MERCAZ Values

Our official pronouncements, videos, prayers and content related to the conflict against terrorist organization Hamas that have erupted in Israel in October 2023.

Israel at War

Read more about our achievements and activities

Achievements & Publications

Read more about our achievements and activities 

Leaders' voice

Op-eds, information and update on the The World Zionist Congress

The World Zionist Congress

Educational materials that MERCAZ Olami has produced, articles and op-eds by MERCAZ Olami leadership

Educational materials

MERCAZ Olami is planning leadership missions to Israel and seminars, all aimed at explaining the importance of MERCAZ’s work in the National Institutions

The rise in antisemitism and impact on our worldwide Masorti/Conservative communities

Since October 7, our communities have been glued to media outlets, trying to understand what is happening in Israel and how they could help. When the IDF started attacking the Gaza Strip, there was a shift in public opinion, and the number of antisemitic incidents increased dramatically. Hear more about the impact on our communities from: 

• Shuly Rubin Schwartz, JTS Chancellor (New York, USA)
• Rabbi Fabián Skornik (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg (London, UK)
• Rabbi Gesa Ederberg (Berlin, Germany)

→ Facilitated by Dr. Yizhar Hess, WZO Vice Chairman

-- Monday, November 27, at 7 pm (Israel time) --

Special Briefing: The rise in antisemitism and impact on our worldwide Masorti/ Conservative communities

On October 7, as Hamas massacred 1,200 people of all ages, Hamas admirers in the United States and abroad celebrated. Immediately, they demanded that Israel institute “an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation.”

During the ensuing six weeks of warfare, calls for a ceasefire intensified. Advocates included the UN, China, Turkey, the “Squad” in Congress, Arab nations, left-wing artists and writers, and many “progressive” activists.

Israel rejected the notion. Why? Hamas has no intention of co-existing with the Jewish state. As during the Israel-Hamas wars in 2008-09, 2012, 2014, 2021, a ceasefire would amount to Hamas’s rearming and preparing for the next round of violence, which it has publicly declared it is committed to.

A Ceasefire Is the Wrong Approach

Article | A Ceasefire Is the Wrong Approach

Misión Solidaria de Liderazgo Masortí - Mensaje Rabino Mauricio Balter

Diplomatic and political correspondent for The Times of Israel and frequent commentator on Israeli radio and TV, the award-winning Israeli journalist spoke about the diplomatic aspects of the current war against the terrorist group Hamas. Watch the recordings below.

Special Emergency Briefing With Journalist Tal Schneider

Message from Rabbi Mauricio Balter about the Masorti Leadership Solidarity Mission to Israel 

Masorti/Conservative global leadership gathered in Israel to show support and strengthen the State of Israel and its People. Participants from around the world saw firsthand the results of the attack by the terrorist group Hamas, spoke with survivors and families of hostages, and met with top officials, including President Isaac Herzog.

Within 20 years of Israeli administration, these amenities became nearly universal.

Masorti Leadership Solidarity Mission to Israel • Special Report

In routinely condemning Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians, most media have ignored the context of the administration of the “territories” since l967. 

Israel has treated the "Palestinians" far better than did their Arab brethren. In l967 [under Egyptian and Jordanian rule] only l8% of the homes in the West Bank and Gaza had electricity, 44% had toilets and only 3% possessed a refrigerator or a stove. 

Within 20 years of Israeli administration, these amenities became nearly universal.

Distorting Israel’s Treatment of the Arabs in Gaza [and the West Bank]

Article | Distorting Israel’s Treatment of the Arabs in Gaza [and the West Bank]

On October 7,  Hamas monsters with ISIS-style cruelty stormed the two dozen kibbutzim and yishuvim in Israel’s border so-called “Gaza Envelop.” These barbarians proceeded to commit unspeakable crimes – rape, decapitating of bodies, burning people alive, mass shooting of unarmed civilians, and kidnapping of babies, children, women, the elderly, and men of all ages. They did not hide their assault on civilization. Instead, Hamas posted copious videos publicizing genocidal deeds for their shock value.  

Once Israel forcefully responded, Hamas shifted to its predictable second line of attack. Their goals are now to employ civilians as human shields and then blame Israel for the resulting deaths of Gazans.

Hamas intentionally locates rocket launchers and other weapons of war within, near, or beneath civilian institutions such as schools, mosques, hospitals, and apartment buildings. Once Israel predictably offers humane warnings about impending counter-attacks, Hamas physically prevents retreat by Gazan non-combatants.   

