Kol Israel Arevim Ze Laze

The Motto of the Universal Israelite Alliance

Hebrew translation: All Jews are responsible for one another.

The Alliance Israélite Universelle, founded in 1860 in Paris by Charles Netter and other prominent French Jews, is an international Jewish organization committed to protecting the human rights of Jews around the world.

The Alliance promoted Jewish self-defense and self-sufficiency through education and professional development. Notably, it established French-language schools for Jewish children across the globe, from Iran to the Ottoman Empire, throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries.

One of its founders, Charles Netter, also played a pivotal role in the Land of Israel. In 1870, he founded Mikve Israel, an agricultural school that became essential in supporting the Biluim and the pioneers of the First Aliyah as they sought to settle in the Holy Land.

The motto of the Alliance, "Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Lazeh" ("All Jews are responsible for one another"), is rooted in a classic rabbinic teaching and continues to resonate today.

In modern Israel, the phrase is frequently invoked during political protests, cultural events, and media discussions — often as a call for inclusivity and solidarity across the country’s diverse population.

Despite profound differences in Israeli society — regarding education, military service, employment, and the role of religion — many recognize that, due to Israel’s unique circumstances (security threats, global antisemitism, etc.), coexistence is not just ideal but essential.

The enduring spirit of this principle can also be found in Israeli popular culture. One example is the song Kol Israel Arevim Ze Lazeh from the 1977 musical film Hershele, which you can watch below. The film explores the tensions between Jews of different cultural backgrounds, particularly Ashkenazim and Mizrahim, highlighting the ongoing need for mutual responsibility and understanding