The Jewish Agency has played a major role in shaping the history of the Jewish people.
Even before Israel got its independence it served as a semi-official nonprofit that made sure Zionism was not just a dream but a reality, and it has continued pursuing this mission nonstop.
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Chairman Isaac Herzog gave Israel Hayom an interview, touting the agency as the "big tent of the Jewish people, the biggest organization in the Jewish world representing every country, stream and group."
As far as Herzog is concerned, his mission is "to make sure every Jew has a sense of belonging and to safeguard Jews in every country."
Herzog, who took over as chairman a year ago, believes the perils from the dark chapters in Jewish history may no longer be manifested as clearly, but the situation remains as dangerous as ever.
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"We face immense challenges, both within and from outside, and the Jewish Agency is on the front line," Herzog said. He noted that the most pressing issues include "fighting rising anti-Semitism, preserving Jewish identity, and aliyah."
Herzog also said that his organization operates clandestinely, in potentially dangerous ways, in order to make sure Jews can set foot in the land of their forefathers.
"Some of the olim (Jewish immigrants) we bring come from states that are considered enemies [of Israel], and we cannot disclose their origin even after they arrive because we worry about their families," he said. "In some parts of the world, Jews are at a constant threat of being killed."
According to Herzog about 60 Jews arrived from enemy states over the past six months, saying that the covert methods the agency used to bring them to Israel would "send chills down your spine."
Ahead of Tisha B'Av, Herzog would like Jews to look beyond their immediate surroundings and build bridges from within.
"We face a major schism that could split our people in two, one in Israel and one in today's Babylon, so to speak," he warned. "It is incumbent upon us to engage in dialogue and show mutual respect so that we remain one people," he added.
Despite his concern, Herzog signed off on an optimistic note: "The Jews have not had it so good in many years. After 2,000 of Diaspora, the Jewish people now have a sovereign home, a thriving state that has the strongest military in the Middle East."
