The Manhigut Yehudit Solution/Revolution

"How can you lead the entire nation?" one influential Religious Zionist recently asked Moshe Feiglin at a well-attended lecture. "After all, we are a minority!"

"I am a member of kibbutz Daliah," Manhigut Yehudit member Nimrod cut in and introduced himself to the group. (Daliah is a secular, left-leaning kibbutz). I was born into the sector that did not ask any questions and did not wait for anybody's approval. The pioneers of three generations ago had a vision and a goal. They led the nation even though they were just 3% of the Israeli public. Today, this sector no longer has a vision, a goal or the strength to lead. But you, the Religious Zionists, have the answers and the motivation. Why are you afraid to lead?"

Nimrod, who grew up as part of the leadership elite of the State of Israel has been returning to his Jewish identity through his quest for Jewish leadership. Philosopher Ohad Kamin, is another example of a fervent Manhigut Yehudit supporter who is not observant, yet invests his time and efforts into creating Jewish leadership for Israel. Ohad's new book, To Perfect the World, analyzes the struggle between Jewish tradition and the State of Israel and offers practical, Jewish solutions for the crisis engulfing Israeli society.

Both Nimrod and Ohad are examples of a revolution taking place before our very eyes. They are not classic ' returnees to Judaism' who have put a kippah on their heads and joined the ranks of the religious people being shepherded and, at times - manipulated - by secular leaders. They are part of the growing movement of Israelis that disregards the traditional religious-secular divide and demands a Jewish state led by a believing Jew who will lead Israel based on Jewish values.

As opposed to the mere 3% who have led Israel until now with deception, coercing its Jews to disengage from their heritage and values, Manhigut Yehudit strives to give Israelis true freedom of choice. We have no doubt (and statistics prove) that the decisive majority of Jews in Israel wishes to express its Jewish values.

The Manhigut Yehudit idea is flourishing in the most unexpected places. It is the hope for Israel's future and the answer to the Oslo despair. It is time to dare to lead!