The issue of freedom of choice in marriage in Israel is a critical one, not only for Israelis but for Diaspora Jews as well. The criteria of the Rabunut involving Jewish background and practice, as well as the absence of civil marriage in Israel, can make the process of getting married quite challenging for some. Please join us for a brief historical overview and discussion of how the culture and policies around marriage in Israel are affecting Jews around the world today. Presenters will include Susie Gelman, Co-Chair of JFNA’s Israel Religious Expressions Platform (iRep), and Karen Brunwasser, an Israeli olah who will speak about her personal experience of trying to get married in Israel.