Josh Aronson, a reporter for the Israeli newspaper Maariv who lives in Manchester, England, has been selected to serve on President Herzog’s “Voice of the People” Council.
“Kol HaAm, Voice of the People,” launched earlier this year by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, is a platform designed to connect all Jewish communities worldwide, empowering Jewish leadership and providing a shared space for discussion, developing solutions and forging new connections among Jews from all corners of the globe. In a world facing numerous challenges, President Herzog emphasized the need for collective action and the building of a global coalition to address the complex issues facing the Jewish people. Kol HaAm seeks to address this need and cultivate a new generation of Jewish leaders. One of the leading figures selected to participate in the project is Aronson, who seeks to use this opportunity to showcase Israel’s beauty and his commitment to Zionism.
The core of the initiative lies in the establishment of a World Jewish Council comprising 150 Jewish leaders from across the globe. The council, which will convene online monthly, will analyze and develop solutions to critical issues selected through a survey distributed to the entire Jewish population. These issues may include the dramatic rise in antisemitism, the security of Jewish communities, Israel’s standing in the international arena, Jewish culture and heritage, Israel-Diaspora relations and more.
To ensure fair and diverse representation, a unique algorithm has been developed to guarantee the inclusion of women, men, religious, secular, young and elderly individuals from all Jewish communities. Additionally, a fellowship program for young Jews worldwide will be established to develop the next generation of Jewish leadership.
Kol HaAm is not merely a forum for discussion; it is also an incubator for innovative solutions. The ideas developed within the working groups will be advanced with the support of research assistants and will be provided with access to research and data to deepen and develop the chosen topic.
The initiative represents a collaboration between the President’s residence, the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency and various philanthropic foundations. President Isaac Herzog expressed great optimism regarding its impact on the Jewish people: “Precisely at this time, when the challenges facing our people are greater than ever before, we must come together, think, listen, discuss and act—together! I am confident that the ‘Voice of the People’ initiative will begin a transformative process that will lay a solid foundation not only for the present but also for the future of the entire Jewish people.”
Aronson, born into a large haredi family with 14 siblings, always felt a deep connection to Israel, even after leaving the country following his marriage. “After my marriage, I left the country. Despite the distance, I always felt a strong connection to Israel and the desire to serve it,” he said. “Therefore, when I was selected to participate in President Herzog’s Kol HaAm project, I felt immense excitement. I hope to utilize this opportunity to bring projects and interviews that will showcase Israel’s beauty and my commitment to Zionism. Like Herzl, I also envision an egalitarian and inclusive world. I hope that within the framework of this project, I can contribute to the realization of this vision.”
Aronson, who is on the autism spectrum, found his path in media and public service. He studied at Ono Academic College and continued with a master’s degree in international journalism at the University of Salford in England. In addition to his work as a correspondent for Maariv, he also works as a freelancer for several Jewish newspapers in the diaspora. He is not only a journalist but also a social activist, and the value of volunteering is deeply important to him. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and volunteers with several organizations, including the KeepOlim association and the Magen LeKehilot organization. Additionally, he served as the chairman of Meretz Jerusalem, coordinated individuals with disabilities and stood at the forefront of struggles for accessibility and equality.
“The value of volunteering is paramount to me,” he said. “I believe that supporting the community and contributing to society are part of my path to driving real change in the world.”
Aronson exudes strength and determination when speaking about his life story. “I am proof that people with disabilities can conquer the world and be equal. There is no such thing as ‘cannot.’ There is only ‘do not want,’” he said, adding, “Do not give up on your dreams!”
