To our fellow Reform Zionists,

As a progressive movement, by nature, Reform Judaism continually seeks new ways to define itself, all the while remaining committed to the Jewish fundamentals of God, Torah, and Israel. In all that we do as a movement, it is important to continually consider the concepts of progression and movement; we progress, and we move. We are an active movement, and one of the chief ways we remain active is through our vigorous commitment to Israel and Reform Zionism.

It is vital to remember that just as we are not ReformED Jews, our vision of Zionism cannot be a stagnant one. It was for this reason that the NFTY-NEL Diaspora Action Kitwas created, close to five years ago, motivated by the dire need to find a way to engage in Israel advocacy and activism – most crucially amongst the youth of our movement.

The introductory letter in the 2002 Action Kit gave the following charge: “Our geographical distance from Eretz Yisrael will in no way affect our support of Am Yisrael.” While that charge hasn’t changed, the way we approach it has. Israel and the world have changed remarkably since 2002, and this is further proof that Zionism must continually progress and move. Just as the world does not stand still, our Zionism cannot stand still.

In 2004, the Action Kit was updated with the same conviction that Zionism cannot be stagnant. The new NFTY Diaspora Action Kit is rooted in the same philosophy – that we must continually strive to make Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael the mamlechet kohanim and or l’goyim -- the kingdom of priests and light to the nations -- that the prophets envisioned. We do this by advocating for a religiously pluralistic and politically democratic state, by educating and inspiring the members of our own movement, and by continually finding new ways to interact with the Zionist enterprise. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, the peaceful and secure Israel that we all hope and pray for can surely be reached through such an endeavour.

In the spirit of hanhagah l’dorot – generational leadership – we encourage all NFTYites to arise and fulfill the holy charge of being actively committed Reform Zionists. Zionism is not a spectator sport, and Reform Zionism, all the more so, cannot be approached from the sidelines. For generations, an emphasis on learning has strengthened the Jewish people, and by pursuing knowledge, you will strengthen Medinat Yisrael against those who wish to tear down her walls with ignorance. Use this choveret to explore your relationship with Israel.Learn more and consistently challenge your beliefs; grow and act, progress and move. Above all, we hope you remember the charge of Theodore Herzl:Im tirtzu, ein zo agadah, “If you will it, it is no dream.”Let this choveret help you live the Zionist dream. Im lo achshav, ematai? If not now, when?

Chazak v’aseh,
Act with Resolve

Jesse Paikin
NFTY-NEL President, 2001-2002

Matt Rogers
 NFTY-NEL Rosh Tzion, 2003-2004