Democratic Israel for All

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Dinner with DI4A: Democratic Israel for All

Kane Street Synagogue is pleased to co-sponsor and host an evening of presentations by a delegation from Democratic Israel for All (DI4A)—a coalition of IDF veterans, reservists and hi-tech professionals dedicated to preserving Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Read below to learn more!

Friday, June 2
6:30pm: Kabbalat Shabbat service
7:30pm: Presentation by guest speakers from Democratic Israel for All over dinner.
Dinner is free thanks to our generous sponsors.

Please register now at kanestreet.org/dia-event-signup

Democratic Israel for All (DI4A) is a a coalition of IDF Veterans, Reservists and Hi-Tech Professionals

A non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. DI4A is collaboration between the Brothers and Sisters in Arms (IDF Veterans and Reservists), The Pilots’ Protest (Israel Air Force Veterans and Reserve Pilots) and The Israel Hi-Tech Protest movements. The foundational values of Democratic Israel for All (DI4A) are equality, pluralism, liberty and hence true democracy. We share these values with our like-minded allies in North America, and worldwide.

Our Mission:

To defend the values of Israel’s Declaration of Independence: Democracy, Liberty, Justice, & Equality.
IDF reservists and veterans have joined forces with Israel’s Hi-Tech sector to pursue our joint Mission - defending the values of Democracy, Liberty, Justice, & Equality in Israel. As such we are at the frontlines of the struggle to maintain a liberal democracy in Israel. We have served, protected and risked our lives to ensure a Jewish and democratic State of Israel, one dedicated to equality, freedom and tolerance, and based on a true separation of powers and an independent judiciary. We are fighting to guarantee that Israel remains strong, free and prosperous for the equal benefit of all its citizens – for generations to come. Hence our tenacious actions.

What We Believe:

Israel’s greatest “natural resource” is our people, who have harnessed their ingenuity, creativity, tenacity and enterprise resulting in Israel’s miracle-like success. Such unique characteristics can only flourish in a true democracy. The Startup Nation simply cannot survive under authoritarianism and tyranny. We will work closely with our brothers and sisters worldwide in order to confront the common threats of antisemitism, terrorism, tyranny and fundamentalism. We are tenaciously pursuing our Mission as an act of love and concern for Israel – to safeguard our homeland for us and for all those who cherish a Jewish, democratic state, with liberty and justice for all. Hence our tenacious actions.

What We Are Facing:

Democratic Israel is under attack from extremist, messianic and racist political and ideological groups who have gained control of the government – through democratic elections – yet are implementing the Hungarian and Polish “autocrat playbook”. The first step of which is to neuter the Supreme Court and by doing so removing a key pillar in the checks and balances protecting our democratic system. This is nothing more than a tyrannical coup d’état – that would severely limit the Supreme Court's authority to strike down laws that violate human rights and democratic principles. It is a blatant attempt to consolidate absolute power in the hands of a narrow coalition dominated by extremists. If this plan succeeds, it will cause irreparable harm to our economy, our national security, and our international standing. Most importantly it will undermine the common foundations and cohesiveness of Israeli society – “the glue” – likely resulting in the breaking apart of Israel as we know it.

We, the veterans of countless wars and the drivers of Israel’s economic miracle believe that this dictatorial power grab is the greatest threat the Jewish state has ever faced. Hence our tenacious actions.
A global threat to world Jewry – We are on the frontlines of the global fight for freedom and democracy. With the rise of antisemitism worldwide, it is critical that Israel remains a safe haven for Jews anywhere in the world. However, the current Israeli government is breaking the sacred covenant between Israel and world Jewry by restricting the Law of Return to those who meet their narrow definition of “Who is a Jew,” excluding millions of our brothers and sisters around the world from their right to make Aliyah. Hence our tenacious actions.

Pivotal Danger

The brutal anti-democratic coup being carried out by our current government is causing monumental damage to shared American-Israeli interests. It threatens the foundation of Israeli democracy – the “shared values” which are the essence of the unbreakable bond between the US and Israel. What’s more, the unique Israeli Start Up Nation ecosystem imbued with these shared values of equality, pluralism, civil rights and freedom of thought and speech are key to the prosperity and strength of Israel. Furthermore, Israel’s military strength – an existential “must have”- draws upon these same characteristics, principles and values. We will keep shining the torch of liberty with the light of our Declaration of Independence, which, much like America’s, declares liberty and justice for all! Hence our tenacious actions.

Global Threat

Democracy is being challenged in countries worldwide. We are on the frontlines of the global fight to defend equality, justice and democracy against tyranny wherever it appears. Join us, shoulder to shoulder in this struggle safeguarding the State of Israel, maintaining Israel as a light unto nations and not as a dark stain of tyranny and discrimination. For all of you who cherish the Jewish State and democracy, join our struggle. Together we will fight to maintain Israel as a bastion of freedom, now and forever. Together we will build and share the “democratic playbook”. Hence our tenacious actions.

Delegation Members

Yiftach Golov

Yiftach Golov, 39, is a Staff Sergeant in reserves; served in the Special forces of the Reconnaissance Unit of the Army during the 2nd Intifada, (2001-2004). A member of Israel’s Disabled Veterans organization.

A leading member in Ahim Laneshek (in Hebrew) - Reservist and Veteran soldiers' protest movement to safeguard Israel’s democracy. In a joint effort with Mr. Roy Gordon, the two have formed the international group of Ahim Laneshek - Brothers and Sisters in Arms. Golov is also the spokesperson of the Brothers and Sisters in Arms (international).

