Article | From the Four Corners of the Earth

Article by Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin, MERCAZ Olami President

I must confess that I was unprepared for the depth of emotion that washed over me as Mercaz delegates began arriving in Israel—delegates coming from more than twenty countries, M’arbah Kanfot Ha Aretz, from every corner of the world. To see them step onto this sacred soil with purpose and conviction. And with a deep appreciation that the Masorti/ Conservation world spans the globe. 

Our delegates did not come merely to attend meetings or cast votes. They came to help shape the Israel we yearn for and believe in—a Zionist Israel, a democratic Israel, a pluralistic and egalitarian Israel, an Israel that reflects the best of our tradition and the breadth of our people. They came as emissaries of their communities, bearers of hope, witnesses to our shared covenant across continents and generations.

The collaboration among our delegates and with our ideological partners was rooted in respect, in shared values, and in the profound belief that Klal Yisrael is strengthened when all voices are heard. Their perseverance, patience, and principled engagement were among the quiet miracles of this journey.

And I must acknowledge the extraordinary work of our Mercaz Olami staff. They labored with wisdom and with remarkable strategic insight to bring together a broad and meaningful coalition. Their efforts not only contributed to electoral success—they helped articulate a moral vision. They reminded us that our role is not simply to defend our values, but to live them, to model them, and to advocate for them consistently and proudly.

We do this work because we love Israel—not an abstract Israel, not an idealized Israel—but the real Israel, complex and beautiful, sacred and struggling. We stand for an Israel that upholds equality, that honors the dignity of every Jew, that treasures diversity as a reflection of God’s image. And we stand firm against forces that seek to narrow, to exclude, or to diminish the pluralistic spirit at the heart of our movement.

These days reminded us that our people’s strength comes from collaboration, persistence, and purpose. We are not dreamers only—we are builders. And we will continue to work toward an Israel that is Zionist, democratic, pluralistic, and egalitarian.

Our commitment is real, our partnerships are strong, and our direction is clear. We will continue to engage, advocate, organize, and lead—because the Israel we believe in is worth our effort, our voice, and our presence.

Originally published on The Times of Israel

Photo: MERCAZ/Masorti delegation at the 39th World Zionist Congress. Credit: Yossi Zeliger