Israel has always been central to Masorti Jewish life. However, as the modern State of Israel developed, the Israeli government refused to recognise Masorti Judaism. Masorti rabbis in Israel cannot conduct weddings or funerals, Masorti communities receive no public money, and the Israeli government has gone back on its promise to create an egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall.
Mercaz was founded to bring together Masorti Jews from all over the world and to give us a voice with the Israeli government. Mercaz is also committed to bringing Masorti Jews in the Diaspora closer to Israel by supporting educational programmes for young people on Zionism, Israeli society and Hebrew.
