Canadian Zionist Forum
Promoting a thoughtful discussion on contemporary issues affecting the movement for Jewish National Liberation
Welcome to the Canadian Zionist Forum
Hello and please let me introduce myself. My name is David Roytenberg. I’ve been thinking and writing about Israel and Zionism in one way or another for decades. In recent years, I’ve published articles in the Canadian Jewish News, and on the Times of Israel Blogs. Some may be familiar with the Facebook Group I started two years ago called Canadians Supporting IHRA.
I am semi-retired, but busy with community work. I am Secretary of MERCAZ Canada, which is the political arm of Conservative Judaism in Canada. I am also a member of the board of my synagogue, Kehillat Beth Israel of Ottawa (KBI) and have been chair of adult education at KBI for a number of years. Needless, to say, any opinions offered here are my own and not those of the organizations for which I volunteer.
1. Why Start This Now?
I get a charge out of debating challenging issues with people that I don’t agree with as well as finding common ground with those whose views overlap mine. I sometimes find myself writing whole articles in response to a particular Facebook comment and then think afterward that I would be happier if what I wrote had a bigger audience. I’m always thinking about what’s going on in the world and in Israel in particular and those around me sometimes get tired of listening to me go on about it all. Right now, what’s happening in Israel is particularly challenging, but also entirely engrossing.
These are all attempts to answer why I’m doing this and in particular why I’m starting this particular project now. I hope that what I write will be of interest to a larger audience and Substack provides an opportunity for those who are interested to identify themselves by signing up.
2. What kind of community am I looking to build here?
I value respectful dialog and on topic discussion. This means that I appreciate it when people offer arguments on a particular topic and discuss the merits and demerits of particular arguments. There are many places where various factions avoid substantive discussion by accusing each other of arguing in bad faith. If that’s the kind of discussion you are looking for, you won’t find it here.
No matter how deeply I disagree with someone, I take it as a given that they are arguing in good faith. Nothing derails a discussion more quickly than accusing someone of taking a particular position because they belong to a particular political tribe or demographic group or because they are defending their privilege.
My aim is to address topical issues as well as to delve into history and ideology. In all such cases, our best understanding of what actually happened is a necessary starting point. If the details are not important and flattening complex events into ideological categories is the goal, this is likewise not the place for you.
3. What to Expect
Since this is just beginning, I am not sure how often I will write here, but at a minimum, expect a new article once a week. Initially, all content will be available to all subscribers, but eventually some will be limited to paid subscribers. I will keep you posted on when some content will be for paid subscribers only. For now, please read and let me know what you think.
4. Zionism is a Movement Driven by Love, not Hatred
I am a Zionist because I love the Jewish people and care about their flourishing. Zionism is not driven by hatred of anyone, and those claiming otherwise are my enemies. I look forward to many fruitful discussions on the best way to advance the flourishing of the Jewish people, to confront our many challenges, and to work toward a State of Israel that is Jewish and democratic, faithful to its friends and resolute in the face of its enemies. I hope you will come along for the ride.