Mercaz USA מרכז

02/25/2026

Earlier today in Israel, legislation passed a first reading in the Israeli Knesset that would transfer authority over all prayer at the Kotel to the ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate and make participating in Conservative/Masorti and Reform services punishable by up to seven years in prison. If enacted, it would effectively dismantle the Egalitarian Kotel and deny millions of Jews meaningful access— including holding our B’nai Mitzvah.
Among many important steps to take is to sign the petition below urging Israeli leaders to stand for Jewish pluralism at the Kotel. Please sign it and share it with your networks and friends. As Tammy said so powerfully "We must fight for Israel's Jewish, democratic and liberal character so it can continue being a home for every Jew."

“What happened to me at the Kotel last week may be the future for every not ultra-Orthodox Jew in Israel… We must fight for Israel’s Jewish, democratic, and liberal character so it can continue being a home for every Jew.”

Tonight, hundreds of Masorti/Conservative leaders from around the world joined our MERCAZ Emergency Zoom meeting with Tammy Gottlieb, Director of MAROM, Vice Chairwoman of Women of the Wall, and a WZO Executive Board Member representing MERCAZ. She discussed her arrest at Women of the Wall’s Rosh Hodesh Adar tefilla last week, and the dangers posed by the Maoz-Levin legislation before the Knesset that threatens to drive our communities away from the Kotel.

You can help us stop this extremist legislation by signing this petition here and forwarding it to your communities as well as friends, family, neighbors and colleagues.

Ready for social media use/SMS/Whatsapp:
https://rebrand.ly/maoz-levin
Ready for email list usage:
https://lp6.me/6NN2S

02/23/2026

02/19/2026

Following the events at the Kotel yesterday, when World Zionist Organization - ההסתדרות הציונית העולמית Executive member Tammy Gottlieb was detained by police during the Women of the Wall Rosh Chodesh prayer service under allegations of disturbing public order, the World Zionist Organization shared a statement reaffirming that “the right to pray at the Kotel is a basic right to which every Jew is entitled, according to their practice, custom, and worldview.”

MERCAZ will continue to stand firmly for religious pluralism and for every Jew’s right to pray freely, regardless of gender or religious affiliation.

You can help us continue advancing Masorti/Conservative values of equality and pluralism. Visit mercazolami.org/become-a-member to learn how to affiliate with a MERCAZ chapter in your country.

01/22/2026

Iran is at a critical crossroads. The decisions being made right now won’t just shape the region, they will have global consequences.

To go beyond headlines and understand what is really at stake, MERCAZ Olami invites you to a Special Online Briefing with Sima Shine, one of the most authoritative voices on Iran, security, and strategic affairs in the Middle East.

Former Head of the Mossad’s Research Division and former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Affairs, she brings a sharp analysis grounded in years at the heart of decision-making.

Join us!

❱❱ Live on Zoom on Sunday, February 1st, at 8 pm (Jerusalem time)

Los Angeles 10 am • Mexico City 12pm • New York 1 pm • Toronto 1 pm • Buenos Aires 3 pm • Montevideo 3 pm • Rio de Janeiro 3 pm • Santiago 3 pm • London 6 pm • Berlin 7 pm • Budapest 7 pm

Event in English with simultaneous translation into Spanish and French.

See French flyer at t bit.ly/FRE--SimaShine, and the Spanish one at bit.ly/SPA--SimaShine

Register today:
English: rebrand.ly/010226
French: rebrand.ly/010226FR
Spanish: rebrand.ly/010226ES

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

At MERCAZ Olami, hosting conversations like this briefing is part of our ongoing work: ensuring informed, strategic engagement with the issues shaping Israel and the Jewish world. Follow us on social media and sign up to receive our updates to stay connected to future briefings and conversations that matter. Learn more at mercazolami.org

12/14/2025

MERCAZ USA Statement on the Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack

Our hearts are broken by the horrific act of antisemitic terrorism in Bondi Beach, Australia, which has left at least 11 innocents dead and at least 29 injured – at the very moment we are meant to celebrate the triumph of light against overwhelming darkness by lighting the first Hanukkah candle. Included among the injured is Arlen Ostrovsky, brother-in-law of MERCAZ USA delegate to the 39th World Zionist Congress last month, Rabbi Menachem Creditor. We are grateful to God that Arlen’s prognosis is good and he will, God willing, recover. We ask that you keep him, Yechezkel Ben Zoya, and all those who were injured in your prayers. And of course, we keep all those whose lives were so viciously taken from us and their families in our hearts and prayers for comfort as well.

Even in the depths of grief and fear, we find comfort and purpose in our obligation to keep our lights kindled. We will always be firmly dedicated to shining the light of Jewish life and Zionist values in our community and beyond, and to combating antisemitism in all its forms, wherever it appears.

Wherever you are lighting your candles this evening, we stand together with you and with the Jewish Community of Australia. May our world be a place where the light triumphs over darkness and may the memories of the murdered be a blessing.

Rabbi Hillel Skolnik, President, MERCAZ USA
Sarrae Crane, Executive Director, MERCAZ USA

https://www.mercazusa.org/2025/12/mercazusastatementbondibeachattack121425/

11/14/2025

We are thrilled to share this exciting news of MAJOR achievements and successes from agreement just signed in the aftermath of the World Zionist Congress. This could not have been done without your help and your votes!! Thank you for your continued support and may we enjoy this wonderful way to enter Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!!

11/06/2025

MERCAZ/Masorti was proud to bring our largest ever delegation to the 39th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, and that team made its voice heard in historic and impactful ways that will shape Israel and the Jewish world for years to come. You and your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues are invited to register for a special Zoom on November 23rd at 18:30 Israel time where senior MERCAZ leaders will dive into more detail on the Congress and MERCAZ’s historic achievements. We hope to see you there! You can also read an update from MERCAZ’s top leaders at the link in the first comment below.

🔗 *Register Here:* https://rebrand.ly/MERCAZ2025

11/03/2025

With heavy hearts and a deep sense of relief — we share the news that, Captain Omer Neutra Z”L has finally been returned for burial in the land of Israel.

💔 For so long the Neutras lived in the impossible — waiting for certainty, holding out hope, carrying the endless ache of not knowing. As they wrote in their Jerusalem Post OpEd they “fought with everything we have for what no parent should ever have to fight for.”

They will now be able to bury Omer with the dignity he deserves. Omer has return to the land he loved and served. His parents’ and brother’s courage and resolve have touched the hearts of countless people around the world.

🕯️ May Omer’s memory be a blessing. May his family be comforted among all who mourn.

10/29/2025

We are voting for and passing critical legislation at the World Zionist Congress. We are here representing you and our power comes from your incredible voting in the elections!!!