Bring back the choice: Why precisely in moments of crisis, Jewish leadership is a moral obligation | Josh Aronson
Josh Aronson, a journalist for 'Maariv' who is on the autism spectrum, argues that Diaspora Judaism must shift from passivity to activism. He calls on Jews to stop being victims of rising antisemitism and crises, and to adopt an 'internal locus of control'. Aronson describes his membership in the global council of President Herzog's 'Voice of the People' initiative as a leadership laboratory, and invites readers to apply for the second cycle of the initiative.
Josh Aronson, a 'Maariv' journalist living in Manchester who describes himself as on the autism spectrum, publishes an opinion piece calling for a deep perceptual shift in Diaspora Judaism. He describes a tumultuous period of rising antisemitism, loneliness, and cracks in the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, leading many Jews to a defensive stance. Aronson quotes Viktor Frankl and the psychological concept of an 'external locus of control' to argue that Jews must move to an 'internal locus of control' – transforming from an influenced force to an initiating and shaping force. He connects his personal struggle to promote the term 'people with determination' and advance accessibility, and describes his membership in the global council of President Isaac Herzog's 'Voice of the People' initiative as a leadership laboratory that changed the way he operates. The article concludes with a call to action: opening registration for the second cycle of 'Voice of the People', with a link to submit applications until October 12.