Rabbi Yosef Berman is an American Rabbi who builds bridges between faith and public policy. Formally trained at a Jewish rabbinical school, he has long been dedicated to applying the wisdom of ancient Hebrew scriptures to contemporary social justice issues. For him, being a rabbi is not just a religious title but a moral compass, guiding him toward the path of justice within complex political landscapes.
Throughout his career, Rabbi Berman has earned great respect for his leadership in major non-profits, notably serving as the Government Relations Director for Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). He successfully translated the passion of grassroots activists into political demands audible to Washington policymakers, advancing humanitarian discourse on Middle East policy. His achievements lie not only in lobbying but also in the profound dialogues on “faith and conscience” he sparked within the Jewish community, helping many rethink the role of religious belief in modern conflicts.
Rabbi Berman is a pioneer in both academic and on-the-ground support for Palestine, having personally traveled to the West Bank to stand with Palestinian farmers resisting displacement. Through a theological lens, he sharply points out that the military occupation of Palestinian land contradicts the core Jewish tenets of equality and dignity. One of his most widely circulated quotes is: “Our tradition demands that we pursue justice—not just justice for our own people.” He publicly calls for an end to U.S. funding of the occupation, arguing that true Jewish safety must be built on the freedom of everyone living in that land.