November 2022
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Why We Commit
Will the U.S. Still Be a Democracy After Nov. 8?
by Halie Soifer
The War on Israeli Modernity
by Yossi Klein Halevi
A Landscape of Hopelessness
by Ghraith Al-Omari
Celebrating Diversity
at the White House
Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale
Rep. Alma Hernandez &
NCJW CEO Sheila Katz
Youth Engagement
HeartTEC Winners
Highest Scoring Essays
Opportunities for
Emerging Leaders
Bronfman Fellowship
Our Generation Speaks Fellowship
Tomorrow's Women
Upcoming Events
Nov 1: Harvard Law School Forum
Nov 4: Discussion on Engagement and Avoidance
Nov 29: International Teen Forum
"If the 2020 election was the battle for the soul of our nation, the 2022 election is the battle for the future of our democracy. Free and fair elections are threatened by Republican-led voter suppression, election subversion, and election interference efforts in nearly every state. Reproductive rights and access to abortion, currently banned in 13 states and soon to be banned in nearly 25, will be banned nationwide if Republicans have their way."
The War on Israeli Modernity
Yossi Klein Halevi
"This coming election, the fifth in less than four years, is qualitatively different from the ones that preceded it. Those other elections were referendums on the worthiness of Benjamin Netanyahu to lead the state of Israel. This time, the stakes are far higher: Consciously or not, Israelis will be voting on the future of Israel as a modern state."
A Landscape of Hopelessness
Ghraith Al-Omari
"The Palestinian body politic is at an advanced stage of decay. Beyond a deeply-felt national identity and a commonly-held desire for independence and an end to the Israeli occupation, most Palestinians today have lost faith in the ability of their political leaders, institutions and ideologies to achieve their national goals.
"Lacking the space to express their views, most Palestinians – especially the youth – have checked out of public engagement, while some have opted to engage in localized activism or even violence."
Celebrating Diversity
in the White House
Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale
“While the "Festival of Lights" is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs around the world, I often found myself struggling to explain its significance to my peers when I was younger.
“That younger version of myself could have never imagined that one day I would be celebrating Diwali in the White House with the President, First Lady, and Vice President.
We are also reminded to shine our light in the darkness. To fight for peace, for justice, for understanding - even as powerful forces work to sow hate and division.’"
Rep. Alma Hernandez &
NCJW CEO Sheila Katz
“Extremely honored that President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden invited me into the White House in honor of Hispanic Heritage month. Who would’ve ever thought that the daughter of an immigrant from Mexico would be able to celebrate among other amazing Hispanics who have paved the way for a girl like me.”
“So honored to be going back to The White House as President Joe Biden and Dr. Biden have invited me for their reception to celebrate our Jewish New Year!”
Youth Engagement
HeartTEC Winners
Click to read 3 winning essays
Highest Scoring Essays
Click to read 6 additional essays
Demanding Bodily Autonomy
Avah Montgomery
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Inspiring by Example
Dona Khalaily
Sakhnin, Israel
Culture Must Change
Yosra Kamalat
Rahat, Israel
Valuing Volunteerism
Rida Shaheen
Bethany, East Jerusalem
Listening to Young People
Maxwell Hyman
Deerfield, Illinois, USA
Rooted in My Head
Rachel Faino
McLean, Virginia, USA
Opportunities for Emerging Leaders
Bronfman Fellowship
Our Generation Speaks Fellowship
Tomorrow’s Women
Upcoming Events
Nov 1: Harvard Law School Forum
Nov 4: Discussion on Engagement and Avoidance
Nov 29: International Teen Forum
About Heart of a Nation
We bring together American, Israeli, and Palestinian thought-leaders, civic activists, and emerging change-makers committed to improving their societies.
אנחנו מכנסים הוגים מובילים, פעילים חברתיים, ומחוללי שינוי לעתיד, אמריקאים, ישראלים ופלסטינאים, המחויבים לשיפור החברות שלהם.
نحن أمريكيون وإسرائيليون وفلسطينيون نبني ونكوّن روابط من أجل التعلم والتفكير والمشاركة معًا حتى نشجع الحلول التقدمية بشأن القضايا التي تهمنا جميعًا.