In his civilian life, SSgt (res) Golov is a PhD candidate (5th year) in Biophysics at Tel-Aviv University, and volunteers with Disabled Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Golov has also volunteered in different organizations dealing with Conservation, Biology and Sustainability, including The Israeli Sea Turtle Rescue Center and Tzalul Clear Water Ltd.

Golov is a lecturer in an international agroscience program at "AgroStudies", training candidates from developing countries in Asia and Africa in modern agriculture practices. Mr. Golov is also an experienced lecturer in sciences and philosophy. He is a former gymnast and a professional singer.

Roy Gordon

Roy Gordon, CEO of Rechter Architects, Tel Aviv. Commander at the Paratroopers Brigade unit of the Israel Defence Force (reserves). A father of 3. Founder and Director of Rechter Center for Architecture. A leading member in the Ahim Laneshek (in Hebrew) - Reservist and Veteran soldiers' protest movement to safeguard Israel’s democracy.

In a joint effort with Mr. Yiftach Golov, the two have formed the international group of Ahim Laneshek - Brothers and Sisters in Arms.

Brigadier General (Res.) Asaf Agmon

Brigadier General (Res.) Asaf Agmon served over 30 years in the IAF, and is a social activist for different social and civic goals.

In 1981 Asaf Agmon was the first pilot who landed a Hercules in the Sudanese Desert during operation "Moses", extracting Ethiopian Jews and bringing them to Israel. In 1991, while serving as a base commander, he was in charge of all of air operations of "Operation Solomon", also in Ethiopia.

Brig. Gen Agmon was appointed the Israeli Military & Defense attaché in Japan and South Korea. In 1998, he retired and founded one of the four largest companies for cellular supplies in Israel. In addition, he became a Director and Partner in numerous companies. From 2004 to 2016 Brig. General Agmon served as the Executive Director of the Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies, at the Israel Air Force Center.

For the past 17 years Brig. General Agmon has been active in different projects that promote members of the Jewish Ethiopian community in Israel, mostly youth. He is part of the "Fidel Organization" management, training teachers who teach students of Ethiopian descent. Asaf was the CEO and leader for five years of the robotic competition project FIRST, encouraging young students in Israel to get involved in science and technology.

Asaf Agmon continues in active reserve duty and serves as a flight instructor in the Air Force Academy and as a member of some of the Israeli Air Force committees. Brig. General Agmon has a B.A. in economics and business management, Tel Aviv University, as well as an M.A.in political science, Haifa University. Married to Raya with five children and nine grandchildren.

Ora Peled Nakash

A user researcher in the software industry. Lieutenant Commander (reserved) at the Israeli Navy. Mother of two, member of Kibbutz Ramat David.

First woman to graduate the Israeli Naval Officer Academy (Course Hovlim) in 2000, and the first woman to serve on an Israeli missile ship (Sa'ar 4.5) as a platoon commander. Board member of the Naval Academy Alumni Organization (Migdalor). Member of Forum Dvorah - Women in Foreign Policy and National Security.

Activist in the Israeli democratic protest movement, a leading member in the Ahim Laneshek (in Hebrew) - Reservist and Veteran soldiers' protest movement to safeguard Israel’s democracy.

Erez Ella

Erez Ella was born in 1971 in Jerusalem. He served as Major at 669 Unit (airborne rescue unit) with a record of dozens forays behind enemy lines. A leading member in the Ahim Laneshek (in Hebrew) - Reservist and Veteran soldiers' protest movement to safeguard Israel’s democracy.

Mr. Ella Studied Architecture at Tel Aviv University, was a Principle at REX Architecture P.C in NY and in 2005 was the Eero Saarinen Professor at the Yale School of Architecture. In 2008 Mr. Ella established the architects' HQ in Tel Aviv, he is currently a faculty member at Bezalel school of Architecture in Jerusalem and is co-chairman of the board of MEKUDESHET, a Non-Profit cultural organization.

Erez’s involvement extends far beyond the world of architectural design. He co-curated the Israeli Pavilion at the 2012 Venice Biennial of Architecture, and is the co-editor in chief of the architectural book titled “Aircraft Carrier - American Ideas and Israeli Architectures after 1973” (Hajte Cantz, 2012).
He is also a member of the ‘Jerusalem Season of Culture’ board of directors.

Nitzan Waisberg

Nitzan is a human-centered design expert, social entrepreneur and activist. Formerly a Consulting Professor at Stanford University, for the last decade she has lectured at the Coller School of Management in Tel Aviv University, ranked 7th in the world for number of venture backed entrepreneur alumni, where she co-founded a startup accelerator program, mentored and advised startups.

In her consulting practice, Nitzan works with various sectors in the Israeli economy including the high-tech, healthcare, government and NGOs. As a social entrepreneur and activist, she has been involved in numerous pro-democracy initiatives ranging from forming educational projects, an activist coalition for religious pluralism in the municipal arena to get-out-the-vote campaigns and voting integrity volunteer mobilization.

She lives in Hod-HaSharon with her husband and four children, and believes Israel must fight to be a liberal democracy.

Noa Cafri

Captain (Reserve) Noa Cafri has had the privilege of serving in the Israeli Air Force for 12.5 years, primarily as a member of the prestigious "The Hammers" squadron. Throughout her service, she has been responsible for navigating and operating the F-15i jet, one of the most advanced and powerful planes in the Israeli Air Force's fleet.

Captain Cafri has participated in numerous high-risk missions during her service, including the "Protective Edge" campaign and operations beyond enemy lines as part of the "Thunder" jet team.