Voice of the People opens applications for its second cohort of participants
In Israel, the global Jewish leadership initiative Voice of the People, supported by the office of President Isaac Herzog, has opened applications for its second cohort of participants. It plans to select 150 people: 50 from Israel, 50 from the United States and Canada combined, and 50 from Jewish communities in other diaspora countries, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Applicants must be Jewish, at least 21 years old, proficient in English, and prepared for collaborative leadership work. Applications can be submitted until October 12. The initiative is also supported by the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and philanthropic partners.
Program goal
President Isaac Herzog stated that the strength of the Jewish people lies in their ability to maintain connections despite geographical, traditional, and ideological differences. He called on Jews from different countries to join the network and shape a shared future.
Voice of the People is intended to bring together representatives of Jewish communities with different experiences and views, build connections between them, and develop practical responses to common challenges. According to the organization, more than 20 initiatives created by participants in the first cohort and their partners have already reached the proof-of-concept stage.
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Antisemitism and cooperation
At the start of the initiative, more than 10,000 people took part in a survey in six languages on topics for the council's work. Among the main issues, respondents named antisemitism, relations between Jews and non-Jews, polarization and dialogue, Jewish education and heritage, as well as relations between Israel and the diaspora.
Voice of the People CEO Shirel Dagan-Levy said that one of the areas of work is combating antisemitism, including online, as well as establishing contacts beyond Jewish communities. According to her, participants from Europe, Australia, Latin and North America, as well as Israel, can exchange approaches to similar problems.
The active phase of the second cohort's work will last 16 months. It will include in-person exchanges, working groups, and an accelerator to turn proposals into joint action. After the program ends, participants will join the permanent Voice of the People network of alumni and leaders.
