CEO of HaShomer HaChadash delivered a passionate speech at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference, held at the Friends of Zion Media Center, Yoel Zilberman, after being recognized among the Jerusalem Post’s 50 most influential Jews.
“I want to leave you here a bit optimistic,” Zilberman started, reflecting on Jewish history and resilience. He compared past generations to today’s youth, stating that after October 7, “we met a generation that is no less significant than those seen in 1948 or 1904.”
Zilberman acknowledged Israel’s urgent issues – “I can keep you awake tonight by discussing internal challenges, including 400,000 illegal guns” – but stressed the importance of crafting a new vision. “The most vital task for the Jerusalem Post is to create a fresh narrative for world Jewry, starting now. We cannot ignore this crisis.”
Zilberman mentioned the need for Israel to be independent in food, energy, and security, warning that “today, 50% of our food is imported from Turkey and Jordan. We rely on Turkey for sustenance. We could face starvation here in Israel.”
“In Israel, farmers are the borders,” he said, calling for a return to the land and stressing the need to revitalize borders through farming and settlement. With clarity and resolve, he envisioned, “Israel can become the Joseph of the Middle East… not only food self-sufficient but also supporting Africa, India, and the rest of the world.”
Written in collaboration with HaShomer HaChadash