Reform Movement Statement on New Government of Israel

The North American Reform Jewish Movement congratulates the State of Israel on the swearing in of its 36th Government. We extend our support to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid as they begin their tenure today.

As the largest Jewish Movement in Diaspora life, we are hopeful that this new government, unprecedented in the ideological diversity of its members, will be able to implement many of the aspirations that PM Bennett laid out in his inaugural speech. We hope the government will renew ties with our Movement in Israel and abroad, commit to furthering a pluralistic agenda, combat extremism and incitement – including through police enforcement against the horrific incidents of hatred and physical violence as seen on Friday at the Western Wall plaza - and be a government for all of Israel’s citizens. We also hope this government will reaffirm the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, prioritizing bipartisan outreach and engagement.

PM Naftali Bennett and his government will face formidable challenges in the coming days, weeks, and years, yet we are hopeful for a stable government that will lead with integrity and courage.

We look forward to continuing our partnership and connections with the Government of Israel – to work with political parties on the right and the left, and for all future opportunities to work together in building a more pluralistic, tolerant, and democratic state.

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)

Advancing Temple Institutional Development (ATID)

American Conference of Cantors (ACC)

ARZENU, International Federation of Reform and Progressive Religious Zionists

Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA)

Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE)

Canadian Association of Reform Zionists (ARZA Canada)

Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)

Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ)

Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ)

National Association for Temple Administration (NATA)

NFTY – The Reform Jewish Youth Movement