As members of Beth Tzedec and the global Masorti/Conservative movement, we have a unique and powerful opportunity to shape the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel — by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections. The election closes June 15.

What is the World Zionist Congress?
The World Zionist Congress (WZC) is the only democratically elected body of the global Jewish people. It was founded in 1897 by Theodor Herzl, who, after appointing delegates to the first Congress in Basel, Switzerland, immediately charged them with going home to run democratic elections for the second Congress — a revolutionary idea for its time.
In 1901, just four years later, women served as delegates to the Congress. To put that in context: women did not win the right to vote in Canada until 1918 (and not fully until 1960 for Indigenous women), and in the United States until 1920. From the very beginning, the Zionist movement was rooted in the ideals of democracy, representation, and egalitarianism — values that continue to guide us today.

Why MERCAZ?
MERCAZ is the voice of Masorti/Conservative Judaism within the Zionist movement. Voting for MERCAZ means:
Supporting religious pluralism and egalitarian prayer in Israel and at the Kotel
Funding Masorti synagogues, rabbis, and youth programs in Israel (Since the Masorti Movement receives no government funding these funding sources are critical to the Movement’s budget.)
Advocating for Jewish diversity, democracy, and inclusion
Standing for an Israel that is both Jewish and democratic, where all Jews are
recognized and respected

Why It Matters Here in Canada
When you vote MERCAZ, you’re also supporting programs that directly benefit our community in Canada. Through our influence in the National Institutions — the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (JNF), and Keren Hayesod — we receive:
ShinShinim (Israeli teen emissaries) and shlichim (Israeli emissaries) who enrich our community life
Support for Camp Ramah, USY, The March of the Living and more
Israel experiences and scholarships for teens, young adults, and families
Deeper connections between Canadian Jewry and Israel through education, engagement, and shared values
This is not just about Israel — it’s about the strength and vibrancy of Jewish life here at home.

Reclaiming Zionist Pride
At a time when Zionism is being misrepresented, attacked, and delegitimized in public discourse, now is the time for us to reclaim our place in the Zionist story. Zionism is not a slur — it is the movement of Jewish self-determination, rooted in democracy, human dignity, and Jewish values. Voting for MERCAZ is a proud, public affirmation of what we believe: a Judaism that is open, inclusive, and deeply connected to the future of Israel and the Jewish people.

How to Vote
It only takes 5 minutes and a toonie:

• Visit www.mercaz.ca/vote
• Pay the $2 registration fee
• Follow the simple instructions to cast your vote for the MERCAZ slate #4

Let’s make our voice heard — in Israel, in the Zionist movement, and across the Jewish world.
Thank you for being part of this vital effort.