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After returning to Israel, I was the Sgan Mazkal of World funding for yeshivot and seminary programs – through our
Bnei Akiva before becoming Mazkal from 2015–2021. During Masa funding and Causematch campaigns we have raised
that time, we expanded our work in communities like Ger- 88 million shekels for yeshivot and seminaries since 2020.
many and Argentina, created a pre-army mechina in Israel
with 50% Israeli and 50% Diaspora students, and began You mentioned that you are now also the deputy chairman
building the new Beit Bnei Akiva, which is due to open soon. of KKL. What does that involve?
Two years ago, I became Mizrachi’s representative to Israel’s
National Institutions, and I now serve as the Head of the KKL is an immensely important organization, with a massive
Center for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora at the World budget that makes a huge difference to causes both in Israel
Zionist Organizations. A few months ago I also became the and around the world. KKL basically does two things – devel-
deputy chairman of KKL. oping land, forests, and water sources in Israel, and Zionist
education around the world. Through Mizrachi’s representa-
tives at KKL, we ensure funding is provided for the Orthodox
As a native Israeli who has lived abroad, what do you think Union’s Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) in the
Israelis misunderstand about Diaspora communities? United States. We also aim to increase the number of shli-
The first thing is simple: the numbers. Many Israelis grow chim being sent to Diaspora communities, and to strengthen
up thinking that almost all Jews live in Israel and there are Zionist education in global communities. This December, I
a few left in chutz la’aretz. They don’t realize that the majority am excited to be bringing a bipartisan group of Members
of the Jewish people live outside of Israel! Growing up in a of Knesset to South Africa, to expose them to the work of
Jewish country, this misconception is understandable, but shlichim and help them understand the critical role they play
it is a big problem that they don’t grasp the scope and depth for global Jewry today.
of Diaspora communities. Once you understand Diaspora We also help the Religious Zionist community navigate a
communities properly, it also makes you realize that you world that is often extreme, when so many issues are pre-
cannot just tell people, “Make Aliyah” – it simply will not sented as black and white, and nuance and complexity are
be effective. lost. This past March, we held a conference for Religious
Zionist organizations to discuss the se’if haNeched, the rule
Let’s start with your role as the head of the Center for that allows the grandchildren of Jews the automatic right
Religious Affairs in the Diaspora. What does this involve? to make Aliyah. This has become a hot button issue, and we
discussed the issue with leading rabbis, academics and activ-
The World Zionist Organization is the official vehicle of the ists to form our approach to the matter. We had to fight just
Zionist movement founded by Theodor Herzl in 1897. In to be able to have conversations about this in the National
the past, this department was there to cater to Religious Institutions; these days, being a centrist and trying to bring
Zionist communities around the world. For example, for different sides together is out of fashion and requires a lot
many years this department has organized conferences for of effort. This is one of the major pillars of Mizrachi activity
rabbinic and lay leadership of small communities in Europe in the National Institutions – to be a voice that reduces divi-
and South America to strengthen their connection to Israel siveness, and to try and find common ground rather than
and Zionism. We also run regional conferences for shlichim exacerbating tensions.
and community leaders to better work together; we ran
conferences in Argentina in 2022, in Amsterdam in 2023, and I am privileged to spend my days working for Diaspora Jews
G-d willing we’ll have the next conference in Mexico in 2024. around the world – and then I return home to Modi’in and
get to witness the miracle of the ingathering of the exiles to
We also began working with yeshiva and seminary students our homeland. On Shabbat in the park, I see Jews who are
through our Flying the Flag program. This program has so American, French, British, Israeli-born and more, all with
far engaged 4,000 yeshiva and seminary students with tiyulim, our own communities and networks here in Israel. We are
events and Shabbatonim, connecting them to Israel during living in remarkable times, and it is something I am thankful
their time living in the land. We have also been able to restore to be part of. ◼

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