TL;DR: In March, Global Jewry hosted a unique Roundtable of global Jewish leaders—no agenda, just space to connect, reflect, and process trauma together. Led by Dr. Betsy Stone, the conversation explored resilience, growth, and the diverse ways Jews around the world navigate crisis. From Israel’s ongoing state of emergency to shifting dynamics in the Diaspora, participants shared personal stories, cultural insights, and a deep commitment to community. As Passover reminds us of our enduring strength, this gathering was a powerful reminder: healing and purpose begin with connection.

In March, Global Jewry hosted a Roundtable meeting that included a small group of Jewish leaders from all over the world… but it wasn’t your regular meetup. There was no structured agenda or a goal to solve the long list of challenges we face as a community that so many of us spend most of our waking hours addressing. It was a meaningful moment in time that allowed us all to disconnect and reconnect with each other.

Our moderator and esteemed Master Class teacher Dr. Betsy Stone invited us on a journey to make sense of our individual and collective experiences of trauma as a Jewish people, throughout the generations and today. We showed up as people, with our own stories and reasons for jumping on a video call in the middle of our busy lives to talk about pain and growth and everything in between.

It’s a breath of fresh air to connect with leaders around the world as people. Conversations like the ones our community initiates help us adopt a more grounded tone and arm us to show up better prepared for the communities we serve and the teams we lead. For our families and for the next generations.

Through our conversation, we began to better make sense of the cultural differences in North America, Europe, Israel, and the wider Global Diaspora. The unique realities we face on our different continents, and how each society tends to approach crisis, trauma, healing, and community.

Here in Israel, we find ourselves in an ongoing state of crisis, learning to adapt and digest our trauma on the go. There isn’t much time to pause and process, unless we make the time. And while Israel and our allies rapidly evolve our mindsets through real-time action and innovation, the struggle is indeed very real. And it goes on.

Around the world, the Jewish community is facing real threats to our security and sense of belonging. Many have reevaluated their social circles and priorities as we, like our ancestors, learn to navigate being Jewish during trying times.

We spoke about the difference between resilience and growth. Dr. Stone suggested that resilience doesn’t require growth. “Toughness is for times of crisis”. And in fact, we’ve become expert crisis handlers, for all we’ve endured. Strong in the face of emergencies.

Growth is the next stage… an art. It’s uncomfortable, it challenges us, and it activates us toward purpose. The Jewish people are known for our innovation and evolution, often born in the struggles of our darkest days. We do our best to turn pain into purpose and offer our learnings and solutions to those who can benefit. Being a light to ourselves and unto the nations.

Since our most ancient of days, the Jewish people have realized our unmatched resilience, generation after generation. We’ve proven the power of mindset and community to pave better pathways, solve challenges more effectively, and work together more productively.  October 7 sent us into overdrive.

As we navigate ongoing crisis, healing, and our individual and collective search for meaning and real impact, connection is more critical than ever before. Global Jewry is here to keep our leadership connected and collaborating on many different levels, through all types of conversations, and in settings that allow us to unite as effectively as possible across continents.

The Jewish people are no strangers to suffering, and during Passover, we travel back in time to remember the journey of our ancestors. The one we recount each year complete with trials, tribulations, and miracles. They, too, struggled to survive but chose to thrive. And succeeded, by God’s grace. We are shaped by the memories and stories passed down through generations, reminding us of who we are and the growth we’re capable of, especially when united.  As we gather around our seder tables, may we reflect on the lessons of our past, honor the healing happening in the present, and believe in our unshakable spirit that promises a brighter future.

We pray that our friends and family held hostage will be freed from captivity, and that we may pave pathways to more peaceful days.

Global Jewry is grateful to our partners and board members for bringing this movement to life each day and inspiring each other to be the best we can be. May we make many more moments of meaning and may we do it together. 

Chag Sameach,

Ashley Aboodi