Proud to be J

In recent years I have found myself returning to one question again and again: what does Tikkun Olam really mean, and why have so many people and ideas capable of changing the world emerged from this extraordinary place? That question became Proud to Be J.

This is a lecture about the Jerusalem I love — not only the Jerusalem of ancient stones, prayers and history, but a living, creative, courageous and surprising Jerusalem. A city that produces people who believe things can be done differently: Erel Margalit, Prof. Amnon Shashua, Eli Beer, Rama Burshtein — and many other entrepreneurs, creators, innovators and visionaries who together tell one larger story.

The world can be repaired from Jerusalem.

And that led me to another question. If Jerusalem has given so much to the world, why do we still think about supporting it primarily through donations? Why should the future of one of the world’s most meaningful cities depend again and again on a relatively small circle of very wealthy benefactors?

Not simply donating to Jerusalem. But belonging to Jerusalem.

A global community of people choosing to say: Proud to Be J. Jews and non-Jews. Israelis and friends of Jerusalem around the world. Because a million people giving a little can become as powerful as one billionaire giving a lot. It is about moving from donation to belonging, from dependency to partnership.

From this vision Jerusalem 11:11 was also born — an international gathering bringing changemakers, entrepreneurs, creators, leaders and dreamers to Jerusalem around one question: what if the next great act of Tikkun Olam begins here?

Proud to Be J. Proud to change the world from Jerusalem.