Meretz Canada
Meretz Canada is a leading voice for progressive Jewish values within the Jewish community in Canada. Support for Meretz is support for a democratic Israel living in peace with its neighbors and a clear stand against the Netanyahu government’s policies of settlement expansion and erosion of democratic values. Our vision centers on tikkun olam, democratic values, and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
What is Meretz Canada
Meretz Canada is the Canadian chapter of the World Union of Progressive Zionists. Meretz Canada is aligned with the social justice movement in Israel and in Canada.
This year, Meretz Canada is competing for seats at the 2025 World Zionist Congress. Becoming a member of Meretz Canada is one of the simplest and most effective ways for progressive Jewish Canadians to support the fight for democratic values in Israel from the diaspora.
Leadership
Jacob Kates Rose is the Chair of Meretz Canada. Jacob grew up in Hashomer Hatzair, and has since been affiliated with the New Israel Fund of Canada, JSpaceCanada, Shalom Achshav, and Embodying Peace.
FAQs
What is the World Zionist Congress?
The World Zionist Congress is a meeting of Jewish leaders from around the world to determine the budget, executive and priorities of the World Zionist Organization for the next five years. The WZO manages the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). Those two organizations spend billions of dollars in Israel and across the Jewish diaspora every year.
What’s happening in Canada?
Every five years, every country in the Jewish diaspora has an internal election to select its delegates to the World Zionist Congress. Canada’s election is happening right now, run by the Canadian Zionist Federation.
Why does this matter?
These elections play a critical role in determining the allocation of billions of dollars through the Jewish National Fund and the Jewish Agency for Israel—funds that shape the future of both Israel and the global Jewish community.
The radical far right, led by figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, is mobilizing to cut funding for Reform, Reconstructionist, and progressive Jewish communities in the diaspora, redirecting resources toward settlement expansion in the West Bank. We must organize in response to ensure that Zionism remains inclusive, democratic, and aligned with the values we share.
The right-wing and ultra-Orthodox are campaigning to seize control of the WZO, just as they have in Israel. We need your help to stop them. The years after 7.10 are pivotal for the Zionist movement’s future. By voting for Meretz Canada, you choose Zionism rooted in justice, democracy, and peace—and protect our shared identity.
How do I make my voice heard?
To vote in the Canadian Zionist Federation, you need to be a member of an eligible organization and pay a membership due of $5. To join Meretz Canada, follow the steps below.
