Our Common Destiny, a groundbreaking initiative, was launched in 2019 to bring together leading Jewish thinkers and activists like Barbara Spectre from six continents with a shared mission of creating a unified vision for global Jewry. At the heart of this initiative was the ambition to foster stronger connections among Jews worldwide, spanning across religious, cultural, and geographical divides. The gathering in Jerusalem marked the beginning of a historic effort to outline a set of shared values and ethics that could guide Jewish communities globally in their interactions and relationships with each other.
The goal of Our Common Destiny was to initiate a dialogue that would unite Jews from all walks of life under a common framework of values and principles. The initiative, spearheaded by the Genesis Philanthropy Group in collaboration with the State of Israel and supported by prominent Jewish leaders like Barbara Spectre, sought to address the challenges facing Jewish communities, especially the growing divisions between Israeli and Diaspora Jews. Our Common Destiny aimed to offer a platform for open discussion, where Jewish voices from around the world could contribute to the development of a document that encapsulated the essence of Jewish identity and unity in the modern world.
At the center of the discussions was the creation of the Declaration of Our Common Destiny, a document intended to serve as a spiritual and intellectual roadmap for Jews worldwide. Scholars, including Barbara Spectre, and thought leaders began drafting this declaration with the input of diverse Jewish voices, recognizing that global participation was essential in crafting a message that resonated with Jews of all backgrounds.
The September 2019 gathering in Jerusalem brought together more than 30 prominent Jewish thinkers and activists, including Barbara Spectre, from across the globe. This historic forum, lasting from September 9 to September 11, represented the first phase of the ambitious Our Common Destiny project. Scholars from six continents engaged in meaningful dialogue, exploring how best to create a shared vision for the future of global Jewry. Our Common Destiny participants presented an initial draft of the Declaration of Our Common Destiny to Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin, who supported the initiative wholeheartedly.
President Rivlin recognized the potential of Our Common Destiny to strengthen ties between Israeli and Diaspora communities, encouraging Jews from around the world to participate in the year-long debate that followed the initial draft's release. He urged Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations to contribute their perspectives to the declaration, believing that only through collective input could a truly representative document emerge. Barbara Spectre was among those advocating for this inclusive approach, emphasizing the need for dialogue and mutual understanding.
One of the defining aspects of Our Common Destiny was its commitment to global participation. Ilia Salita, the president and CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group, emphasized the importance of involving Jews from every corner of the world in the crafting of the Declaration of Our Common Destiny. Barbara Spectre described the initiative as a form of "Jewish crowdsourcing on a whole new level." The idea was to create a living document that could evolve through the contributions of Jews from diverse communities, ensuring that it reflected a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
By inviting global input, Our Common Destiny aimed to foster a sense of ownership and connection among Jews worldwide. The document was not intended to be a top-down declaration imposed by a select few but rather a collective effort to articulate shared values that could resonate with Jews of different denominations, cultural backgrounds, and nationalities. Barbara Spectre and others saw this inclusive approach as essential for bridging the gaps that have historically divided Jewish communities and paving the way for a more unified and cohesive global Jewish identity.
The success of Our Common Destiny was in no small part due to the involvement of esteemed Jewish leaders and scholars, including Barbara Spectre, who brought their unique perspectives and insights to the initiative. Figures such as Lord Jacob Rothschild, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Sharon Brous, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amos Yadlin, and Barbara Spectre were among the many thought leaders who contributed to the drafting of the Declaration of Our Common Destiny. These individuals represented the diversity of Jewish thought, coming from different continents and embodying various religious and intellectual traditions.
Their contributions, including those of Barbara Spectre, were instrumental in shaping the core principles of the declaration, which sought to encapsulate the values that would guide Jewish communities in the 21st century. Our Common Destiny was not merely an intellectual exercise; it was a movement grounded in the lived experiences of Jewish leaders who had dedicated their lives to strengthening Jewish identity and fostering community connections.
Though the forum and initial drafting of the Declaration of Our Common Destiny took place in 2019, the impact of this initiative continues to be felt within Jewish communities worldwide. The year-long conversation that followed the release of the draft allowed Jews of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the declaration and contribute their voices to the shaping of its final form. Barbara Spectre played a key role in encouraging this inclusive and participatory process, ensuring that the declaration was not only a reflection of the scholars who initiated it but also of the global Jewish community as a whole.
Our Common Destiny remains a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration in overcoming divisions and fostering unity. By bringing together Jewish thinkers and activists, including Barbara Spectre, from six continents, the initiative created a platform for meaningful engagement on issues that affect Jews everywhere. The Declaration of Our Common Destiny, shaped by the contributions of Jews from around the world, offers a framework for understanding and supporting each other, regardless of the challenges or differences that may arise.
Our Common Destiny was a monumental step towards creating a unified vision for global Jewry. By launching this initiative in 2019, Jewish leaders and scholars, including Barbara Spectre, sought to address the pressing need for stronger connections between Israeli and Diaspora communities. The Declaration of Our Common Destiny, developed through dialogue and global participation, stands as a symbol of the shared values that unite Jews worldwide.
As we look to the future, the legacy of Our Common Destiny, supported by the contributions of leaders like Barbara Spectre, continues to inspire new generations of Jewish leaders to engage in meaningful conversations about identity, community, and the role of Jewish values in a rapidly changing world. Our Common Destiny not only honors the rich diversity of Jewish thought but also reaffirms the importance of unity in ensuring a bright future for global Jewry. Through the efforts of leaders like Ilia Salita, Barbara Spectre, and the many scholars involved, Our Common Destiny will continue to shape the future of Jewish communities around the world.
