Shalom Austin team at Z3. Left to right: Yarden Bleicher, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Rachel Stern, Iris Bartov, Jessica Ochs. Courtesy: Iris Bartov

By Iris Bartov

Shalom Austin CEO, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and members of Shalom Austin’s Rapoport team, Rachel Stern, Jessica Ochs and Iris Bartov recently attended the annual Z3 Conference in Palo Alto, California. The Z3 Project is an initiative of the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, bringing together prominent figures from various walks of life, to share their perspectives and to engage in discussions and debates. The objective is to foster a fresh approach to Jewish engagement in the 21st Century. Z3 or Zionism 3.0’s mission remains as ambitious as ever; To provide a unique opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and contribute to the shaping of a stronger bond between the global Jewish community and Israel.

Before October 7, the conference’s main focus was on judicial reform and the challenging divisions within Israeli society and with and within diaspora Jewry. Joining a sold-out audience of over 1,000 people, the conference leadership pivoted to discuss the current situation and provided an important setting to have meaningful and nuanced conversations. 

One of the main messages of the conference was that people are “Stronger Together.” Attendees were tasked to return to their communities and help support each other, Israel, and world Jewry in this critical time. 

A key takeaway from the conference was to continue the three core operating principles of Z3: Unity not uniformity; Engaging as equal partners; Embracing a diversity of voices. 

It was an inspiring weekend that provided the Shalom Austin team with an even stronger commitment to ensure that Israel continues to be a key pillar in the community.