Liberal Judaism Chief Executive leads Pro Zion delegation to World Zionist congress

Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism, led a delegation of representatives and observers to the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem.

An agreement between Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism, brokered by Pro Zion, led to the creation of a joint electoral list headed by Liberal and Reform Chief Executives, Rabbis Rich and Tony Bayfield. The list won more than a third of the 1500 votes cast and were thus allocated 6 of the 18 United Kingdom seats.

United Kingdom Liberal and Reform delegates formed part of the Artzenu bloc, consisting of Liberal Jews from the United States, Israel, Australia, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and, from South Africa, former Brighton and Hove Progressive minister, Rabbi Charles Wallach.

Danny Rich was on the platform for the speech of Israel’s Minister of Education, Professor Yuli Tamir. The Congress was also addressed by President Moshe Katzav and Prime Minister Olmert. Liberal Judaism’s other delegate was young Zionist activist, Daniel Needlestone of the Elstree Liberal Synagogue.

Danny Rich commented, “It was a fascinating experience with a couple of highs and many lows. Professor Tamir gave an interesting address, raising the question of what is Zionism now that its two raisons d’etre (the establishment of a national homeland and the gathering of large numbers of Jews therein) have been achieved.” He added, “It was important that Liberal Judaism was represented, both to be seen (particularly in accord with my declared policy that Liberal Judaism must play its full part in areas of Jewish concern and interest) and because we were able to contribute Liberal Judaism’s unique experience, particularly concerning, for example, the children of mixed marriages.