Mercaz Olami

MERCAZ Olami is a Zionist political organization representing the world Masorti/Conservative Movement of Judaism in the World Zionist Organization, Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth Leyisrael and Keren HaYesod..[1] 'Mercaz' is the Hebrew word for 'center', whilst 'olami' means 'worldwide' or 'global'.

MERCAZ Olami
MERCAZ Olami Logo
MERCAZ Olami Logo
TheologyConservative Judaism
PresidentRabbi Dr. Alan Silverstein
Executive DirectorRabbi Mauricio Balter
Associations
RegionWorldwide
HeadquartersBeit Miriam, General Pierre Koenig St 32, Jerusalem, 9346940, Israel
Official websitemercaz.masortiolami.org

Within the organizations in which it operates, the MERCAZ movement advocates for full equality for Masorti/Conservative Judaism in Israel.[2]

Leadership

The current President of MERCAZ is Alan Silverstein,[3] a Masorti/Conservative Rabbi, and member of Congregation Agudath Israel in New Jersey. He succeeded Stephen Wolnek in 2016.[4]

The current executive director is Mauricio Balter,[3] the executive director of Masorti Olami.[5] Prior to this, it was Rabbi Tzvi Graetz.[6]

Results at the World Zionist Congress

38th World Zionist Congress (2020)

The 38th World Zionist Congress took place virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, from October 20–22, 2020. There were 15 slates with 1,800 delegate candidates, competing for 152 seats that are elected by Americans. Mercaz USA won 18 seats out of the 152.[7] Further to this, MERCAZ received another 19 mandates from the Diaspora, making MERCAZ the fourth largest faction at the Congress.

Viewpoints

The Masorti movement (through MERCAZ Olami) condemned a plan by the Jewish National Fund to purchase private land in Area C of the West Bank, calling it "damaging to the legitimacy of Israel and favoring the settlement policy of the extreme right in Israel". They stated that the move to buy private Palestinian land "could irreversibly endanger KKL and our homeland".[8] Similarly, the organization denounces West Bank settlements and opposes plans to buy private Arab-owned lands in the areas of Judea and Samaria.[9]

MERCAZ Olami also pushes for no restrictions of the Law of Return (the law regarding Jewish immigration to Israel) as well as increased funding for its programs. Important also to the slate is the implementation of the egalitarian prayer plan at the Western Wall, creating a place for non-Orthodox prayer, and an open Jewish 'pluralistic society'.[10] MERCAZ also pushes for recognition of all conversions and weddings performed by Masorti/Conservative rabbis as well as state funding for their rabbis.[11]

References
  1. "An Introduction to MERCAZ". Beth El Temple. West Hartford, Connecticut. February 15, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  2. Harris, Ben (February 20, 2020). "In World Zionist elections, American Jews who care about Israel get their say". Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
  3. "Our Team". Mercaz Olami. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  4. "Silverstein again heads Conservative group". New Jersey Jewish News. March 16, 2016.
  5. "Conversations Over Coffee with Rabbi Mauricio Balter". Beth Tzedec Congregation. June 21, 2021.
  6. "Tzvi Graetz – Rabbinic Leadership Initiative Cohort VII". Shalom Hartman Institute. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  7. "Official Results – Statement from the American Zionist movement, which administered the US Election for the 38th World Zionist Congress". American Zionist Movement. July 16, 2020. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  8. Kaplan Sommer, Allison (February 15, 2021). "JNF Plan to Expand Settlements Could 'Endanger Its Existence,' Jewish Groups Warn". Haaretz.
  9. Flatow, Stephen M. (February 15, 2021). "Part I: Conservative movement denounces its own "West Bank settlers"". Israel National News.
  10. Ghermezian, Shiryn (January 24, 2020). "World Zionist Congress elections presents 'rare opportunity' to strengthen global Jewish community". Jewish News Syndicate.
  11. Heilman, Uriel (February 8, 2015). "A guide to US parties in the World Zionist Congress elections". The Times of Israel.
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