New Day Declared

Received this from DJW Consulting

Knesset Holds First Ever “Jewish Identity Day”

Initiative of the Tzohar Organization Designed to Promote Centrality of Jewish Social Values in the Legislative Process

Tuesday, February 8th marked the first ever “Jewish Identity Day” in the Knesset, an initiative of the Tzohar rabbinical organization and a highlight of its Tzohar Legislation Project. The Project acts as an apolitical forum designed to provide Knesset members with Jewish outlook and context in the law making process. The Project has gained the support of Knesset parliamentarians from all across the political landscape.

Yuli Edelstein, who serves as Israel’s Minister for the Diaspora and Public Affairs saluted the initiative at a special ceremony marking the Day saying that “Without Jewish identity, there is no real link between Israel and our brethren in the Diaspora.”

“Our goal is to help our lawmakers show that Jewish identity can serve as the ultimate guidepost in making Israel an international role model of integrity and values,” said Rabbi David Stav, Chairman and Founder of Tzohar. “We take great pride in the fact that we have been welcomed with open arms from lawmakers from nearly all parties and backgrounds...We are not here to say that Knesset members should abide by more strict interpretations of halacha or be coerced to make changes in how he or she lives their lives,” Stav said.

...“A day of this kind is so important to our country,” said MK Rachel Adatto of Kadima. “There must be a bridge to connect Jews of all backgrounds and opinions.”

...Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin has also commended the initiative saying, “I believe this program can enlighten the Members of Knesset with a clear perspective of Jewish values, which they may choose to incorporate into their legislative work,” Rivlin said. “I hope that this will be a significant contribution to strengthening the Jewish character of the State of Israel.”

Wait til next year!

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