Masorti Olami leadership gathered in the US for the Annual General Meeting held at Sutton Place Synagogue in New York City, where they were graciously hosted and welcomed by Rabbi Rachel Ain.

The 13 board members and in-person guests heard about all the incredible work that has been happening in our regions since March and learned about the organization’s strategic direction from Masorti Olami President Margo Gold who shared more about the organization’s vision and upcoming leadership experience trip to Israel. The board and guests heard from representatives of our regions in AmLat, Europe, Africa, Ukraine and Australia, as well as reports from NOAM Olami, MERCAZ Olami.

The group heard about building a younger cohort community that doesn’t traditionally affiliate with a community, gained a better understanding of how Marom works with young people ages 18-36, and learned about Masorti Olami and Marom’s vision for working together as one organization from Marom Co-Chair Reut Yahav and Director Roee Peled .

Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chair of the WZO also shared news on the current situation in Israel, its impact on Israel’s National Institutions, MERCAZ Elections, and the upcoming 2025 World Zionist Congress.

On the Shabbat prior to the General Meeting, Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami Executive Director Rabbi Mauricio Balter and Deputy Director Tehila Reuben were hosted by Temple Israel Center our Masorti/Conservative community in White Plains, New York, and spoke to members about the Masorti/Conservative movement around the world and our role in supporting Israel and the Jewish people in today’s world.

On Friday evening, Rabbi Mauricio spoke to the community about Masorti Olami and the remarkable growth, inspiring successes, and significant challenges in the Masorti/Conservative communities in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia and how they have changed since October 7. During Saturday’s Dvar Torah, the community learned from him about the profound changes in Israeli society since the Hamas attack that are affecting Israel’s demographics, both politically and socially, and how these social changes may impact Israel’s future. Following services, Rabbi Mauricio and Tehila ran an open Q&A session for the members taking a deeper dive into Masorti Olami’s regions, how they work, and the importance of being part of a global network.

Tehila shared: "We were genuinely honored to be guests of Rabbi Annie and the entire Temple Israel Center community for Shabbat. Their kindness and warmth reminded us of the significance of being part of a worldwide movement."

Masorti Olami is grateful to Rabbi Annie Tucker, as well as its hosts and the entire Temple Israel Center community for their warm welcome and the opportunity to share the important work of bringing pluralistic and relevant Jewish practices to Masorti/Conservative Jews wherever they may be.