Last week global Jewry reclaimed the righteousness of progressive Zionism at the World Zionist Congress. I was honored to be among the delegates elected by our home communities and denominations, as Zionists from across the globe convened in Jerusalem to consider resolutions that articulate the global Jewish community’s vision for Israel today. The Jewish world is not and never has been a monolith, but the statement that emerged from a robust majority is clear: The global Jewish community supports a just, secure, and democratic Israel, one that reflects the vision of Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin, of blessed memory.
Public rhetoric about Zionism often surrenders to binary thinking and demands a false choice between support for Israel and support for Palestinians. Time and again the loudest voice in protests or on social media posts, this simplistic binary does not represent most Jews. When the conversation lacks nuance and complexity, the views of a substantial majority of American Jews go unheard.The statements adopted at the World Zionist Congress offer reason for renewed hope. Driven not by the loudest but instead by the mainstream majority, the resolutions demonstrate a public stand for progressive Zionism and against both anti-Zionism and fundamentalism. The World Zionist Congress, a parliament of the Jewish people worldwide that has more authority than an NGO but less than the government, meets every five years to appoint leaders to Israel’s national institutions, to allocate funds, and to establish priorities.
This year global Jewry approved initiatives to: prohibit the National Institutions’ (WZO https://www.wzo.org.il/en, KKL https://www.kkl-jnf.org/, JAFI jewishagency.org) funding or support for Jewish Settlement in Gaza; demand an immediate commission of inquiry into the failures that enabled Hamas to attack on Oct. 7; oppose Jewish settlement in area E-1 of the West Bank, a development that could foreclose the geographic integrity of any future Palestinian state; demand immediate reopening of direct access to the egalitarian section of the Kotel/Western Wall; and to provide security at liberal synagogues in Israel that have been vulnerable to attack by extremist Jews.
With passion for Zionism and compassion for humanity, I found it powerful to count myself among Jews worldwide who are devoted to Jewish Peoplehood and to an Israel of safety, freedom, justice, and inclusion. I was proud to serve as a delegate to the World Zionist Congress from ARZENU, the international political voice of Reform, Progressive, and Liberal Religious Zionists within the World Zionist Organization. I was also moved to participate in the weekly protest for the hostages (which continues until the fallen hostages are returned) to celebrate Shabbat at our partner congregation Achva Bakerem with Rabbi Tamir Nir, and in many other experiences I look forward to sharing this Shabbat and in the coming weeks.
The World Zionist Congress’ statement of Jewish pluralism, democracy, and security that now resounds throughout the Jewish world coincides with the anniversary of a tragic turning point in Jewish life and in world history. Today, we mark the 30th yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The one-time military commander who later devoted his life to the peace process was assassinated on November 4, 1993, at the end of a massive peace rally. This week, 150,000 Israelis gathered in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv to honor his memory and to call for peace. With the clear memory of the blood-soaked page of lyrics to the song “Shir L’Shalom/Song of Peace” found in his pocket when he died. I honor a vision for the righteous dream of Zionism.
