Rebecca Singerman-Knight and Rabbi Jordan Helfman

The World Zionist Congress took place in Jerusalem this week where, thanks to your votes in the recent WZC election, our joint British Progressive and Masorti Judaism slate won five seats.

Three were held by Arzenu Olami – the political voice of the global Progressive movement – represented by Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Ark Synagogue Senior Rabbi Lea Mühlstein and Leo Baeck College COO Paulo Kulikovsky (all pictured above Deputy Chair of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel).

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein chairing the final plenary

Supported by Rebecca Singerman-Knight and Rabbi Jordan Helfman, they worked with fellow Progressive Jews and partners from around the world to uphold the values of equality, pluralism, justice and democracy – to help ensure the future of Israel and Zionism meets today’s diverse Jewish voices.

They proposed and supported a number of key resolutions, in line with our Progressive ideals, which were passed – including around access to the Kotel, protection of Reform synagogues in Israel and halting settlements in area E1 of the West Bank – while successfully blocking others that would have undermined these values.

Rabbi Lea chaired the final plenary, where resolutions were voted upon, staying calm and strong in the face of vocal opposition from right wing voices.

As some final negotiations around agreements are still ongoing, we will have a full report next week. Please follow Arzenu Olami on Facebook and Instagram for key real time updates.