Listen to Hartman’s Ronit Heyd, Vice President and Director of the Center for Israeli & Jewish Identity, in conversation with participants from the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Hazon program visiting from Israel Israel — Noi Schwartz, Ayala Dahlan and Yonathan Machlis.

Since October 7, it has been hard to imagine a secure and peaceful future for Israel. Conversations across the Jewish world have often been marked by despair: ongoing war, political deadlock, internal divisions, and a growing sense that the vision of a democratic, united Israel feels more distant than ever.

Yet there is another story—one grounded in hope. Hope is more than a feeling; it is the engine of social change and the foundation of a better future. As Israel’s anthem, Hatikvah, reminds us, hope is central to Jewish identity and to those shaping Israel’s tomorrow: young changemakers building community, students defending democratic values, spiritual leaders offering guidance, and bold thinkers imagining new paths for shared society. They remind us that even in difficult times, aspiring and working towards a better vision for tomorrow can bring about real change.

Hear from the leaders who are meeting today’s realities with vision and courage. Together, with purpose and optimism, we can help shape a better future for Israel.