By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President
Reflections on the World Zionist Congress
Last week we read Parashat Lekh-Lekha, which opens with a divine call that continues to shape Jewish destiny: “Go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
That journey, leaving comfort for purpose, is the Torah’s original act of Zionism. Abraham’s response to God’s call became the model for generations of Jews who have heard their own summons to build and renew Jewish life in the Land of Israel.
This past week, that same spirit of Lekh-Lekha was alive in Jerusalem at the 39th World Zionist Congress (WZC). Like Abraham, more than 100 MERCAZ representatives from over 15 countries on five continents in our worldwide Masorti/Conservative movement “went forth,” joining hundreds of other proud Zionists. Together, we reaffirmed our covenant with Israel and helped shape the future of the Zionist movement.
Thanks to you, MERCAZ had its largest delegation ever at this Congress. Your votes in the Zionist elections strengthened our voice and ensured that the values of pluralism, democracy, and equality were powerfully represented. Working in coalition with other progressive and centrist groups, we helped ensure that votes on more than two dozen resolutions reflected our commitments to inclusion, gender equality, and shared responsibility in the national institutions of the Jewish people (the World Zionist Organization (WZO), Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, Keren Hayesod, and the Jewish Agency). We also drew a firm line opposing efforts to politicize the Zionist movement through inappropriate appointments, such as the proposed placement of Yair Netanyahu in a WZO role.
Women’s League’s leadership was well represented in the MERCAZ delegation. In addition to me, our team included Past International President Debbi Kaner Goldich and Seaboard Region President Barbara Finkel. Together, we proudly brought the voices and values of Women’s League to the global Zionist stage.
Our MERCAZ delegation began with two days of preparation and study — learning with Dr. Rachel Korazim, davening at the Egalitarian Kotel, and honoring outgoing MERCAZ Olami leaders Rabbi Alan Silverstein and Emily Levy-Shochat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the Kotel, we were reminded of the ongoing need for true equality of access and infrastructure — a need addressed in one of our MERCAZ resolutions, which passed by a vote of 371 to 175.
During the week, MERCAZ delegates worked tirelessly in committees to advance our shared values. I served on the Accountability and Transparency Committee, where we debated three key proposals:
• A MERCAZ resolution calling for an impartial State Commission of Inquiry into October 7;
• A World Union for Progressive Judaism resolution advocating for greater representation of marginalized groups; and
• An ARTZENU resolution seeking better security for liberal kehillot (congregations) in Israel, which we successfully defended when the religious right tried to amend it.
All three passed the full Congress.
Like Abraham’s journey, our work in the Zionist Congress was both physical and spiritual, a reaffirmation of who we are and what we stand for. Lekh-Lekha calls us to go forth with courage, vision, and faith. MERCAZ and Women’s League will continue to do just that, ensuring that the Zionist dream remains pluralistic, inclusive, and strong for generations to come.
Shabbat Shalom,
Julia Loeb
WLCJ International President
jloeb@wlcj.org
