Reading of Israel's Declaration of Independence at the Kotel

Each year, between Yom HaShoah and Yom Ha'atzmaut, the World Zionist Organization hosts a special reading of the Megillat Ha'atzmaut at the Egalitarian Kotel. This moving event is shared in multiple languages, connecting Jewish communities around the world in honor of Israel's independence and our shared Jewish identity.

This year’s event took place on Sunday, April 27, and brought together special guests, representatives of Jewish organizations, rabbis, spiritual leaders, and prominent public figures across all streams of Judaism. Masorti and MERCAZ Olami Executive Director Rabbi Mauricio Balter and Deputy Director Tehila Reuben represented the organization in person at the event, and as member of the WZO Executive, Rabbi Balter was honored to join WZO Vice Chair Dr. Yizhar Hess and the 12 other readers during the ceremony.

Participants from Marom-NOAM’s Shnat program also joined the moving ceremony at the Egalitarian Kotel to participate in this significant moment.

It's an honor  to once again participate in the WZO’s festive Megillat Ha’atzmaut reading event and help strengthen our sense of Jewish identity by sharing the ceremony with our Masorti/Conservative communities around the world.

Watch the ceremony recording below.

Photos: Miri Shimonovich