Our Mission
Against the stark background of war, sustained threats to Israeli democracy, and entrenched internal divisions, the co-founders of The London Initiative (TLI) Sir Mick Davis and Mike Prashker, share with many others grave concerns regarding the trajectory of Israeli society and the related deterioration of relations between much of world Jewry, Israel and many Israelis.
As liberal Zionists committed to Israel as envisaged in the Declaration of Independence, the co-founders believe that an unprecedented effort must now be made to advance three interlocking imperatives: Mature liberal democracy grounded on pluralistic values, a fairer shared future for all and hope and commitment to secure peace with the Palestinian People – however remote that prospect currently seems. Furthermore, that these three interlocking imperatives will be more effectively advanced through equal partnership between world Jewry and Israelis of all backgrounds and that such collaboration will itself strengthen relations between world Jewry, Israelis and Israel.
TLI Network membership will grow to include 360 accomplished leaders. Around a third from the philanthropic community, a third institutional leadership – whether from legacy, communal or non-government organizations, and a third influencers – among them academics, social activists, educators, ex-diplomats, media, cultural, and faith leadership.
Of TLI’s 360 members, around 45% are citizens of Israel of whom 20% – representing their size in the population – are Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel. Another 45% of members are drawn from world Jewry. The additional 10% of TLI members are neither citizens of Israel nor Jewish. Their membership is driven by an important range of moral and strategic motivations that inform and strengthen TLI. Some represent the international peace-building community, bringing a range of expertise, resources and networks. Others are Palestinians, potentially from the West Bank, Gaza and the Palestinian Diaspora bringing the perspectives of Palestinians committed to secure peace with Israel in the framework of two states and building invaluable relations for the better shared future envisaged by TLI.
Network activities will provide these effective, influential and like-minded figures the opportunity to develop shared language, vision and hope. It will strategically strengthen connections, trust and partnership between network members from Israel and across world Jewry. All members will acquire knowledge, expand networks, develop plans of action and cooperation in service of the TLI mission in ways that are suited to their respective expertise, skill sets, experience, resources, and spheres of influence.
IF a Network of 360 very senior and accomplished individuals from Israel, global Jewry and select international allies, with wide circles of influence, gain conceptual clarity and appreciation of the connections between the key concepts of the initiative (the “triangle” of mature liberal democracy, societal fairness and secure peace, the significance of the movement of the “Overton Window”, and the challenges and opportunities of full partnership between like-minded Israelis, world Jewry and international allies), AND
IF those 360 will do more and more effectively – both individually and collectively – to practically advance mature liberal democracy, a fairer society and secure peace in and for Israel, AND
IF respectful, mutually enriching and beneficial partnerships between world Jewry and Israeli citizens of all backgrounds will be solid and sustainable,
THEN
Israel, as envisaged in the Declaration of Independence (a mature liberal democracy grounded in social fairness and enjoying secure peace) will be systematically advanced, ultimately achieving full realization.