Report by NOAM Olami Director Shoshi Bassan

From October 14–18, 36 NOAM leaders from nine countries gathered in Israel for the NOAM Olami Conference 2026, under the theme “From the Inside Out – A NOAM Olami Journey.” Participants from Israel, the UK, Spain, France, Argentina, El Salvador, Chile, Ukraine and Brazil came together for several days of learning, exploration, meaningful conversations and, of course, plenty of NOAM spirit.

The seminar invited participants to explore their personal identities, their connection to Jewish peoplehood, their relationship with Israel and their role as leaders within the global NOAM and Masorti movement. Through educational sessions, encounters with different leaders of the Masorti movement, experiences across Israel and time spent together as a global community, we explored what connects us and how we can continue growing together.

Wednesday: Getting to Know Our Global Movement

We opened our journey in Ein Gedi with a getting-to-know-each-other activity led by Shoshi Bassan, NOAM Olami Director, creating an opportunity for participants from different countries and communities to connect and begin building relationships. We then explored the theme “Israel – More Than a Map,” with NOAM Israel, looking at the different ways Israel connects us as individuals and as a global Jewish movement.

One of the highlights of the opening day was a special opportunity to meet and learn from leaders of the wider Masorti movement. Participants held short conversations with Tehila Reuben, Interim CEO of Masorti Olami; Nilli Glick Asaf, Secretary General of MERCAZ Olami; Rabbi Doron Rubin, CEO of the Masorti Movement in Israel; and Tammy Gottlieb, Director of Marom. The conversations offered different perspectives on the work of each organization, our shared vision and the goals that connect us across communities and continents. The session concluded with a panel discussion, bringing together the insights and questions raised throughout the conversations. It was a meaningful opportunity to better understand the wider movement we are part of and the importance of working together toward shared goals.

That evening, NOAM Argentina led “NOAM Around the World,” giving everyone a chance to learn more about the different branches, their activities and the unique character of NOAM communities around the globe.

Thursday: Learning, Leadership and Tikkun Olam

Our second day began with Shacharit led by NOAM UK, followed by a guided visit to the Dead Sea Scrolls, offering participants a chance to explore an important chapter of Jewish history and our connection to the land.

The educational program continued with “Change Starts Within,” led by Yoav and Ian from NOAM Spain, exploring personal responsibility and the role each of us plays in creating change.

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Kidron Valley for a tour and workshop facilitated by Avigail Dagan-Hadad. The experience offered a particularly meaningful opportunity to put one of our core Jewish values, Tikkun Olam, into practice. As part of the activity, participants joined together to clean up the area, turning the concept of repairing the world into a tangible, shared action.

The day ended on a musical note with an evening led by Moshe Waldman and Tibi Golan. Music brought everyone together, and participants from NOAM Spain had the opportunity to join the stage and share their musical talents with the group. It was a joyful evening that reflected the creativity, diversity and energy of our global community.

Friday: From the Desert to Jerusalem – Preparing for Shabbat

On Friday morning, we began the day at Einot Zukim with Shacharit, time to swim and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Eden Berman, NOAM UK's Shlicha, led a session that gave the participants an opportunity to reflect on the previous two days and prepare for Jerusalem.

From there, we continued to Jerusalem, where we had the privilege of meeting Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization and Executive Vice President of MERCAZ Olami. Through an open conversation and Q&A, participants had the opportunity to hear his perspectives on the Zionist movement and engage with questions relevant to Jewish communities around the world and upcoming elections in Israel.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the Old City for a guided tour with Devora Greenberg, exploring the Kotel as a case study in Jewish Peoplehood. The experience invited participants to reflect on the different relationships Jews around the world have with this central Jewish space, and on the conversations surrounding belonging, identity and religious expression.

One of the most meaningful moments of the seminar was having Kabbalat Shabbat and Arvit at Ezrat Yisrael, the egalitarian prayer section of the Western Wall, led by Tammy Gottlieb, Director of Marom and Vice Chairwoman of Women of the Wall. As part of the experience, Tammy introduced participants to the work of Women of the Wall and the ongoing conversations surrounding women's prayer and religious pluralism at the Western Wall.

We continued to Fuchsberg for Shabbat dinner, where we were welcomed by the Fuchsberg and Conservative Yeshiva community. The evening continued with an Oneg Shabbat led by NOAM Spain, bringing music, conversation and plenty of ruach to the beginning of Shabbat.

Shabbat: Learning, Community and Plenty of NOAM Spirit

We began the morning with Shabbat prayers and Torah reading at Fuchsberg.

After Shabbat lunch, we were fortunate to learn with Rabbi Joel Levy, Rosh Yeshiva of the Conservative Yeshiva, who led a session exploring changes within the Masorti movement. His teachings and reflections offered participants an opportunity to consider how our movement continues to evolve while remaining connected to its values and traditions.

After some well-deserved Shabbat Menuchah (rest), we gathered again for an evening of activities, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. The evening continued with a NOAM activity led by Ari and Mila, NOAM AmLat Mazkirim. Their session focused on the challenges faced by our different branches, creating space to share experiences, offer advice and think together about opportunities for future collaboration. It was a valuable reminder that while every community has its own reality, many of the questions and challenges we face are shared.

And, of course, no NOAM gathering would be complete without Dubi NOAM! After spending approximately a year with NOAM UK, it was finally time for our beloved traveling bear to find his next home. A spontaneous and lively discussion broke out about which snif would have the honor of taking him in. After much debate, NOAM Brazil emerged victorious, and Dubi began preparing for his next adventure in South America!

Many participants ended the evening exploring Jerusalem's Machane Yehuda Market, enjoying the atmosphere, food and vibrant energy of the city.

Sunday: Reflections and Looking Ahead

Our final morning began with a beautiful Shacharit prayer led by NOAM Ukraine, followed by breakfast and a visit to the National Institutions Building in Jerusalem, where participants had the opportunity to learn more about the institutions and organizations that have played an important role in shaping Jewish life and the Zionist movement.

We also enjoyed a special playback theatre session, using creative expression and shared stories to process the experiences of the seminar. The conference concluded with a closing circle led by Shoshi Bassan, giving participants space to reflect on their journey, share their takeaways and consider how they would bring the experiences and connections from Israel back to their local communities.

Reflections

The NOAM Olami Conference 2026 was an opportunity to experience Israel together, deepen our understanding of the wider Masorti movement and strengthen the relationships that connect our communities around the world.

Over five days, participants explored Jewish history, engaged with questions of Jewish Peoplehood, experienced Shabbat in Jerusalem and learned from educators, movement leaders and one another. Just as importantly, they had the opportunity to discover more about the different NOAM branches, exchange experiences and recognize how much we can learn from each other's communities.

One of the strongest takeaways from the seminar was the importance of turning our global connections into continued collaboration. The friendships formed and conversations shared throughout the week are a foundation for new ideas, joint initiatives and ongoing mutual learning. NOAM Olami is not simply a collection of individual branches; it is a global movement whose strength comes from the people, relationships and shared values that connect us.

We are deeply grateful to all the organizations, speakers, facilitators and partners who made this seminar possible, and especially to everyone who joined us with openness, curiosity and enthusiasm. Thank you to our participants for bringing their unique voices, experiences and NOAM spirit to Israel.

We return home with new connections, fresh inspiration and a renewed sense of belonging to one global NOAM family.