We are proud to announce that MERCAZ Olami has grown from 34 mandates in 2020 to 38 in 2025 at this year’s elections for the World Zionist Congress. This significant gain reflects the growing strength of our Masorti/Conservative movement around the world. It is testimony of what can be achieved when we stand together globally to protect our values.
Highlights from Around the Globe
In the UK, Itzik Darel (New North London) and Jay Dor (SHEMA) will represent Masorti Judaism at the World Zionist Congress this October, alongside Bruce Rigal, who will attend as a Masorti Olami delegate.
In the UK, our list Our Israel won 5 seats out of 19, coming in second in terms of votes – ahead of everyone except Eretz Hakodesh, the Haredi slate.
Why This Matters for Masorti Jews in the UK
This isn’t just about numbers, it’s about impact.
It means that our movement’s values of inclusion, Jewish learning, and pluralism, will be heard where key decisions about Israel and the global Jewish community are made.
The World Zionist Congress helps shape policy and funding for education, religious life, and community development. A stronger MERCAZ presence means:
The Foundation of Our Success
This victory was made possible through an unprecedented mobilisation of our movement and partner organisations. Every conversation, every vote, and every volunteer effort added up. Together, we demonstrated that the Masorti/Conservative movement’s voice truly matters, and that UK Masorti Jews are part of a global force for change. Thank you for registering and voting.
What This Means for in Israel
In Israel today, Masorti rabbis cannot officiate at weddings; our conversions are not recognised; and unlike other denominations, our rabbis’ salaries are not state-funded. Women’s prayer spaces at the Kotel remain under pressure, and pluralistic, democratic Jewish values are constantly challenged.
Now, that can begin to change.
With our expanded mandate, MERCAZ Olami now holds greater negotiating power and a stronger voice in Jewish People’s National Institutions for the next five years. This means we can:
Looking Forward Together
As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognise the work ahead. Our strengthened mandate is an opportunity to shape a more pluralistic, inclusive, and vibrant Jewish future.
This success belongs to every one of you who stood with us. Together, we have shown that when the Conservative/Masorti movement unites behind a common purpose, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Some definitions
MERCAZ Olami is the Zionist organisation of the Masorti/Conservative movement. It represents Masorti/Conservative Jews within the official bodies of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the World Jewish Congress.
Through MERCAZ, Masorti Jews from around the world have a collective voice in shaping the future of Israel and global Jewish life. We can influence issues such as religious pluralism, Jewish education, inclusion, and support for Masorti communities.
MERCAZ works to ensure that Masorti/Conservative values of equality, democracy, and diversity are reflected in how Zionist institutions allocate funding, set policy, and represent the Jewish people worldwide.
Every five years, MERCAZ participates in elections to the World Zionist Congress, often described as the “parliament of the Jewish people.” The number of mandates MERCAZ holds determines how much influence our movement has in these key global Jewish institutions.
