Masorti Olami’s 2025 Annual General Meeting took place in Santiago, Chile, bringing together more than 40 participants from 15 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Peru, the UK, Uruguay, and the United States.

The gathering was hosted by two of our most vibrant communities in the Chilean capital, Círculo Israelita de Santiago and NBI – Nueva Bnei Israel. Both communities opened their doors with warmth and hospitality, providing an inspiring setting that reflected their strong commitment to Jewish life and the Masorti/Conservative movement around the world.

The occasion was also the first in-person meeting of the newly elected Masorti AmLat board, which met for a day and a half before Masorti Olami's Gathering and began shaping its vision and work plan for 2025–2026.

This year’s meeting carried special significance, as it marked the first time that Masorti Olami convened its board in one of its regions. Latin America, the movement’s largest region with more than 90 communities, was chosen to highlight the remarkable dedication and leadership of our local representatives.

Masorti Olami’s gathering kicked off with Friday's opening session, where we had team-building activities, led by NOAM AmLat Mazkira Ronit Tempel; as well as President Margo Gold setting the tone and goals for the weekend, and words of inspiration and spiritual meaning from Executive Director Rabbi Mauricio Balter.

Participants had the opportunity to explore Jewish life in Santiago through a guided tour of the city and enjoyed an evening at SkyCostanera, the observatory atop the tallest skyscraper in South America, offering a panoramic view from 300 meters above sea level. Shabbat services and meals at Círculo Israelita de Santiago added a deeply spiritual dimension to the experience, uniting all participants in prayer and mutual purpose.

The central purpose of the Annual General Meeting—facilitated and built together with Daniel Yoffe who has been working with both AmLat and Masorti Olami for years on their governance and strategic direction—was to share updates on Masorti Olami’s activities worldwide and to outline the strategic direction of the organization. Reports were shared from our regional networks in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, as well as from NOAM Olami and Marom, representing our youth and young adult movements. Together, the groups shared priorities and engaged in meaningful discussions about long-term strategies for 2026–2030.

Masorti Europe and Masorti Olami Board Member Bruce Rigal reflected: "The world can feel scary. And it seems the poles are growing more distant: right vs left, liberal vs orthodox, Absolute Certainty vs Another Absolute Certainty. It was so lovely to spend a weekend with dedicated, interesting and warm LatAm friends. Our hosts produced a loving environment which was do conducive to deepening our individual Judaism, building the center and also researching how we leaders can help strengthen Masorti around the world."

The program included a keynote lecture by Dr. Robert Funk, a Chilean political scientist and professor at the University of Chile, who offered an analysis of the political landscape in Latin America and the challenges of rising antisemitism. A panel discussion on Masorti/Conservative ideology and practice brought valuable perspectives on Jewish communal life, featuring Rabbis Gesa Ederberg (Germany), Rafi Kaiserblueth (Australia), Harold Kravitz (USA), and Eduardo Waingortin (Chile), facilitated by Rabbi Mauricio Balter. WZO Vice Chair Dr. Yizhar Hess shared reflections on the current situation in Israel, as well as updates on the impact of the World Zionist Congress elections and the impressive results achieved by MERCAZ representations.

Moderated by Margo Gold, the panel on “Regional Perspectives" brought together Denise Alterwain (Uruguay), Ezequiel Klas (Chile), Bruce Rigal (UK), and Rabbi Philip Scheim (Canada) for an exchange to discuss some of their regional challenges, opportunities for collaboration, transferable lessons, and areas where global support is needed.

Masorti AmLat President Denise Alterwain shared: "Having had the honor of hosting the Masorti Olami Annual General Meeting followed by an intense day of joint strategic work and immediately after our Masorti AmLat Board Meeting was a meaningful experience. It provided us with a historic opportunity to get to know each other better, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. For the first time ever, an event with these unique characteristics was held in the region. We are so excited that this was the starting point for a new way of connecting and working together, toward strengthening Masorti values globally."

Masorti Olami extends heartfelt thanks to the Rabbis and leadership at Círculo Israelita de Santiago and NBI for their generous hospitality and partnership in hosting this memorable gathering, which reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening Masorti/Conservative Jewish life across the globe. And also to Masorti AmLat Coordinator Adriana Rosenkranz for her work and and support on the ground, as well as AmLat Board Vice President from Chile, Luis Negrin, for his incredible hospitality and personal touches throughout the weekend.

Beyond the formal sessions and reports, the Annual General Gathering in Santiago was a powerful reminder of the deep connections that unite us as a Global Masorti/Conservative Family. Coming together from so many different regions allowed participants to share experiences, learn from one another, and reaffirm the values that inspire our communities. Strengthening these bonds is essential to building a strong and fruitful future for our movement, ensuring that Masorti/Conservative Judaism continues to thrive and enrich Jewish life in every corner of the world.

Photos by Tehila Reuben and Luis Negrin

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