappear.
We rise – or fall – together.
People told me that Voice of the People gives them hope. Hope grounded not only in ideas, but in action. In seeing a global network forming, trust-based, generous, and united by shared responsibility. They told me how much it mattered that we came to them, that we showed up.
And truly, that is what unity looks like.
Professionally, we reached a major milestone: completing our November pitch sessions, the council’s first big achievement. Now begins the deep dive: evaluations, refinements, pilot planning, and preparing for our next global cohort.
We are building not just ideas, but infrastructure.
Unity, I kept reminding people, does not mean uniformity. We do not need to think the same, vote the same, pray the same, or speak the same language. Unity means showing up. Listening. Carrying one another’s burdens and celebrating each other’s joys.
Across this trip, I saw Jews of every background singing the same songs, saying the same blessings, blending Hebrew with English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I saw tears and laughter, fear and courage, pride and determination – sitting side by side.
This is our strength.
This is the beauty of the Jewish people.
Since October 7th, something has shifted. People understand instantly why Voice of the People is essential, why rising together across borders is no longer optional, but urgent.
Our role is to connect.
To bridge.
To listen.
To act.
And to ensure that the next generation of Jewish leadership is global, diverse, generous, collaborative, and courageous.
This trip strengthened my sense of purpose. It reminded me why I wake up every morning, even when the Zoom begins at 3:00 AM. I was humbled by the trust people placed in us, inspired by their dedication, moved by their loyalty to Israel.
Everywhere I went, I felt far from home and yet completely at home.
This is what it means to be one people.
This is what Voice of the People is building.
This is why we do the work.
And this is only the beginning.
