There is a unique energy in Jerusalem just after Pesach, a sense of renewal that was palpable this week at the World Zionist Organization (WZO) headquarters. In a meeting that felt as much like a family reunion as a diplomatic summit, WZO Chairman Yaakov HaGoel opened his doors to one of New York’s most tireless advocates, Dr. Paul Brody.
Dr. Brody, the ZOA President of Long Island and Queens, was accompanied by his "activist family," demonstrating that a deep-seated love for Israel is often a multi-generational legacy. The visiting delegation included his wife, Drora; his mother-in-law, Chana Aharoni; his son, Joey; and his daughter, Limor Oratz, a resident of Jerusalem’s Katamon neighborhood. They were joined by Rafael Cohen, Director General of Mount Herzl and WZO Foreign Relations, for a morning focused on heritage and the future of the Jewish people.
The setting was steeped in history. Walking through the National Institutions House at the iconic intersection of King George and Keren Kayemet Le'Yisrael, the group stood in the presence of the movement’s giants. Seeing the original desk of David Ben-Gurion firsthand brought the weight of the Zionist dream into sharp focus. The walls—adorned with portraits of Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, who chaired the WZO immediately before HaGoel—served as a powerful reminder of the steady leadership guiding the nation.
While the agenda addressed the serious challenges facing Israel and the Diaspora today, the rapport between HaGoel and Brody proved that meaningful diplomacy is built on personal connection. In a moment of levity, Dr. Brody noticed the Chairman’s unique gold nameplate—shaped like a Toblerone chocolate bar—and insisted on a photo. The shared laugh underscored a vital truth: even when discussing the most pressing issues of the day, there is always room for the warmth of friendship.
For our local community, this visit serves as a proud reminder that our neighborhood leaders have a dedicated seat at the table in Jerusalem. It is through these personal bonds and shared visions that the bridge between our homes in New York and our heart in Israel remains unshakable.
By BJL Staff
Jerusalem Leadership Summit: A Warm Welcome For Dr. Paul Brody And Family At WZO Headquarters
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