Masorti Olami President Margo Gold, Executive Director Rabbi Mauricio Balter, and Deputy Director Tehila Reuben, recently undertook a meaningful journey to Argentina.

With the support of Masorti Argentina and Masorti AmLat, whose President, Denise Alterwain, joined the group for their last days, they traveled to Argentina to gain a deeper understanding of the needs, and extraordinary work carried out through our representation in the country; to strengthen connections with local communities; and to further build bridges of partnership and collaboration.

Top image: Visit to Centro Hebreo Ioná

In Buenos Aires, the group met with the board of Masorti Argentina, where they had the opportunity to better understand their work and the Masorti/Conservative movement in the country, and engaged in a series of meaningful meetings and discussions with rabbis, community leaders, and representatives of our communities: Amijai, Benei Tikva, Weitzman – Or Jadash, Ajdut Israel – Lanús, Bet-Am del Oeste, Natan Gesang (which also serves as an international school), Lamroth Hakol, Centro Hebreo Ioná, and Dor Jadash.

They also had the opportunity to meet with members of NOAM Argentina and discuss the strength of our youth movement in the country and how Masorti Olami and NOAM Olami can continue to support them.

At AMIA, Argentina’s largest Jewish institution, the delegation met with its leadership and learned more about its crucial role in Jewish life in Buenos Aires, its history, its ongoing impact, and spoke about how it can deepen its support for the movement in Argentina. The group also reflected on the tragic 1994 terrorist bombing of AMIA, in which 85 lives were lost and more than 300 people were injured.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Masorti Argentina coordinator Nicky Sztajn and the Masorti Argentina Board for their support, warm welcome and for facilitating these important meetings with communities and leaders across Buenos Aires.

Masorti Olami President Margo Gold shared: "The many communities we met in Buenos Aires were diverse in size and spread across the vastness of the city. Yet they were perfectly aligned in their love of Masorti Judaism and their deep commitment to Zionism and Israel. We were inspired by the overwhelming passion and devotion of their leadership to create and sustain meaningful community."

Deputy Director Tehila Reuben reflected: "After my first trip to the country, I am deeply moved by the strength and energy of the Jewish community in Argentina. Witnessing first-hand the passion and dedication of our communities was moving and inspiring. Communities around the world all face challenges, but I believe we need to focus on the strength of our movement and communities, and what shines through in Argentina is the resilience, commitment, and unwavering connection to Israel, to their work, and our global movement. I leave feeling inspired by the talented leaders and professionals who dedicate themselves to this sacred mission. Our heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Balter for encouraging and organizing this visit, and to all the amazing professionals and leaders who helped plan, and welcome us with such warmth and vision.”

This journey reaffirms the importance of strengthening our connection and collaboration with our Masorti/Conservative communities around the globe. By engaging with them directly, we gain invaluable insight into the diversity and unique needs of our communities and movement in each region, while strengthening our ability to support them in their programs, and their role in advancing our movement’s values worldwide. 

Our global movement is only as strong as the bonds we nurture with our communities, and we are proud to walk alongside them in building a vibrant Jewish future together.

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