World Zionist Congress passes resolutions ‘firmly’ rejecting Netanyahu’s ‘illiberal’ agenda

The World Zionist Congress has passed what it calls a “historically-unprecedented series of resolutions” demanding Israel remain a liberal, Jewish and democratic nation-state, while firmly against the government’s judicial overhaul and proposals to undermine the Law of Return.

The resolutions, which passed by significant majorities, send a “clear message” to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, that the Jewish worlds opposes “illiberal and anti-democratic elements” of its agenda.

The resolutions also call for the full recognition of Conservative and
Reform conversions, anchoring LGBT rights in Israel and the Zionist Movement, and promoting women’s rights in the Zionist Movement.

“Faced with the most extreme government in Israel’s history, world
Jewry has gone on record: Israel must remain a liberal, Jewish and democratic state,” WZO Vice Chairman Yizhar Hess said following the passing of the resolutions.

“The passage of these resolutions is a victory for democracy. Not only because these resolutions represent the clear, democratic voice of world Jewry, despite the best efforts of the Likud and its right-wing allies to silence them. But because the resolutions show the Jewish world’s firm support for Herzl’s Zionist vision: of a Jewish state that is liberal, democratic, pluralistic, and a home for each and every Jew,” Hess added.

Netanyahu’s government has been harshly criticised inside and outside Israel for its judicial overhaul, which would politicise and significantly weaken Israel’s High Court of Justice.

One of the resolutions passed by the WZO said that the “current judicial reforms…have been pursued in haste and without regard for the effect that these changes will have on the relationship between Israel and Jews around the world.”

Diaspora Jews have also condemned the government repeatedly for wanting annul the “grandchild clause” which allows for grandchildren of Jews to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return.

Blatant homophobia spewed by far-right and ultra-orthodox lawmakers in recent months has also deepened the rift between the government and Diaspora Jews, who overwhelmingly remain liberal and in favour of equal rights for all citizens.

“While our work is just getting started, I am proud of my friends at the Masorti/Conservative Movement’s MERCAZ party, our Reform partners, and all our allies for their hard work to deliver this important victory
for liberal and democratic values,” Hess concluded.