We Jews have a pressing problem to solve, before we hone in on polishing Zionism''s image to the rest of the world. We need to create a strong bond between Jews worldwide and Zionism. Judaism and Zionism are not separate entities. We need to promote the concept of Eretz Yisrael as our only true home, though it will be difficult for some to accept.
That mindset will allow us to make tough decisions necessary for our future survival. It makes no difference whether or not you believe in a two state solution or a greater Israel. Without accepting this idea and allowing it to permeate the collective consciousness of world Jewry, Israel’s struggle to remain a Jewish state will become futile.
There is strength in brotherhood and community. Israel’s future depends on it. Now is the time to set our petty differences aside and focus on our shared values, not our differences.Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau recently hit it the nail on the head when he said, “We have not learned that we are one… The polarization among us grows sharper, we see what divides, what separates us, instead of what bridges the gaps. We have not learned. Nazism could have taught us this lesson: for them, all of us – religious and not religious, chassidim and litvish, Sephardim and Ashkenazim – we are all Jews.”
The Zionist idea sought to capitalize on the “re-Jew-venation” of the Jewish community. The movement sought to reconnect Jews by cashing in on the ancient culture that has connected us to each other over two millennia.Assimilation and intermarriage are still our biggest problem. Many children of intermarriage see themselves as "half-Jews," but also feel they are part of the Jewish people and its history. We must welcome them into our people. If we can assimilate into Diaspora society, why can’t Jews or “half –Jews” re-assimilate or re-Jew-venate back into the Jewish Nation? We should not and cannot reject them. We need them, and they need us.
The creation of a single conversion process acceptable to all branches Judaism is of the utmost importance. The acceptance of all Jews is vital to our future. All parties must compromise: No one group owns Judaism!
No, I am not saying throw out the Torah, tradition, oral law, kashrut and Shabbos. I am saying it’s time for a little “Tikkun Ha’am.” We need to recognize that we must continue to rebuild the National entity and collective consciousness of the Jewish Nation. Our unity and our acceptance of one another is the first step to Tikkun Ha’am! Each and every Jew must begin to see other Jews for who they really are, fellow members of the tribe of Judah.
We must begin to galvanize the Jewish people in order to take part in Israel''s future. Maybe it''s possible to exploit Jewish and Zionist solidarity through Facebook, Twitter and other social networks, for the benefit of the Jewish people and Israel.
If we are not for ourselves, then who will be for us?
Adam Scott Bellos is a new Oleh and Co-founder of the Israelist movement. Follow him on twitter: @adamscottbellos or email:adambellos@gmail.com