RELIGION

Ammiel Hirsch

Senior Rabbi

The Senior Rabbi of the Stephen Free Wise Synagogue in New York City, Ammiel Hirsch has long been one of the most influential Reform Jewish voices in America. Over the last year, Hirsch — a former director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America — has repeatedly stressed the importance of support for Israel and the need for Zionist education among American Jews. Addressing younger Jews in a piece for the Times of Israel marking the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre, Hirsh asserted that "what we did not intend is for some in your generation to turn your backs on our people. We wanted you to be Zionists. We did not intend that our emphasis on tikkun olam  — social repair — would lead some Jews to join anti-Israel demonstrations. We did not intend for Jews to lead Passover seders in so-called 'liberated zones' (liberated from Zionists) that not only violate university policies but also threaten the safety of Jewish students."