Central Conference of American Rabbis Congratulates ARZA on WZO Election Victory

Reform Rabbis are pleased that the Reform Movement’s Zionist Organization won the elections to allow for a Reform presence in the World Zionist Congress. 

New York, NY – June 5, 2015 – The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the rabbinic leadership organization of Reform Judaism in North America and worldwide, is pleased to congratulate the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) on a victory in the World Zionist Congress elections. The victory will allow for the Reform Movement to hold one third of the entire American delegation in the Congress, more than double the size of any other single delegation from any other organization in American Jewish life.

“We’re very pleased for ARZA and the Reform Movement. This victory means that we will have more influence on important issues like securing essential funding for the Reform movement in Israel, working to allow women to pray freely at the Kotel, and ensuring that Israel stops spending money on settlements at the cost of the peace process,” said Chief Executive of CCAR, Rabbi Steve Fox. “This is a major win for Reform Judaism, and we think it shows the level of commitment to Israel from our congregations and clergy.”

Rabbi Fox continued, “We also congratulate Rabbi Josh Weinberg for leading ARZA in a successful campaign to capture the largest delegate position among all American Zionist organizations at the upcoming World Zionist Congress.”

CCAR and ARZA coordinated efforts at the CCAR Convention in March of this year to motivate rabbis to encourage voting within their home communities. For the past few months, Reform rabbis worked with their congregants and communities, urging them to vote, and explaining the value of this election.

President of CCAR, Rabbi Denise Eger said, “All of the hard work has paid off. The Reform Movement has always dreamed of a more inclusive and democratic Israel.  We couldn’t be more thrilled that Reform voices will be heard and well represented, so that one day our dream of a truly pluralistic Israel can be attained.”

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The Central Conference of American Rabbis strengthens the Jewish community by providing religious, spiritual, ethical and intellectual leadership and wisdom.  CCAR serves as a facilitator of debate, discussion, and action on important spiritual, social, cultural and human rights issues. Since 1889, CCAR has been the center for lifelong rabbinic learning, professional development, and publishing for the 2,300 rabbis who serve more than 1.5 million Reform Jews throughout North America, Israel and the world.