2023 was one of the most divisive years in Israel's history. Polarization and the debate surrounding the judicial reform lead Israel to the brink of civil war culminating in altercations on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. After the horrors of October 7th, however, we have seen the country unified around a shared sense of mission and purpose. How do we maintain this feeling of unity for the duration of the war and after the war's completion? How can Israelis learn to live together despite their religious and political differences? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by JJ Sussman, the International Director of Gesher, to discuss these questions through the lens of his recent Jerusalem Post article.

JJ Sussman is the International Director at Gesher where his role includes leading delegations of Israeli influentials to experience Jewish communities in the US. In addition, he is responsible for resource development. Prior to Gesher, JJ worked in Israel’s high-tech sector at leading firms such as SanDisk, Jerusalem Global, and Israel Seed Partners. Having made Aliyah from New York 25 years ago, JJ now lives in Modi’in. He holds a BA from Yeshiva University and an MBA from Kellogg/Tel Aviv University.

Questions? Feedback? Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed?
Email us at oraytapodcast@gmail.com and we look forward to "continuing the conversation."

Music from "Ashreinu" by Omek HaDavar
Recorded in the Old City of Jerusalem at Yeshivat Orayta (orayta.org) | Facebook | Instagram