The deadline for the World Zionist Congress election (which you can read more about here) is this coming Sunday, May 4th. We asked some of the Harlamites on the Reform slate – Harlam alumni, staff, faculty, parents, & more! – to share their perspectives about why they are on this slate, how it connects to Harlam, and why this election is so important!
You can vote here!
Eden Anolick
Camp Harlam was pivotal in building my identity as a Jew and shaping my love for Israel. It was one of the first spaces where I was embraced for my authentic self as a queer Jew. Supporting ARZA in the World Zionist Congress upholds the core values that Camp Harlam stands upon, including B’tzelem Elohim (created in the image of God) and Hachnasat Orchim (being a welcoming and accepting community). I am on the Reform Slate because this slate is rooted in the respect for, and the authenticity of, all Jews. Camp Harlam is our home – we all belong here – and the Reform Slate will fight to ensure Israel continues to be a home for all Jews as well.
Zoe Babione
While the reason I am physically on the Vote Reform slate is thanks to my position on NFTY’s North American Board, my motivations are rooted in my experiences with camp. My first time in Israel was in 2023 on my Yallah! Israel summer trip with Camp Harlam. The experiences I had while abroad sparked a connection with the land and people of Israel that I knew I needed to deepen. I have done just that by getting involved in as many ways as possible when it comes to advocacy for the people of Israel. I’m on the Vote Reform slate for the WZC to continue to advocate for a pluralistic Israel so that we, the larger Camp Harlam community, can continue to connect with the country and form relationships with the Holy Land and the people that come with it.
Rabbi Peter Berg
I’m passionate about Zionism and the state of Israel. Some years, I’m able to bring 250 people to Israel from my congregation in Atlanta. Part of that passion comes from my time at Harlam and the wonderful pro-Israel community that we created together.
Rabbi Jason Bonder
I’m beyond honored to be on the Reform Slate for this year’s World Zionist Congress elections. One of my hopes for our American Jewish community is that each of us will find our own connection with Israel. This is not that different than what happens at Camp Harlam when we strive to show each camper that they have access to ancient Jewish tradition and they can make it their own. The WZC elections is a chance for each American Jew, 18 years or older, to affirm that connection by making our voice heard. I’m honored to play a part in this process.
Marc Landis
I’m on the Vote Reform slate because my Camp Harlam values are also my Reform Jewish values:
- Our love for all Jews, even those that might not agree with us.
- Our belief that all people are created in God’s image.
- Our love for Israel, even when we don’t agree with the government.
- Strengthening our ties to Israel – let’s make sure we can keep bringing shlichim (Israeli staff) to camp.
- Working every day to bring home the hostages and to create an environment where peace may reign.
Rabbi Jill Maderer
Much like our values-driven Camp Harlam models, we need to walk the walk in every part of our lives. With the Reform platform in the WZO election, we influence Israel’s policy and funding in our support of Reform Judaism in Israel; our support of efforts to create a home for Palestinians and Israelis to live each in their own homes, safe and free; our opposition to extremism; and our support of Reform Jewish values such as egalitarianism, religious pluralism, and protection of minority identities. Much like camp empowers us, this election empowers us!
Sherrill Neff
My son Yoni (aka Jonathan, aka Skippy) Neff was a URJ Camp Harlam lifer, attended Heller High/EIE Semester in Israel after Harlam’s summer trip to Israel, got his undergraduate degree in Israel, and lived there for several years after college. Our entire family is both unapologetically Reform and unapologetically Zionist. I am a proud member of the Reform slate for the World Zionist Congress to fight for an Israel that respects our values, embraces religious pluralism, champions women’s and LGBTQ rights, and is committed to democracy. We have to have a big seat at the WZC table so that our voices are heard loud and clear.
Rabbi Stacy Rigler
I’m on the Reform Slate because I participated in the Camp Harlam Yallah! Israel trip in summer 2023. As we landed in a country facing protests over threats to democracy, I saw elements of Israeli society straying from my Reform Jewish values. When asked to help inspire Reform Jews to vote for democracy, equality, and religious freedom in Israel, I proudly accepted. With your vote, future Harlam teens may experience a more just and democratic Jewish state.
Cantor Rosalie Will
As the daughter of a convert, as a mother of two young women whose father is also the son of a convert, and as a cantor who has made it my career to create safe places for anyone who chooses to identify as part of a Jewish community – to see their journeys and live their lives through the lens of Jewish values, history, and a deep commitment to social justice – I implore you to vote in the WZO election.
This election will allow folks like me to represent the values we celebrate at Camp every summer, thereby building a sacred and safe community, where everyone is welcome, and Jewish joy and repair are at the center of building that community.
You have only a few days left to vote! Vote #3, Vote Reform, so that we can ensure progressive values in Israel and build the world for the international Jewish community that can feel more like camp – where everyone truly belongs and knows that they’re home.