Rabbi Joanna Samuels Speaks at a Rally Supporting the State of Israel

"My name is Joanna Samuels and I am a rabbi, a feminist, an observant Jewish woman, and a proud Zionist."

— Joanna Samuels

July 28, 2023

At a rally in front of the Israeli consulate yesterday, The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan CEO, Rabbi Joanna Samuels represented a commitment to Israel during an incredible time of political and social turmoil. There, with fellow supporters of the State of Israel – Israeli and American, religious and secular people, with diverse political opinions – she stood unified in supporting Israel’s future as a vibrant democracy.

She spoke of the fortitude of the Israeli people, encouraging the community to continue to engage, learn, teach, and listen.

Her words are shared here.

"My name is Joanna Samuels, and I am a rabbi, a feminist, an observant Jewish woman, and a proud Zionist.

I am also a longtime participant in movements for social change, and I have learned a few things that I want to share.

The first is this: It is a privilege to be part of a movement for social change when so much depends upon it. And my friends so much depends upon the success of this movement.  The democratic identity of the state of Israel is at stake, and it is this movement that will ensure the future. Aleinu, it is on us. The stakes are very high.

The second is this: It is Tisha B'Av, and we are familiar with the teaching that says that our Temple was destroyed – and indeed, our sovereignty in the land ended – because of Sinat Chinam, baseless hatred. Not from our enemies toward us – but from each of us toward our fellow.  It is this that we must guard against. We must not be divided, and we must not allow ourselves to fall prey to this.  It will be tempting.

And finally, this: In this moment, in this movement, we must model and exercise Ahavat Chinam – love without condition – toward this movement for social change. We must be united, not in our every belief, but in our commitment to Israel's democracy. We must not be divided.

There are Israelis here, yes?

There are Americans here, yes?

There are people who have been protesting for many weeks, yes?

There are people who have been protesting for many years, yes?

There are people for whom they are moved, for the first time, to lend their voices, yes?
There are religious people here, yes?

There are secular people here, yes?

Let's hold each other up as comrades, friends, and shlichim, emissaries. Let us model love and openness toward our varied paths. Let us put at the center what matters most and continue to work in support of our beloved Israel."

The JCC's Center for Israel and The Jewish Agency for Israel will share more information and upcoming events as they become available.