‘A seat at the table’: Latin American Jewish women call for a new era of leadership

Five women from Latin America have called for a new era of leadership in Jewish communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diverse representation. Speaking to The Jerusalem Post at the Voice of the People council in Budapest, the women discussed the obstacles they have faced in their own communities and the need to ensure that women's voices are heard.

The council, established by President Isaac Herzog's global Jewish leadership initiative, brought together 150 participants from Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

Judith Romano, a Mexican native and founder of Mitz Enterprise, highlighted the importance of recognizing the diversity within the Jewish community. Arielle Shturman Waiss, a doctor and founder of ConCiencia Project, echoed this sentiment, noting that the realization of Jewish diversity was deeply valuable and that she felt a sense of belonging after attending the council.

Shoshana Turkia Trinllan, a cognitive behavioral therapist and member of Gimmel, a Mexican LGBT Jewish organization, stressed the need for connection in a divided world.

For Turkia Trinllan, the council represents a new source of hope for Jewish people, offering a path forward that emphasizes inclusivity and listening to diverse perspectives. Jessica Landes, a Jewish studies teacher and director of education at a Jewish community center in Chile, connected the council's work to the increased inclusivity she has witnessed in her own community following the Hamas attacks in October 2023.

By embracing a more inclusive approach and fostering connections among diverse voices, these women argue that Jewish leadership can better navigate future challenges and preserve the beauty, richness, and joy of Jewish tradition.