While we (and our organizations) were (a) asleep; (b) distracted by shiny objects; or (c) distracted by COVID-19, "right wing and rigidly Orthodox political parties" in Israel were preparing a "coup" pursuant to which they would usurp the critical positions at the "...key international Zionist institutions." And...we would have only ourselves to blame. If it happens, it will happen...today.
As Judy Maltz reported for Haaretz, Right-wing, ultra-Orthodox Parties Accused of Plotting "Hostile Takeover" of Key Zionist Institutions. How? By Resolution of the World Zionist Congress at its once every five year meetings starting today on-line. The "deal" appears to have been engineered by the inestimable WZO leader, Avraham Duvdevani, who engineered the WZO's walk from everything but its powers and large amounts of cash when it "separated" from the Jewish Agency almost a decade ago thanks to the inept "negotiations" of Diaspora JAFI leadership. (WZO gave up a title or two, but retained its power to control 70% of the JAFI votes, and was paid millions for doing so. JAFI leaders' version of the "Art of the Deal.")
If this "hostile takeover" proceeds, the American religious movements would face cutting a deal for representation and positions at the Agency, for example, with ultra-Orthodox religious leaders who reject the Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Modern Orthodox Movements both out of hand and in the most insulting ways. Another "winner," if that's what it is, would be the Likud Party. Bougie Herzog might be out as JAFI's Israeli leader. And, these are but two examples.
For an important analysis of just where this balagan is: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/hadassah-president-denounces-wzo-coalition-agreement-calls-for-changes-646297?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Israel%2C+UAE%2C+US+launch+joint+fund+in+Jerusalem+during+first+state+visit&utm_campaign=Oct+20+day
JFNA, later this week, will reveal the Jewish Federations' allocations to the core budgets of JAFI, JDC and ORT -- allocations which will, no doubt, be at levels so low as to belie the term "partner" so often thrown out these days by the umbrella organization in lieu of cash. If the takeover of JAFI contemplated by this "deal" goes forward, one can foresee the ultimate abandonment of the Jewish Agency by its North American supporters in short order.
One must assume that Jewish Agency Jerusalem leaders were aware of these developments but chose to remain "behind the scenes." Given the consuming ignorance of critical matters such as these at JFNA-Israel, asleep at the switch, one can also assume that no one at 25 Broadway was aware of this coup -- and, if they were, then more shame on them. We have not heard leadership's voices on a matter of this importance to, if not to others, the religious movements to which most of us belong.
This is serious business taking place in the shadows.
Rwexler
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5 comments:
WZC - not a coup - just democracy at work. The 'liberal' movements have been very 'soft' on Israel (to say the least) and will now pay the price. As you know my personal beliefs certainly do not support the 'ultra-religous' factions but I am also furious at the liberal branches for the way they treat Israel.
Everyone has known for for some time that the misguided "deal" which separated the WZO from JAFI without taking away its governance power was a bomb just waiting to explode.
It was mistakenly orchestrated by North American leadership and professionals who had no real understanding of Israeli politics and society. They "got rid of" the WZO but created an independent political monster which is now attempting to compete with JAFI and at the same time wield its politically charged governance control under severe conflict of interest.
The UIA understood the dynamic and might have been able to at least put up a fight but JFNA "got rid of" the UIA and actually couldn't care less what happens to JAFI.
The Reform, Conservative and more liberal Orthodox streams and Jewish organizations will now have fight for the ability to continue to be actively involved and JAFI will need to find a way to support them to let them do so.
This will require a revamping of the current JAFI governance structure - easier said than done.
What a lucky break for JFNA!
This will now provide them with a great excuse for not living up to their financial commitments to the Jewish Agency, commitments which they weren't going to meet in any event.
They create the conditions for the train wreck (sabotage), let it happen (negligence and apathy) and then blame it on the railroad line.
At least we have finally found something successful at JFNA!
Good job folks!
I wanted to embrace the opinions expressed by the two Anonymous Commentators above. They have tracked the past and the future so much better than I.
Thanks.
R
The WZO is attempting to take JAFI down, JAFI is strangely doing nothing to stop it and JFNA is enjoying the way it all seems to be playing out (after they set the stage and made it all possible in the first place). Only a revamping of JAFI's governance and support system can save it and the important work that it does.
The liberal religious streams once threatened to pull out and now might be the time for them, along with organizations like Hadassah, to do just that.
The Jewish Agency will be a much healthier organization without the power-hungry politicos of the WZO involved and one shouldn't have to support today's corrupt version of the WZO to be considered a Zionist or to partner with the Jewish Agency and its mission.
Even if they come to a compromise agreement at the current Zionist Congress this week, it will only be a matter of time until this disaster plays out and ends badly.
Better to get off and change trains now while we still can.
Both the WZO and JFNA would best be left behind.
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