This cynical scenario means murdering Israeli civilians and then maximizing the death of Gazans. Hamas exploits the willing collaboration of the international media, reporting whatever anti-Israel distortions they are “fed,” without any effort at fact-checking. The press plays into the hands of Hamas military objectives, enabling the assault on truth to achieve propaganda victories.

Hamas Second Stage Assault - Media Distortion

Article | Hamas Second Stage Assault - Media Distortion

ENGLISH Briefing with Tal Schneider

Two parallel emotions have dominated the horrific hours of October 7 and its aftermath --- Shock and fury against the barbarity of ISIS-style Hamas and pride and gratitude for the remarkable resilience of the People of Israel.

Today’s message is dedicated to a few examples of the unending displays of courage, love, and unity by Am Yisrael in the midst of an unprecedented crisis.

Pride In the Resilience of the People of Israel

Article | Pride In the Resilience of the People of Israel

In the film “Ground Hog,” for protagonist Bill Murray, each day’s 24 hours are quite similar to what had transpired the day before – He is stuck in a repetitive cycle.
Israel’s conflict with Hamas [ever since Hamas forcibly assumed control of Gaza in 2007] has been quite similar.

MYTHS AND FACTS in the Israel-Hamas conflict

Article | MYTHS AND FACTS in the Israel-Hamas conflict

a prayer for the Welfare and the Return of Israel’s Captured and Missing from Among our Sisters and Brothers from Masorti Movement in Israel and Rabbinical Assembly in Israel in English, French, Hebrew, and Spanish.

Prayer for the Welfare and the Return of Israel’s Captured and Missing

A Special Emergency briefing with Major General (res) Noam Tibon

Worldwide Prayer for the State of Israel - ENGLISH

Find our official statements, videos, prayers and content related to the conflict against terrorist organization Hamas that have erupted in Israel in October 2023.

In the wake of the murderous attack on the State of Israel and its citizens, a worldwide prayer service for the safety of the captives, the healing of the wounded, the memory of the murdered and the safety and security of IDF soldiers, security and rescue forces and all citizens of Israel took place in Jerusalem.

Prayer Service for The State of Israel

Support Masorti's Emergency War Campaign

From Rabbi Alan Silverstein and Emily Levi Shochat, Co-presidents of MERCAZ Olami; Margo Gold, President of Masorti Olami; and a drasha from Rabbi Mauricio Balter, Executive Director of Masorti and MERCAZ Olami, in English and in Spanish.

Latest Statements From Our Leadership

To help us better understand the current situation in Israel and the IDF's next steps, DF Major General (res.) Noam Tibon talked to Masorti/Conservative world.

Special Emergency Leadership Briefing with IDF Major General (res.) Noam Tibon

A prayer for Simchat Torah War from Masorti Movement in Israel and Rabbinical Assembly in Israel in English, French, German, Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian.

Israel at War

Our official pronouncements, videos, prayers and content related to the conflict against terrorist organization Hamas that have erupted in Israel in October 2023.

Special Briefing: The rise in antisemitism and impact on our worldwide Masorti/ Conservative communities

November 27th, 2023

Article | A Ceasefire Is the Wrong Approach

November 20th, 2023

Message from Rabbi Mauricio Balter about the Masorti Leadership Solidarity Mission to Israel

November 16th, 2023

Masorti Leadership Solidarity Mission to Israel • Special Report

November 15th, 2023

Article | Distorting Israel’s Treatment of the Arabs in Gaza [and the West Bank]

October 22nd, 2023

Article | Hamas Second Stage Assault - Media Distortion

October 22nd, 2023

Special Emergency Briefing With Journalist Tal Schneider

October 19th, 2023

Article | Pride In the Resilience of the People of Israel

October 18th, 2023

Article | MYTHS AND FACTS in the Israel-Hamas conflict

October 17th, 2023

Prayer for the Welfare and the Return of Israel’s Captured and Missing

October 15th, 2023

Israel at War

October 12th, 2023

Prayer Service for The State of Israel

October 12th, 2023

Support Masorti's Emergency War Campaign

October 12th, 2023

Latest Statements From Our Leadership

October 12th, 2023

Special Emergency Leadership Briefing with IDF Major General (res.) Noam Tibon

October 10th, 2023

Prayer for Simchat Torah War

October 9th, 2023

Masorti and MERCAZ Olami Stand with Israel

October 8th, 2023

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