By Shari Dym, Executive Director
At a time when the country’s unity is more important than ever, Rabbi Arie Hasit has a track record of bridging divides between different communities in Israel. What will it take to unite the Jewish state in the face of its immense challenges, and what important role can American Jews play here and now in making sure Israel is a pluralistic, open, and democratic society? Join us at Congregation Beth Shalom on Thursday, April 3 at 7:00 pm to hear Rabbi Arie Hasit speak on the steps that you can make to affect building a platform that upholds inclusive, pluralistic values.
Rabbi Arie Hasit serves as Associate Dean of the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, where he trains the next generation of Rabbis and lay leaders for Jewish communities in Israel and around the world.
As the World Zionist Congress elections approach, MERCAZ USA is rallying the Jewish community to make their voices heard by voting for a representative platform that upholds inclusive, pluralistic values. The election will take place from March 10 to May 4, 2025, primarily online at zionistelection.org.
Key messages from MERCAZ USA highlight the importance of voting as a means of investing in the next generation of Jewish leaders who embody shared values. “Each vote for MERCAZ USA strengthens our platform to support young American Jews through programs such as Ramah, YALA, and USY,” the organization stated. Furthermore, they emphasized that institutions like Ramah camps rely on backing from entities such as the Jewish Agency for Israel, which is partially funded through the World Zionist Congress budget.
“Every Jewish adult over 18 living in the U.S., who did not vote in the last Knesset election, has the opportunity to influence the future of our community,” MERCAZ USA noted. Voters do not need to belong to a synagogue or preregister to cast their ballots.
The organization made a call to action, urging members of the Jewish community to ensure their seat at the table in order to counter extremist perspectives that threaten the fabric of non-Orthodox Judaism. “Extremists who seek to delegitimize non-Orthodox Judaism are running slates in this election. If we don’t secure our seat, we risk significant funding losses for critical programs that support our communities,” they warned.
MERCAZ USA’s campaign is particularly focused on countering extremist narratives that have begun to dominate discourse within some sectors of the Jewish community. They pointed to notable figures, including Itamar Ben Gvir, whose agendas they believe threaten Israeli democracy and the inclusive Jewish identity of diaspora communities.
“The connection to Israel is vital to our Jewish identity,” MERCAZ USA emphasized, highlighting concerns that extremist slates may impede the ability of Conservative and Reform Jews to fully engage in Jewish life in Israel, including the process of aliyah. “Voting for MERCAZ USA is a powerful way to defend our Jewish way of life and ensure that our values are represented.”
The voting process includes a $5 administrative fee aimed at supporting the American Zionist Movement, which is in line with the spirit of Herzl’s vision for a united and invested Zionist community. This fee is not intended for profit but rather to facilitate the electoral process.
In closing, MERCAZ USA is encouraging all eligible voters to take action and fill out the voting form available at mercazusa.org/votemercaz2025/. They are also urging community members to spread the word among friends and family to increase participation. “Every vote counts. Our collective voice is necessary to shape a Jewish future that reflects our diverse and pluralistic values,” MERCAZ USA stated.
For further information about the elections and to take part in this critical opportunity, visit the MERCAZ USA website, mercazusa.org/votemercaz2025/ .
