ARZENU on Behalf of the Global Reform and Progressive Movement Welcomes Power‐Sharing Agreement in National Institutions — A New Opportunity for Pluralism in Israel
ARZENU, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), together with our global partners, applauds the recently announced agreement by the center-left and center-right blocs of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), and the Jewish Agency for Israel to split the leadership of Israel’s major national institutions under a shared‐leadership model. ARZENU, representing the global Reform Movement, will hold significant and senior positions in each of the National Institutions, and will work closely with our partners to advance our shared values.
The agreement signed this evening is a significant achievement for the Reform and Progressive Jewish Movement and our partners who uphold the values of equality, pluralism, justice, and democracy. Our voters from Reform and Progressive communities around the world made their voices heard and elected leaders to represent them in Israel’s National Institutions.
ARZENU Co-Chairs Shoshana Dweck and Harry Levy shared that,
“This agreement reflects both the mandate of the voters and the spirit of collaboration that defines this Zionist Congress. It opens the door to meaningful work ahead — rebuilding and healing after October 7th, advancing a Judaism grounded in unity and pluralism, standing firm against antisemitism. This is a time to come together and affirm the core values on which we can agree and to forge a path forward in unity toward our joint common destiny.”
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the URJ, stated:
“This power‐sharing arrangement is a step toward a more inclusive, democratic Zionism. Our Movement has long held that Zionism must be anchored in pluralism — in the idea that Jewish identity and Jewish life flourish when multiple voices are heard and respected. We look forward to working with these National Institutions to ensure that the full diversity of the Jewish people is seen, heard, and empowered.” Drawing on our commitments to pluralism, justice, and equality, and to a Jewish and democratic State, we believe this agreement can open the door to greater funding for non-Orthodox and pluralistic initiatives, and a stronger seat at the table for Reform and Progressive Judaism.
Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), affirmed: “This new arrangement offers a moment of hope: hope for pluralism, hope for connection, hope for a Zionism that welcomes rather than excludes. I am encouraged by the fact that this agreement is inclusive and makes room for many different voices in the Zionist Movement. We have long believed we can be a bridge between Israel and world Jewry, articulating an Israel that is democratic, egalitarian, secure, and deeply Jewish. This agreement advances that vision.”
Rabbi Sergio Bergman, President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), noted: “A pluralistic Israel, grounded in democratic values and respectful of multiple streams of Jewish life, is essential to the global Jewish future. This agreement offers a tangible moment to strengthen the bonds across continents and to reaffirm that Progressive Judaism is Zionist, relevant, and poised to lead.” He added: “We cannot be bystanders as the discourse over Jewish identity and the future of Israel evolves — we must be active partners in shaping it.”
Our Commitment and Next Steps
The Reform movement affirms its commitment to:
- Advocating for equitable funding and representation of non-Orthodox Jewish life in Israel.
- Strengthening ties between Israel and the Diaspora, building platforms for shared learning, mutual respect, and joint purpose.
- Elevating Jewish values of democracy, pluralism, equality, compassion, and justice within the institutions that shape our collective future.
We are encouraged by this agreement, but mindful that its value will be determined by how it is implemented. We will continue to engage actively, hold institutions accountable, and partner with others who believe in a Jewish future that is open, dynamic, and inclusive.