Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein hosted a special plenary session attended by the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Board of Governors.

The gathering centered on the Jewish Agency’s strategic partnership with the Government of Israel in deepening the relationship between Israel and world Jewry, facilitating Aliyah (immigration to Israel), combating efforts to delegitimize Israel, and strengthening Israeli society.

Israel’s Knesset members, Edelstein said in his remarks, “are both native born Israelis and immigrants from many countries; secular and religious; Arab and Jewish.

“They represent the political right, left, and center. If two Jews can have three opinions, imagine how many there are among 120 MKs.”

He continued, “We have gathered here today bound by our common membership in the larger, global Jewish people. Our backgrounds and lifestyles may be different, and we represent cultures and countries from the four corners of the Earth.

“But we are, fundamentally, part of one family. And that means we need to coexist despite our differences, however profound they may be.”

Edelstein pointed out the issue of prayer at the Western Wall, stressing that “this site is has primary religious significance for all Jews.”

“And while this site is meant to bring our people together, such unity has been difficult to achieve. This is not for lack of trying. As you are aware, the Government, with the assistance of Chairman Sharansky, has spent a great deal of effort to find a workable solution. Indeed, we have made a great deal of progress.

“But we have not yet arrived at a resolution, a fact that has posed a challenge to the Israel-Diaspora relationship.

“We sincerely appreciate your constructive input throughout this process, and we thank you for voicing your legitimate concerns. I can assure you that your voice is heard,” said the Knesset Speaker, who also said that “public petitions abroad do not help achieve a solution.”

“Instead,” he warned, “they fuel protests here, which only makes a resolution more difficult. I believe we need to find a new, different way of working through and settling these difficult issues. As family. A way that recognizes and respects our differences, while not expecting anyone to change his most personal feelings.

“So it is not helpful to criticize Israelis for adhering to Orthodox Judaism. And it does not help Israelis to critique Jews abroad for being Reform or Conservative. When we do so, we only weaken the bonds between us,” he stressed.

“Fortunately, there are efforts to bridge the gaps between us by reinforcing Jewish identity. We have already seen the positive results of programs like Birthright. Israelis are ready and willing to invest the resources to develop additional Israel education programs abroad,” said Edelstein.

“But we need your help and partnership running these programs for them to succeed at keeping our people united.”

The Knesset Speaker also rejected claims by some that Israel’s efforts for peace with its Arab neighbors have not been sufficient.

“I should mention that just a few months ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu invited [Palestinian Authority chairman] Abbas to the Knesset. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister's invitation was turned down in favor of an invitation to The Hague,” he pointed out. “The potential headline, ‘Netanyahu Invites Abbas to Knesset, Abbas Invites Netanyahu to The Hague,’ seems like an accurate summary of the situation, in which our every gesture is met with equal efforts to blame Israel for the lack of progress.”

Edelstein opined that “peace is a bottom-up process. Israelis have made considerable investments in education, employment, and progress to ensure that we all have a more sustainable and, yes, peaceful future in this region. These will ensure that any future diplomatic agreement has the necessary base of support.”

He added, “As you know, I attend many meetings of parliamentary leaders from around the world. I am often asked about ‘progress’ in this region, and some of these leaders ask how they can help ‘progress’ along.

“My consistent request is for help bringing my Arab counterparts to the table so we can discuss the important issues that affect us all—water, agriculture, the environment, and more. But even so, I don't have much to report at the moment. I assure you that the door of the Knesset is open, and it will remain so, for members of Arab parliaments who want to meet us.”