Echoes of Loss, Voices of Hope: Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – STORIES MAKING NEWS Hostages Want Freedom from Hamas Captors: ‘Omri is a survivor in captivity’ Sirens blare nationwide every year on Israel’s Memorial Day – heralding a moment of silence to honor the Israelis who […]
We are now marking Yom Ha-shoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and soon we will bless the new month of ’Iyyar, which includes Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror — both of them days replete with pain and collective trauma. For years I have experienced discomfort regarding the way in which these days […]
Bearing Witness: Death Camp Liberators and Holocaust Survivors BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – VOICES – STORIES World War II will be remembered in infamy for countless reasons – the most horrific being the systematic extermination of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. As many around the world observe Yom HaShoah – Israel’s solemn […]
… And why you should Vote MERCAZ in the World Zionist Congress election. by Rabbi Eric Leiderman, a Chicago-based educator and community builder. He is a dedicated advocate for vibrant, inclusive Jewish life, working to inspire the next generation through education, activism, and leadership. Rabbi Leiderman serves as Secretary for MERCAZ USA and is a […]
This Passover, channel the resilience of the Israelites and vote NOW for MERCAZ USA (Slate 17). The 2025 World Zionist Congress elections are well underway, and the stakes could not be higher. To ensure the voice of Conservative/Masorti Judaism is heard, vote MERCAZ USA (Slate 17) before May 4th. Just as the Israelites’ constant hope […]
From Pharaoh to Present: How an Ancient Hatred of Jews Has Rippled Through History BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES From the back-breaking whips of ancient Egyptian overlords to modern-day vandalism, violence and murder, the Jewish people have long been targets of scapegoating and hatred. Today’s blood libels, hateful rhetoric and distorted portrayals of […]
Echoes from Exodus: Israel’s Fight Against Modern Pharaohs BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – VOICES – STORIES The Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas after a year and a half serve as a painful reminder of historic persecution of the Jewish people. On the eve of the Passover holiday, commemorated for more than […]
Support MERCAZ USA and Donate Today! As we gather around the Seder table this Passover, we recall our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom, from exile to the Promised Land. The story of the Exodus is one of resilience, faith, and the enduring power of community — a story that continues to inspire us today. At […]
by Rabbi Alan Silverstein, President, Mercaz Olami and Rabbi Hillel Skolnik, President, MERCAZ USA The Passover seder is a unique event on the Jewish calendar. We invite family members and friends of all ages to sit together as we relate the narrative that shaped the destiny of our people. The aim is to create an […]
Watch this important message from Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal … Instead of working to unify the Jewish people, extremists in Israel are working to undermine the rights of Conservative Jews like us in the Jewish state. Your vote in the election for the World Zionist Congress is your voice … Your way to send them a message. Click […]