Reflections From the 39th World Zionist Congress

Every five years, Jewish leaders from across the world convene in Jerusalem for the World Zionist Congress (WZC), often called "the Parliament of the Jewish People." The 39th Congress, held this October, brought together more than 500 delegates from 42 countries to discuss the future of Jewish life and determine the policies and leadership of the World Zionist Organization. This year's gathering was the largest in WZC history, bringing together delegates focused on urgent issues shaping Jewish future, including women's leadership, mental health, antisemitism, community security, and the growth of liberal Jewish communities worldwide.

Among those taking part were many members of Hebrew Union College, alumni and students alike, who joined global partners in advancing a vision of an inclusive, democratic, and pluralistic Jewish future. Their experiences at the WZC embody the values and commitments they carry from their time at Hebrew Union College into the broader Jewish world. They reflected on what it meant to be part of this historic gathering and how it deepened their sense of purpose and connection to Israel and the global Jewish community.

Rabbi Peter Berg '98

Senior Rabbi, The Temple Atlanta, GA

It was a privilege and honor to be a delegate to the WZC. Together, as "Team Reform," we spoke with conviction about equality and inclusion, about Israel as both a homeland and a source of hope. For me, the highlight was building partnerships with other factions, parties, and Jews from around the world. I have never been more proud to be a Reform Jew.

Rabbi Liz Hirsch '15

CEO, Women of Reform Judaism
Cincinnati, OH

What an honor and a blessing to be a delegate to the WZC, representing Women of Reform Judaism and our Reform Movement. As an alum, it was particularly sweet to begin our time together as a delegation on the Jerusalem campus at King David Street, where I spent a year studying and learning to express my own commitment to Zionism - a Zionism that is pluralistic, democratic, and inclusive.

Rabbi Barry Block '91

Rabbi, Congregation B'nai Israel
Little Rock, AR

(I came to WZC) to express through action my devoted partnership with our Reform Movement in Israel, together with a wonderful group of rabbinic colleagues and global Jewish leaders of all ages and genders. Members of MARAM-Israeli Reform rabbis ordained by Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem-are my teachers and inspiration, instilling confidence in the future of a Jewish and inclusive Israeli democracy that seeks peace and embraces shared society. Just as I need my Israeli colleagues to teach me how best to articulate my progressive Zionism in the U.S., they consistently welcome and express a need for partnership and support from CCAR rabbis and the communities we serve worldwide.

I am leaving Israel on Motzei Shabbat Lech-L'cha with renewed optimism for the future of our Reform Movement's liberal values in Israel and worldwide.

Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson '97

Senior Rabbi, Temple Emanu-El
New York, NY

It was an extraordinary privilege to represent the Reform Movement at the WZC. It was a significant achievement for us to pass through the Congress the resolutions in support of Progressive Judaism we did. That happened, in large measure, because of the coalitions we were able to create with other groups. But for me, the most powerful element of it all was being in the presence of so many individuals who wear the label "Zionist" as a badge of loving pride and heartfelt commitment at a time when so many others hurl it as an insult.

Rabbi Cantor Elizabeth Sacks (DFSSM '07)

Senior Rabbi, Temple Emanuel Denver
Denver, CO

I want to emphasize how truly amazing the liberal progressive bloc was last night - AND how well we did with almost ALL of the resolutions. Our voices and our values showed up loud and proud in the room last night, and so much of the work that we came here to do was accomplished - through persistence, through strategy, and through excellent teamwork. I want to center what we now get to work on for the next five years - commitments and programs that center inclusivity, support, and the healing of the Jewish people after a very painful two years.

Read more about Rabbi Sacks' experience

Rabbi Joel Mosbacher '98

Senior Rabbi, Temple Shaaray Tefila
New York City

At the 39th WZC, I sat amid the swirl of chaos-debates, amendments, alliances forming and fracturing-and watched my ARZENU Olami colleagues move with calm intention and unrelenting focus. It reminded me how deeply my years at Hebrew Union College shaped me to find holiness in the work of organized people building toward a just future. The Reform Movement's presence at the Congress really mattered: our team brought our Reform Jewish values, compassion, discipline, and hope to the table-and we did it together.

Rabbi Ken Chasen '98

Senior Rabbi, Leo Baeck Temple
Los Angeles, CA

This was my second time serving as one of our Reform Movement's voting delegates at the WZC - but it will be this year's Congress that I will always remember with special gratitude. Our delegation led the way in passing resolutions calling for accountability for the failures on October 7, security and funding for Liberal Jewish communities in Israel, combating antisemitism, and advancing women leaders throughout Israel and the Diaspora. We also ensured that leaders who share our values will be among those holding the very most important positions at the World Zionist Organization (WZO). In short, we changed the Jewish future for the better - and we couldn't have done it without the historic voter turnout from our URJ congregation members. Thank you all so much for giving us the support we needed to bring the influence of our Reform Jewish values to our people's ancient home!

Zoe Dressner-Wolberg

Fourth Year Rabbinical Student
New York

The past two-plus years have been fraught for those of us who believe in the promise of a Jewish and democratic State of Israel. Coming back from the 39th WZC, though, I am heartened and energized by the strength of our progressive Zionist voice and vision. Our ARZENU delegation - the largest of any at the Congress - proposed and supported a number of important resolutions. At the Congress, we and our partners overwhelmingly passed resolutions that declare the National Institutions' support of the security of Liberal synagogues and communities in Israel, that prevent the Institutions' resources from being used for Jewish resettlement in Gaza, that call for the implementation of the egalitarian Kotel agreement, and that protect and embrace a diversity of political opinions in our communal discourse. There are many reasons to be concerned about the state of affairs in Israel, but the results of this Congress should serve as a sign of hope for us that world Jewry can, and is, imagining a more just way forward.