Behind President Isaac Herzog’s global search for the next ‘Voice of the People’ cohort

The Voice of the People initiative, backed by President Isaac Herzog's office, is now accepting applications for its second cohort of 150 Jewish leaders from Israel, North America, and the Diaspora. Council member Deborah Apeloig and CEO Shirel Dagan-Levy discuss expanding global Jewish leadership, countering antisemitism, and fostering cross-community trust through dialogue and practical projects. The initiative aims to address key issues like polarization and Israel-Diaspora relations, with over 20 projects from the first cohort reaching proof-of-concept stage.

The Voice of the People initiative, a global Jewish leadership project supported by President Isaac Herzog's office, the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and philanthropic partners, has opened applications for its second cohort. The new group will include 150 participants: 50 from Israel, 50 from the US and Canada, and 50 from other Diaspora communities. Applicants must be Jewish, at least 21, able to work in English, and prepared for collective leadership work. The deadline is October 12. Council member Deborah Apeloig, a Venezuelan-born communications professional based in Mexico City, and CEO Shirel Dagan-Levy, an Israeli lawyer and former business executive, spoke to The Media Line about the initiative's goals. Apeloig founded Tikun Talks, a platform addressing antisemitism and polarization through podcasts, digital content, and workshops. She emphasized the need for Spanish-language content for Latin American Jewish communities and described a shifting regional landscape where evangelical communities have publicly expressed support for Jews and Israel. Dagan-Levy said the initiative starts with building trust among participants who may never have met a Jew from another continent or denomination. Over 10,000 people responded to a survey about issues the council should address, with antisemitism, polarization, and Israel-Diaspora relations emerging as top concerns. More than 20 initiatives from the first cohort have reached the proof-of-concept stage, including the Jewish and Indian Alliance, launched in April after 18 months of planning.