Can Young Jews Reclaim (or Redefine) a Robust Connection to Israel?
Monday, February 28, 10:45 - 12:00pm
Room 151A

Peter Beinart’s groundbreaking article provided a widely-read and much-discussed examination of the failure
of the established Jewish community to engage young Jews on Israel. But questions remain—both about
the exact diagnosis of the problem and the proper solution. Is the distancing of young Jews from Israel a
result of the Disney-fied version of Israel presented to them? How can 20- and 30-something American
Jews connect to Israel in a way that is true to their progressive values—or must they check their liberalism
at Zionism’s door? What are new outlets of engagement and where do they come from: established Jewish
organizations, alternative groups, young people themselves? Join this panel of thought leaders and social
entrepreneurs for a fresh take on what liberal Zionism might look like for the younger generation.

Panelists:
Steven M. Cohen, Research Professor of Jewish Social Policy, Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute
of Religion
Shawn Landres, Co-Founder and CEO, Jumpstart
Ilana Sichel, Former Editor-in-Chief, New Voices Magazine

Moderator: Josh Nathan-Kazis, Staff Writer, The Jewish Daily Forward
Chair: Mika Gang, Hashomer Hatzair