WJC Mission to Israel: NextGen & JD Corps Members Reflect

Last week, members of the WJC Executive Committee, affiliated community representatives, and almost 100 members of WJC Elevate—the Jewish Diplomatic Corps and NextGen-engaged in a mission to celebrate Israel's 75th anniversary. Throughout the event, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue and bridge-building, meeting with high-level officials, Israeli civil society, and more.

Hear what they had to say about the experience...

Randy Fried, Jewish Diplomatic Corps Member

It is often hard to explain to others how unique and special the JDCorps are. I am consistently amazed and humbled by this incredible group. Your talents, expertise, and passion are infectious and make a difference. A special thank you to the WJC staff who made it all possible. Not only was this an amazing experience, but I also walk away with new contacts, new ideas, and action items that will hopefully help to increase the bond between the diaspora and our home, Israel.

Neely Kasanoff, Lauder Fellow

I will never forget spending Israel’s 75th birthday with the WJC in Jerusalem amongst some of the most inspiring leaders in today’s world, celebrating the modern realization of the dreams our ancestors had to return home. Political landscapes should never hinder getting to know the people and land of Israel, and it was extremely powerful to hear from diverse panels of Secular, Religiously Jewish, and Arab Israelis and to discuss how both the WJC and Israeli civil society can work to strengthen the bond between the diaspora of global Jewry and our ancestral homeland.    

Elizabeth Chen, Jewish Diplomatic Corps Member

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with all the JDs and NextGen. As always, the WJC staff provided not only an exceptional learning experience, but the opportunity for all of us to connect and deepen our relationship to one another and our homeland. Thank you to all of you. I am grateful for each and every one of you.

Guy Dabby-Joory, Lauder Fellow

I think that the relationship between Israel and the diaspora has become strained in recent years, as the shared values that have brought us together have drifted apart.  WJC's delegation to Israel was an incredible opportunity to explore these issues and build bridges between world Jewry, with panels and roundtables allowing us to learn about this complex relationship. As part of WJC NextGen, it was a true privilege to sit at these tables as equals of leaders of communities around the world. It was clear how much WJC valued our perspectives, and I'm so grateful for this experience, which I'll really never forget.
I think that the relationship between Israel and the diaspora has become strained in recent years, as the shared values that have brought us together have drifted apart.  WJC's delegation to Israel was an incredible opportunity to explore these issues and build bridges between world Jewry, with panels and roundtables allowing us to learn about this complex relationship. As part of WJC NextGen, it was a true privilege to sit at these tables as equals of leaders of communities around the world. It was clear how much WJC valued our perspectives, and I'm so grateful for this experience, which I'll really never forget.

I think that the relationship between Israel and the diaspora has become strained in recent years, as the shared values that have brought us together have drifted apart.  WJC's delegation to Israel was an incredible opportunity to explore these issues and build bridges between world Jewry, with panels and roundtables allowing us to learn about this complex relationship. As part of WJC NextGen, it was a true privilege to sit at these tables as equals of leaders of communities around the world. It was clear how much WJC valued our perspectives, and I'm so grateful for this experience, which I'll really never forget.

Judith Offenberg, WUJS Board Member

Being part of the NextGen delegation at WJC’s diplomacy summit in Jerusalem has been a rewarding and enriching experience. Not only were the various sessions, speakers and events intellectually stimulating, but they left room for action. Through connecting leaders of all ages from around the world, I feel inspired to continue in my path of activism and representation in order to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me, those I had the privilege of meeting during the summit.    

Nicolas Nemni, Jewish Diplomatic Corps

We have embarked on a pilgrimage of the soul, tracing the footsteps of our ancestors, and breathing in the air that carries the dreams of generations past. Through laughter and tears, conversations and shared meals, we have renewed our bonds as a family, united by the threads of our Jewish identity and the pursuit of a brighter future. Our differences have melted away, revealing the essence that connects us all—the unyielding love for our heritage and a deep-rooted desire to safeguard it for generations to come. Let the bonds we have forged inspire us to continue to engage, to advocate, and to work tirelessly for the welfare of our global Jewish community. The responsibility lies within us to uphold the legacy we have inherited and to create a world where our children and grandchildren can thrive, free from prejudice and persecution. Let us continue to be the ambassadors of our shared values, the voices that speak for justice and equality, and the bearers of hope in times of uncertainty. Until we meet again, may the spirit of Israel guide our steps, and may the flame in our hearts illuminate the path ahead.