Today's Leaders Shape Tomorrow's Reality

Our focus was clear: we must look inward and develop our own plan—one that offers an alternative to the anti-democratic and authoritarian nature of the Netanyahu government. A plan that actively resists the policies most antithetical to our Jewish and Zionist values: the expansion of settlements, the steps toward annexation of the occupied West Bank, the resumption of the assault on Gaza, and attempts to forcibly transfer hundreds of thousands of Palestinians out of the Strip.

To achieve this, we need more than just a plan. We need the courage to implement it and, most importantly, the leadership to guide us forward.

Dissent and debate have always been part of the Jewish community. As we have argued many times, this is not a weakness but a strength. It signals that we are strong, safe, and independent—that we can openly and passionately engage in debate, as the Talmud teaches, "for the sake of heaven."

But since the election of this current Netanyahu government, discontent and friction with our diaspora communities have only intensified.

There are many theories as to why this is happening. Often, these theories reflect our own biases. Some argue that young people are too eager to form alliances with far-left forces. While these alliances align ideologically on issues like climate action, LGBTQ+ rights, and workplace equality, they can be at odds when it comes to Israel and Zionism. The criticism is that these young people are willing to downplay, minimize, or even abandon their Jewish identity, Zionism, and connection to Israel to maintain these alliances.

Another perspective is that the very positive outcome of increasing integration into Canadian society has led to assimilation to the point where Israel and Zionism no longer hold the same significance as they did for previous generations. This shift may not necessarily stem from dissatisfaction with Israeli government actions, but rather from a perception—real or imagined—that a Jewish state as a safe haven is no longer an urgent necessity.

But these theories, for the most part, miss the point. They focus on blame rather than responsibility. What is missing from these conversations is an examination of who and what sits at the top of our community.

At the top of our community, quite literally, is leadership. And the critical question we must ask is: Are our leaders rising to meet this moment? The answer, overwhelmingly, is no.

For a myriad of reasons, those who find themselves in leadership positions—whether as the CEO of a federation or the rabbi of a large congregation—have often arrived there through institutional pathways. They may have worked their way up within the Jewish community, completed rabbinical training, or come from long-standing family ties. But leadership is not simply a title; it is a skill. And rarely, if ever, do these pathways ensure that the individual is truly capable of leading.

So what does it mean to lead effectively? True leadership is about crafting a vision for the future and persuading a community to build that future together. It means keeping as many people engaged as possible, recognizing that while some may disagree and drift away, new voices will also join.

Unfortunately, too many of today’s leaders see their role primarily as appeasing their biggest donors, avoiding controversy, and responding to the loudest voices in the community—often mistaking those voices for the majority.

But real leadership means setting the course, communicating a clear vision, and bringing the community along. It means guiding rather than following.

We like to think of ourselves as independent thinkers, but the reality is that we all look to leaders for direction, especially in times of uncertainty. When leaders fail to provide that guidance—or when their guidance is reactive, rather than values-driven—people rightfully feel let down, scared, and abandoned.

Since the election of this Netanyahu government, the judicial overhaul, October 7, and the abandonment of the hostages, the Jewish community has been searching for a way forward. Instead, we have been met with silence, confusion, or worse—more darkness.

Some have embraced this darkness, which is why we are seeing rising fear, uncertainty, and an increase in hateful rhetoric toward Palestinians, Muslims, pro-Palestinian protesters, and others perceived as threats. Others have sought a different path but without bold leadership to guide them, have found themselves frustrated and disillusioned.

The question of leadership is especially relevant now as Canadians prepare to go to the polls in less than a month. Just as the Jewish community faces a leadership crisis, so too does the country as we navigate Trump’s tariffs, economic uncertainty, and the looming threat of annexation. Canadians are looking for a leader who offers a vision, a plan, and the ability to bring people along.

We must demand the same from our Jewish communal leaders. At JSpaceCanada, we are committed to building and communicating that vision, and we invite you to join us in shaping it.

We understand why so many leaders hesitate. We face criticism, scrutiny, and baseless accusations regularly. But we also understand our responsibility: not to shrink from these challenges, but to meet them head-on. To continue building a community that raises its voice alongside us.

The darkest moments in Jewish history have not only come from those who sought our persecution, but also from those who failed to provide an alternative vision—those who refused to lead, or were unable to mobilize people, boldly toward a different future.

As the election approaches, many of us will have the opportunity to meet with local candidates and ask them what kind of future they envision. We should take this moment to ask our Jewish communal leaders the same question.