A Thoughtful, Nuanced Discussion About Israel 

I knew we were in for a treat when the flyer for this Torah Fund Stands with Israel program was distributed, and we learned Rabbi Cheryl Peretz, Associate Dean of Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles and Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam, would be presenting the d’var Torah, with her rich and diverse background. A rabbi, scholar, and dean, she has an MBA, a dual-degree from Barnard and JTS in math and Jewish philosophy, and she is an exuberant person to listen to and watch.  I will never forget watching her joyous presence at the 2022 ordination at Torah Fund–supported Zacharias Frankel College. Her exhilaration in seeing three newly ordained rabbis was palpable! 

At our Torah Fund Stands with Israel program, Rabbi Peretz began her d’var Torah by showing us a beautiful painting in her home entitled Yerushalayim Shel Malah/Matah, Jerusalem of Heaven/Reality (a photo of this artwork is included with this article). At first glance, it appears to show mirror images above and below a line midway through the piece. But when one looks closely, one sees the images, colors and shapes are different. She likened this to the dream and miracle of Israel—the land, its culture, and how it is deeply ingrained in our identity as Jews. Yet, as a modern Conservative Jewish woman, she is struggling with the reality of what is happening on the ground: the egalitarian challenges at the Kotel, issues of judicial reform, democracy, and tolerance, and the threat from the current Gaza dispute. 

Rabbi Peretz referred to a speech given by Menachem Begin on May 15, 1948, when he spoke of the ideal for Israel: “And our lives will be lit through brotherly love and a love for Israel . . . in our own country, justice will rule supreme, there will be no tyranny and the officers will be servants of society.” 

She then spoke of the Al Hanissim prayer for Yom Ha’atzmaut, and that humans are actively involved in modern Israel existing and winning the battles to get us here. What is G-d’s role? “G-d,” she said, “with great mercy, delivered courage, victories and miracles for Israel to this day.” She referenced Einstein, who said you either live life as nothing is a miracle or that everything is one. 

“The reality,” she explained, “is that we are not at that heavenly status yet, and we cannot do it alone. The hand of G-d is in many miracles. Sadly, the divide may be growing between Israel and North American Jews. We should always keep hope (hatikvah).” Rabbi Peretz’s hope is that her piece of art becomes an actual reflection of Israel’s heaven and reality becoming one, that the ideals of Israel stirringly spoken by Begin prevail, and that we fight for that miracle every day! 

Israel and Mexico: A Robust Relationship 

Our featured presenter was Tal Itzhakov, Cultural and Press Attaché, Embassy of Israel, Mexico. She began by telling us about her unique path to this role. She began her professional career working with poor children as a special education and math teacher in an isolated community.  In working with young people, she encouraged them to attain higher education with the goal of social mobility.  

When she came to Pensacola, Florida, for a program with the Jewish Federation, her life changed. She learned more about Israel and Judaism than ever before, including not taking her Judaism for granted. Tal has always been curious about other cultures. She taught herself Spanish, studied Arabic, and then applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a process which took one year. After the cadet corps, Tal was posted to Mexico, which has turned out to be the right place for her. 

She began by explaining Israel’s position on the recent Gaza dispute. A Palestinian Islamic Jihad prisoner began a hunger strike on May 2, something he had done before. He demanded his immediate release, it was denied, he refused assistance, and he has since died. This led to rockets being launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), 20 percent landing in Gaza. Israel needs to ensure its safety, Tal emphasized, and is not against the Gaza citizens. She said it is unfortunate that the PIJ has so little regard for its own people. 

As for her service in Mexico, Tal described 70 years of warm relations between Israel and Mexico, with tourism, technology, and agriculture as paramount goals. There have been visits between dignitaries; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to Mexico in 2017, and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto attended the funeral of Shimon Peres. The Free Trade Agreement signed in 2000 increased trade from $210 million in 1999, to over one billion dollars last year. Many Israeli companies do business in Mexico, and Israel provided earthquake relief to Mexico in 1985 and 2017. In addition, Israel has offered Mexico assistance for empowering women, water management, and COVID support. 

Jews arrived in Mexico in 1519, and there is great interest in Israeli culture. Jews in Mexico primarily live in Mexico City; they participate in book fairs, LGBTQ+ festivals, concerts, fashion shows, and other community events. Tal screened a beautiful rendition of the song “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav,” performed by Mexican and Jewish citizens. Mexican Jews are organized by their countries of origin: Europeans, Balkans, Syrians, and US citizens. There are 13 Jewish schools and 95% of the Jewish students attend those schools. Many community organizations and 60 houses of worship exist. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is recognized by the Senate, with Israeli, Polish, and German ambassadors in attendance.  

When asked about the egalitarianism of Mexican Jewish women, Tal told us that although all branches of Judaism are represented, most Mexican Jews are Orthodox. There is little intermarriage, the Orthodox community is insular, and members of the community marry at a young age. Kosher food is readily available in Mexico City, but less so in smaller communities. Though there are some poor Mexican Jews, scholarships are available for school. The Mexican Jewish community is involved in chesed activities with the community at large, and not only for Jewish causes. Antisemitism on college campuses, though present, is much less of a problem than in the United States. Mexican young people are very connected to Israel, and most go to Israel for six months after graduation. They are proud to be Mexican, but they have a very strong Jewish identity. 

When asked about her personal situation arriving in Mexico during the pandemic, she acknowledged it was difficult to learn about the culture and the people. But the ability to use Zoom broadened the opportunities for virtual conferences, meetings, press briefings, and learning from experts in Israel. Tal adapted, and she considers the circumstances of her being stationed in Mexico as a gift.  

She will soon leave Mexico for her upcoming assignment in Spain and looks forward to this next adventure! 

This was another eye-opening Torah Fund Stands with Israel program, where we had the opportunity to learn, question, reflect on issues of the day, and expand our knowledge. Thank you to our Torah Fund staff and volunteers for coordinating this thoroughly positive experience.