From Division to Consensus: Global Jewish Voices Unite at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem

This October in Jerusalem, I had the privilege of serving as a delegate to the World Zionist Congress with ARZENU — the global umbrella of Reform and Progressive Judaism’s Zionist movements. Held once every five years, the WZC is one of the few spaces where Jews from across the world, representing every ideology, nationality, identity, and stream of Jewish life, come together to make decisions that shape the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. The Congress was founded in 1897 by Theodor Herzl with the goal of establishing a Jewish Homeland. It persists to wrestle with how we live out Herzl’s vision amidst the challenges and opportunities of our own chapter of Jewish History. I am so grateful to my Temple Nashville Family and all members of our local community who voted in the election to participate in the Parliament of the Jewish People.  

Delegates arrived carrying the weight of October 7th, the deep wounds of war, fear for Israel’s future, rising antisemitism worldwide, and profound disagreements about the path forward. It made for an atmosphere that was both electric and fragile — a reminder that Jews have always held passionate convictions about our people’s destiny, and that we still wrestle, sometimes loudly, with how best to secure it.  

What surprised me most, however, was not the conflict. It was the broad consensus. Despite sharp ideological divides and a Congress evenly split between right- and left-leaning delegations, a broad coalition of global Jewish voices came together to pass resolutions that point clearly toward the kind of Israel world Jewry longs to see: an Israel that is strong, democratic, accountable, pluralistic, and committed to justice and dignity for all who live within its borders. 

Many of the most consequential resolutions — including those creating an immediate Commission of Inquiry to investigate the events of October 7th, calling for equitable military draft for all Israelis, expanding mental-health support for survivors of terror and soldiers, affirming equal government protection for non-Orthodox synagogues, and halting settlement building in areas that would block a future two state solution — passed not by narrow margins but overwhelmingly. These votes were not symbolic. They demonstrated that, across continents and denominations, Jews are urgently demanding transparency and accountability and are committed to rebuilding Israel’s security through democratic institutions, not in spite of them. 

At the same time, the Congress firmly rejected proposals that would have further inflamed tensions or diverted communal resources, including efforts to extend Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount, to channel Jewish communal funds toward building settlements in Gaza or into Christian Zionist organizations. These defeats, too, were decisive and broad-based. 

Alongside the resolutions, a new power-sharing agreement was finalized between the liberal-centrist bloc and several partners across the spectrum, but not without drama. The final day of the congress was canceled due to Ultra-Orthodox men descending on Jerusalem en masse to protest the draft, so the timeline of events was rushed.  

Right before an agreement was signed, the Likud Party announced the controversial appointment of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s son, Yair, for a prominent job. The younger Netanyahu represents such a lightning rod in Israeli society for his controversial statements and actions, including spending the years of war living abroad, that young, Israeli protestors immediately assembled outside the convention center calling on delegates not to stand for it. The liberal bloc withdrew from the agreement and the congress agreed to extend for two weeks and vote online. On November 13th a new agreement – which represents the teeth of the congress in budget and leadership roles – was finally signed.  

For ARZENU and our allies, this agreement represents an important step forward in restoring balance and fairness. Under the agreement, our coalition will hold senior leadership roles and key committees responsible for land use and fiscal oversight. These positions matter; they influence the ability to invest in a flourishing Jewish future around the world. It is a responsibility we take seriously. 

Yet for all the political headlines, what moved me most were the human moments. In between plenary debates and committee negotiations, political and personal connections developed between Jews who might never otherwise have found themselves in the same room — let alone sitting side by side, sharing jokes, strategizing, or encouraging one another before major votes. In spite of moments when debates became angry or delegates behaved antithetical to Jewish values, the overarching message of the Congress was unmistakable. Around the world, Jews are calling for a forward-looking Zionism — one rooted in equity, pluralism, justice, democratic values, and unwavering commitment to a secure future for the Jewish people in our eternal homeland. 

Returning home after witnessing both the best and the hardest parts of Jewish communal life, I felt a sense of gratitude. In the plenary hall, I saw Jews shout each other down and struggle to uphold our highest values. I was reminded of the special blessing we have here in Greater Nashville: a tight-knit Jewish community where Jews of many backgrounds, practices, and political views live, learn, and celebrate together — not in spite of our diversity, but because we honor it. If the Congress taught me anything, it is that this model — the one we practice every day in Nashville — is not only possible, but necessary for the Jewish future. Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh — all Israel is responsible for one another. This year, in Jerusalem, the global Jewish people affirmed that truth in overwhelming numbers. And here at home, in our own remarkable community, we live it every day.