For many of us, the World Zionist Congress can feel remote from everyday Jewish life. But the decisions made there help shape the leadership, priorities and funding of some of the Jewish world’s most important institutions. MERCAZ is the Masorti movement’s voice in that process.
When Masorti Jews vote for MERCAZ in World Zionist Congress elections, they help determine the ideological and political composition of the Congress. That representation then feeds into the leadership of institutions including the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Hayesod and KKL-JNF – organisations responsible for significant budgets and programmes in Israel and across the Jewish world.
MERCAZ campaigns for a Zionism that reflects Masorti values. Its current priorities include:
It is also active beyond elections, providing political representation at the World Zionist Congress and national institutions, organising seminars and conferences, solidarity missions and educational programmes, and running expert-led online events on urgent issues facing Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
The World Zionist Congress does not simply debate ideas. Its composition has a practical effect on the boards and decision-making structures of major Jewish institutions.
The Jewish Agency for Israel — 50% of the board is made up of WZC representatives
The Jewish Agency oversees major programmes including Aliyah and shlichim and is a key channel connecting Diaspora Jewish communities with Israel. Representation within the Agency can influence policy on religion and state, including questions of Jewish status and eligibility for Aliyah.
Keren Hayesod — 50% of the board is made up of WZC representatives
Keren Hayesod–UIA works with Jewish communities around the world to support national priorities in Israel, including vulnerable communities and young people, Aliyah and rescue operations, and stronger connections between Diaspora Jews and Israel.
KKL-JNF — 100% of the board is made up of WZC representatives
KKL-JNF is institutionally separate from JNF-USA and manages major assets and budgets. Its board makes decisions about spending in Israel and support for Jewish education outside Israel, among other priorities.
Taken together, approximately $2.3 billion in annual funds are at stake across these institutions. The point is not simply the size of the budgets: representation determines whose priorities, values and vision are present when decisions are made.
MERCAZ’s work is ongoing. Alongside its representation in Israel’s National Institutions, it brings Masorti Jews together through seminars, conferences and solidarity missions, and creates opportunities to hear directly from experts and communal leaders about issues affecting Israel and the Jewish world. Recent programmes highlighted by MERCAZ include Drachim, Zionism Under Attack and solidarity missions, as well as online events on Israel, Iran, the World Zionist Congress and religious pluralism at the Kotel.
For Masorti Jews, MERCAZ is therefore both a representative body and a way to participate in the wider Zionist conversation: ensuring that our commitment to Israel is accompanied by a commitment to democracy, pluralism and a Jewish public life in which Masorti Judaism has a recognised voice.
For more information about MERCAZ UK and how to get involved, visit rebrand.ly/mercaz-uk.
