Israeli actress Gal Gadot to join President Herzog in launching 'Voice of the People' initiative, designed to highlight worldwide Jewish unity

Symposium is part of initiative launched by Herzog during judicial reforms

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to hold a landmark online symposium as part of an initiative he announced last year called ‘Kol Ha’am,' or "Voice of the People": The President’s Initiative for Worldwide Jewish Dialogue.

Announced during the beginning of judicial reform demonstrations in the spring of 2023, the initiative was later launched via a global survey of Jewish leaders shortly before Rosh Hashana 2023. Due to the start of the Oct. 7 Gaza War, few additional details have been shared about the project.

However, the war in Gaza and the striking increase in global antisemitism have also provided the impetus for pushing the initiative forward.

On Sept. 15, Herzog will officially launch the first of the global online "Voice of the People" symposiums, aimed at bringing together Jewish voices from around the world to highlight the strength, unity, and resilience of the Jewish people in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Joining Herzog for a conversation on the importance of Jewish identity and Jewish perseverance during difficult times will be Israeli actress Gal Godot, renowned for her roles in several blockbuster action movies.

The online symposium will also feature an interview between journalist Tamar Ish-Shalom and Daniel Lifshitz, the grandson of Oded and Yocheved Lifshitz, who were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7 attack. The two will discuss the family’s struggles after the attacks.

Regarding the initiative, Herzog stated, “It is our responsibility to deepen the conversation between us - to come together and have honest discussions about vital issues facing the Jewish people. To develop the next generation of committed Jewish leaders, who will bring their gifts and their talents to preserving our precious peoplehood.”

The symposium will include at least 150 worldwide Jewish leaders who were personally invited by the Israeli president.

To prepare for the online symposium, earlier this month, Herzog launched a global survey to shape dialogue and leadership development within the Jewish world. He also said the survey will help “shape the discussions impacting the future of the Jewish people.”

“We are currently engaged in safeguarding the State of Israel and reinforcing the strength of the Jewish people amid a challenging war and rising antisemitism. Simultaneously, we face critical issues that demand our attention. In response, we are establishing the Voice of the People council, which will focus on ensuring the Jewish people’s ability to thrive in a changing world,” said Herzog.