MERCAZ. Your Voice. Your Values. Your Vote.
THE JERUSALEM PROGRAM
THE JERUSALEM PROGRAM IS THE OFFICIAL PLATFORM OF THE WORLD ZIONIST ORGANIZATION AND THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT
Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, brought about the establishment of the State of Israel and views a Jewish, Zionist, democratic, and secure State of Israel to be the expression of the common responsibility of the Jewish people for its continuity and future.
The foundations of Zionism are:
- The unity of the Jewish people, its bond to its historic homeland Eretz Yisrael, and the centrality of the State of Israel and Jerusalem, its capital, in the life of the nation.
- Aliyah to Israel from all countries and the effective integration of all immigrants into Israeli society.
- Strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist, and democratic state and shaping it as an exemplary society with a unique moral and spiritual character, marked by mutual respect for the multi-faceted Jewish people, rooted in the vision of the prophets, striving for peace and contributing to the betterment of the world.
- Ensuring the future and the distinctiveness of the Jewish people by furthering Jewish, Hebrew, and Zionist education, fostering spiritual and cultural values, and teaching Hebrew as the national language.
- Nurturing mutual Jewish responsibility, defending the rights of Jews as individuals and as a nation, representing the national Zionist interests of the Jewish people, and struggling against all manifestations of anti-Semitism.
- Settling the country as an expression of practical Zionism.
The official page of the Jerusalem Programme my be found here on the WZO website.
VOTE MERCAZ CANADA!
Guest Contributer: Marilyn Cohen
The 2025 World Zionist Congress elections have finally been confirmed by the Canadian Zionist Federation (CZF). As Conservative Jews in Canada, it is crucial that we support MERCAZ-Canada in the upcoming election, which will be held between June 5 – 15, 2025. More details on how to vote will be forthcoming in future Chai Lines or Women’s Leagues newsletters or from your own synagogues.
It is critical that MERCAZ-Canada gets as many votes as possible to send as many delegates as we can to the World Zionist Congress which will be held in October. The World Zionist Congress, together with its affiliates KKL/JNF (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund) and Keren Hayesod, provide millions of dollars in funding and support for programs that enrich our communities in Canada, Israel and in Jewish communities around the world. The funding includes Israel education through Shlichim and Shinshinim at Ramah summer camps, Israel programming in our congregations, critical help to Jewish communities in jeopardy around the World, especially those in the Ukraine, financial support to our Masorti institutions in Israel such as the Schechter Institute, Fuchsberg Center and TALI schools which teach tens of thousands of Israeli children Judaism through a pluralistic lens.
Together with all the MERCAZ delegations from around the world, our voices can influence others that a centrist, pluralistic Zionism offers the most inclusive and sustainable vision for Israel’s future.
Please commit to supporting MERCAZ-Canada and encourage your extended family and friends to do the same. Together, we can realize the Zionist vision of a safe, secure, Jewish, and democratic Israel that serves as a home for every Jew.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Marilyn Cohen
Immediate Past President
International Northeast Region of WLCJ
MERCAZ-Canada: 2025 WZO SLATE of Delegates & Alternates
1. Nola Lazar
2. Rabbi Sean Gorman
3. Rabbi Steve Wernick
4. Shayla Brewer
5. David Roytenberg
6. Marcia Zalev
7. Gilon Lazar
8. Howie Sniderman
9. Rabbi Jennifer Gorman
10. Joanna Wexler
11. Yos Tarshish
12. Rabbi Catharine Clark
13. Rabbi Susie Tendler
14. Ryan Berger
15. Rabbi Kliel Rose
16. Gavriel Gorman
17. George Nadas
18. Janet Nadas
19. Rabbi Erin Polansky
20. Adam Hummel
21. Lyla Shannon
22. Rabbi Robyn Fryer-Bodzin
23. Steve Werger
24. Rabbi Gary Karlin
25. Rabbi David Seed
26. Charles Wrock
27. Kyla Hershoran
28. Marilyn Cohen
29. Noah Greenfield
30. Robert Cohen
31. Keren Gorman
32. Judy Silver
33. Ron Hoffman
34. Barry Barnes
35. Stan Greenspan
36. Marion Mayman
37. Norm Wolter
38. Chelsea Wolfe
39. Jessie Greenspan
40. Rick Wronzberg
41. Matthew Lazar
42. Bev Zaifman
43. Barbara Kingstone
44. Merle Goldman
Canadian Foundation for Masorti Judaism - Make a donation
The Masorti Movement in Israel is a pluralistic, religious movement in Israel affiliated with Masorti/ Conservative Judaism around the world. The Canadian Foundation for Masorti Judaism supports the work of the Masorti Movement in Israel which promotes scholarship, Zionism and religious tolerance and pluralism within the context of modern Israeli society. The Foundation raises funds to support Masorti programmes in Israel through the Movement and in its synagogue centres. Your donation helps to ensure that our work may continue.
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