- A message from 2023-2025 FJMC International President Alan Budman
I am proud to be a member of the slate (Number 17) of MERCAZ USA, the Zionist Organization of the American Conservative/Masorti Movement. At the next World Zionist Congress, MERCAZ USA will advocate for a strong and secure Israel rooted in the moral and spiritual vision of the Hebrew prophets—a society that celebrates democratic principles, embraces all diverse Jewish traditions, and safeguards the rights, dignity, and inclusion of all its citizens.
As Israel recovers from October 7, and with antisemitism rising around the world, our mission is more critical than ever.
- Mercaz works to ensure that the WZO and its affiliates will help rebuild the communities devastated on October 7, and provide vital support to those who have been held hostage and their families.
- We direct resources into our local communities to combat antisemitism and provide education that addresses the root causes of hate.
- Mercaz is that voice upholding inclusive democracy and civil rights for all in Israel and including all Jews in the Zionist vision of a democratic Israel.
- We promote understanding of the Zionist vision, dispel misconceptions about Zionism, counter anti-Zionist actions, and challenge actions which threaten Israel’s safety and security.
- Mercaz is the leader in securing a future where Jewish people of all backgrounds can realize the dream of a secure, pluralistic and democratic Israel with fair treatment of Jews and non-Jews who call Israel home, regardless of beliefs, gender or sexual orientation. And we know that many younger adults don’t care about Israel as my generation does.
- We work to bring more resources into our communities to connect the next generation of American Jews with Israel, and their Jewish identity.
- Mercaz will fight to secure government recognition of all streams of Judaism, implement the Kotel Agreement, and oppose all attempts to restrict the Law of Return.
- We stand in support of the vision of an Israel integrated within the region and at peace with all its neighbors, including the Palestinians.
My friends, Mercaz means “center”. Please vote for Slate Number 17 and make Mercaz the center of the World Zionist Organization. Or, for our brothers, and sisters from the Reform Tradition, please vote for the URJ-ARZA Slate (Number 3).
In Brotherhood,
Alan Budman
International President, 2023 – 2025
abudman@fjmc.org
The 2025 World Zionist Congress election is here; it’s time to vote for the MERCAZ USA slate. The World Zionist Congress and its affiliates provide millions of dollars in funding and support the programs that enrich your community and Jewish life in the U.S. Voting for MERCAZ USA is an investment in the future of the Jewish institutions at the heart of our communities. This funding includes Israel education at Ramah summer camps, programming at our congregations, and critical philanthropy objectives supporting hostage families, the global diaspora, and more. Vote today by visiting https://www.mercazusa.org/votemercaz2025/ and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same! Together, we can realize the Zionist vision of a safe, secure, Jewish, and democratic Israel that serves as a home for every Jew.
Voting is open through May 4, 2025 and no organizational membership is required beforehand. Any Jewish adult over 18 who lives permanently in the U.S. and didn’t vote in the last Knesset election is eligible to vote for MERCAZ USA in the World Zionist Congress elections. Vote today!
MERCAZ USA is the United States branch of MERCAZ OLAMI, the Zionist organization of the Masorti (Conservative) Movement. MERCAZ represents Masorti Judaism within the World Zionist Organization and Congress, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Zionist Movement, and the Jewish National Fund. MERCAZ is the force that advocates for funding of pluralistic streams of Judaism in Israel through the World Zionist Congress, which is crucial to our movement’s growth in Israel and around the globe. Their mission is to further the cause for true religious pluralism in Israel and strengthen the connection between, and create engagement opportunities for, the people of Israel and Jews living in the Diaspora. MERCAZ USA is proud to be the sponsor of ‘Masorti on Campus,’ supporting Masorti activities on college/university campuses, and ‘Mercaz Reads Israel,’ an online book club connecting Diaspora Jews to Israeli authors. Learn more about MERCAZ at https://www.mercazusa.org/.
This message is brought to you by the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We serve the needs of affiliated Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Learn more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at: www.floridaregionfjmc.org and please visit & LIKE our Facebook Group at: www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
The FJMC is a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn how YOUR Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://fjmc.org/for-clubs/affiliating-with-the-fjmc/.
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