Mercaz News

From Hiding Under Dead Bodies to Center Stage

Posted on May 20, 2025

STAY INFORMED – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – STORIES MAKING NEWS The Jewish People’s Enduring Spirit: From Trauma to Triumph Israeli Oct. 7 Survivor Excels at European Song Contest: ‘I won at life’ The unthinkable happened on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, when Yuval Raphael was among the many young people celebrating […]

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Torah for this Hour | May 15, 2025

Posted on May 15, 2025

Mishnah for This Hour: A Timely Take on Pirkei Avot 5:10 “There are Four Types of People:” This applies to every man and every woman — from a flower vendor to a prime minister. “One who says, ‘What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is yours’ — this is the trait of an average person.” […]

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AZM Update on 2025 World Zionist Congress Election

Posted on May 14, 2025

May 13, 2025 To: AZM Leadership & Organizations From: Deborah Isaac, AZM President Herbert Block, AZM Executive Director Re: AZM Update on 2025 World Zionist Congress Election   The American Zionist Movement (AZM) takes pride in the historic turnout of more than 240,000 voters in the 2025 World Zionist Congress election which concluded on May […]

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Is the U.S.-Israel Alliance at Risk?

Posted on May 13, 2025

Issue: May 13, 2025 STAY INFORMED – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – STORIES MAKING NEWS Navigating a Turbulent Region: Why the U.S.-Israel Alliance Matters Hamas hostage Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli – held in Gaza for 584 days, was just released to Israel and welcomed by his family in a deal brokered between the […]

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Torah for this Hour | May 8, 2025

Posted on May 8, 2025

During the month of Elul, as individuals, we apply candor and self awareness to the gap between our values and our behavior in preparation for the Days of Awe. Now we are engaged in the season of counting the Omer, the bridge of 7 weeks between Passover and Shavuot during which we have stood together […]

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More Than Bagels & Lox: Jewish American Life

Posted on May 6, 2025

Patriotism & Heritage: The Jewish American Story BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – STORIES MAKING NEWS Enduring Contributions and Heritage From even before the U.S. gained independence, Jews have been woven into the fabric of American life, contributing their energy, intellect and spirit to the building of the American Dream. Founded in […]

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Post-Election Statement: ARZA/Vote Reform | Hatikvah | MERCAZ USA

Posted on May 5, 2025

The election for the 2025 World Zionist Congress has been a significant success for our 3 slates, representing the majority of liberal Jewry in the U.S. It was also a success for furthering our values of pluralism, equality, justice, and democracy. During a time when Zionism as a concept is more controversial for some in […]

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Torah for this Hour | May 1, 2025

Posted on May 1, 2025

Many Holocaust survivors who established families in Israel describe themselves as victors; for victory seems to be a matter of consciousness, at least as much as it is a military achievement. The root of the Hebrew word for victory (nitzachon) is eternity (netzach), as if victory were the act of being eternal. The prophecies of […]

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Remembering Heroes, Fighting for Hostages

Posted on April 29, 2025

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 […]

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Torah for this Hour | April 24, 2025

Posted on April 24, 2025

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 […]

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