Synagogues

Synagogue Partnerships: Uniting Communities, Strengthening Israel

Why Synagogues Partner with Friends of Givat Haviva

Synagogues across the denominational spectrum—Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox—are united by  commitments to Jewish values, Israel’s future, and tikkun olam. Friends of Givat Haviva invites your congregation to join us in strengthening Israel from within by supporting initiatives that promote partnership and mutual respect between Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens.

Our work aligns with core Jewish teachings: honoring the dignity of every person, seeking peace, and building just and inclusive societies. By partnering with us, your synagogue becomes part of a broader movement advancing these values in one of the most important contexts of our time.

“Programs that further the integration of Arab citizens into Israeli society, deepen ties with fellow Jewish citizens as well as with the government, are essential to the country’s well-being.”
— David Heller, Chair, Friends of Givat Haviva
Click here to read the full article

Why This Work Matters Now

At a time of deep polarization in Israel and across the Jewish world, synagogues play a crucial role in shaping conversations around unity, inclusion, and shared destiny. Givat Haviva’s work promoting Jewish-Arab partnership is more vital than ever—not just for Israel’s democracy, but for the values we hold as a people.

Support from synagogues enables Givat Haviva to:
- Empower the next generation of Jewish and Arab changemakers
- Foster trust through bilingual education
- Advance joint municipal cooperation and social equity
- Reduce extremism and promote civic inclusion through dialogue and engagement

Synagogues Supporting Shared Society

Friends of Givat Haviva is honored to collaborate with synagogues across the country that are committed to strengthening Israel’s democracy by supporting shared society initiatives.

Congregations have engaged with us in many meaningful ways, including:
- Hosting educational events and speaker programs
- Including Givat Haviva in their Israel-focused giving campaigns
- Integrating shared society learning into youth and adult education
- Visiting Givat Haviva as part of synagogue missions to Israel

We welcome congregations of all sizes and affiliations to join this growing movement. If your synagogue has participated or would like to be involved, we invite you to reach out and connect.

Confirmed Congregational Partners

We gratefully acknowledge the following synagogues that have partnered with Friends of Givat Haviva through events, educational programs, giving campaigns, or Israel missions:

- Central Synagogue, New York, NY

- Congregation Emanu El, Houston, TX

- Pleasantville Community Synagogue, Pleasantville, NY

- Temple Ner Tamid, Bloomfield, NJ

- Temple Micah, Washington DC

If your congregation has worked with us and would like to be included here, please contact Sadie Baker-Wacks, Friends of Givat Haviva Development Coordinator, at sadie@usfogh.org.

Ways Your Synagogue Can Partner

Every congregation is different, and we welcome diverse forms of engagement that align with your community’s interests and priorities:
- Host an Educational Event: Invite a speaker from Givat Haviva to address your congregation
- Mission Trips: Include a visit to Givat Haviva on your  synagogue or teen Israel trips
- Shared Society Shabbat: Dedicate a Shabbat to the theme of building bridges in Israel
- Teen Engagement: Explore opportunities for young people to learn about shared society work in Israel
- Tzedakah Campaigns: Direct a portion of High Holiday, Mitzvah, or Israel Giving appeals to support impactful Givat Haviva programs
- Matching Gift or Designated Giving: Inspire donors to multiply impact through synagogue-based fundraising efforts

Spotlight: Synagogues Leading the Way

Across the country synagogues are taking bold steps to promote a more inclusive future for Israel. These partnerships support critical work on the ground and inspire congregants with a hopeful, values-driven narrative of what’s possible.

Thought Leadership: The Call for Shared Society

Friends of Givat Haviva Chair David Heller, in his recent JNS op-ed, urged American Jews to prioritize investments in civil society—especially organizations that work across communal lines to strengthen Israel’s social fabric.

“If American Jews want a thriving, democratic Israel, they must look beyond politics and prioritize building an inclusive society on the ground.”
— David Heller, Chair, Friends of Givat Haviva
Click here to read the full article

Let’s Partner for a More Inclusive Israel

Whether your synagogue is large or small, urban or suburban, traditional or progressive, your support makes a difference. Let’s work together to bring the values of shared society into the heart of your congregation’s connection to Israel.

???? Contact Sadie Baker-Wacks at sadie@usfogh.org to explore partnership opportunities.