Since 7 October, throughout this incredibly trying time for Israel and for the Jewish people, I have, for the most part, refrained from using my voice to weigh in on Israeli politics.
I know some of you wished I had been more publicly outspoken in criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. But I have believed that my primary responsibility as an American rabbi during a time of war, terrorism, and rising antisemitism and antiZionism has been to strengthen the Jewish community, deepen support for the Jewish state, and defend Zionism.
There are countless voices eager to attack Israel, delegitimize Zionism, portray the Jewish state as uniquely evil, and, in far too many cases, justify or encourage violence against Jews. These voices do not simply criticize Israeli policies; they challenge the legitimacy of Jewish self-determination itself, ultimately threatening the existence of Israel and the security of Jews around the world.
My decision to focus on strengthening and unifying the Jewish community, rather than adding my voice to the many already publicly criticizing Israel’s government, reflected a choice of priorities, not a belief that the Israeli government is beyond criticism.
Like every democracy—including our own here in the United States—Israel is imperfect. Governments make mistakes. Leaders make mistakes. War inevitably brings tragedy. And yes, there are times when politicians make decisions or commit acts that fall short of our moral standards. Loving Israel does not require denying those realities. Throughout this difficult period, I have believed that my responsibility has been to acknowledge Israel’s imperfections while choosing to emphasize solidarity over public criticism.
Recognizing Israel’s imperfections does not diminish our obligation to defend the truth.
At the same time, false accusations of genocide and other distortions of reality must be confronted forcefully. Tragically, Israel has lost the battle over its own story. Like it or not, misinformation has spread far more effectively than truth. Israel must become more effective at communicating its story honestly, transparently, and compellingly. And those of us who love Israel—together with partners and allies around the world—must help tell that story with clarity and conviction.
For a long time, I have said that replacing Prime Minister Netanyahu alone will not end antiZionism and antisemitism. I still believe that. Israel had enemies long before this government, and sadly it will continue to have enemies afterward.
But leadership still matters. It shapes how Israel speaks to itself, to the Jewish world, and to the nations. It also shapes how Israelis experience their own democracy.
Elections are not about satisfying Israel’s critics. They are about Israelis exercising one of the greatest strengths of the Jewish state: its vibrant democracy. At a time when so many democracies are under strain, it is inspiring to see so many Israelis eager to participate in shaping their nation’s future.
As Israel prepares to go to the polls in October, I find myself hoping for new leadership—not because I believe it will suddenly make Israel popular, but because it offers an opportunity to strengthen Israel from within, allowing it once again to shine as א֣וֹר גּוֹיִ֔ם—a light unto the nations.
I hope for new Israeli leadership that places greater limits on extremist voices that too often damage Israel’s moral standing without advancing either security or peace.
I hope for a new Israeli government that safeguards the Jewish state’s democratic institutions; better reflects the remarkable diversity of Israeli society; honors and embraces all who call Israel home—Jewish and non-Jewish alike; protects the religious freedoms and equal standing of Jews of every stream, in Israel and throughout the Diaspora; reaffirms the principle that the defense of the Jewish state is a shared civic responsibility, with no community exempt from that obligation; strengthens the partnership between Israel and world Jewry; and deepens relationships with democratic nations and faith leaders around the globe.
I hope for an Israeli government that pursues an honest national reckoning of the failures that allowed 7 October to happen, coupled with reforms that help ensure such a tragedy can never happen again.
None of this is a concession to Israel’s enemies. It is an expression of confidence in Israel’s democracy and faith in its future.
It is precisely because I love Israel that I celebrate her ability to question herself, debate herself, and choose her own future through democratic elections.
We who live in the Diaspora do not vote in those elections. Israelis will be weighing many issues that affect their daily lives in ways that most American Jews do not experience directly—questions of security, military service, the economy, religion and state, housing, education, transportation, and much more. While we may care deeply about the outcome, we should also approach these elections with humility, recognizing that Israelis themselves bear both the privilege and the responsibility of choosing their nation’s future.
But we can honor the process, educate ourselves about the issues, pay close attention to the campaigns, and celebrate the resilience of Israeli democracy.
I encourage you to follow the election through a variety of reputable Israeli news sources, including The Jerusalem Post, and to gain a deeper appreciation for the hopes, debates, and challenges shaping Israel’s future.
May these elections usher in leadership that strengthens Israel’s democracy, renews confidence in the Zionist vision, rebuilds trust across Israeli society and the Jewish world, and leaves Israel stronger, safer, and better equipped to meet the extraordinary challenges ahead. And may that future strengthen not only Israel, but Jews—and all who stand with us—throughout the world.
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