The Masorti/Conservative Movement in Israel does not take a stand on political issues in Israel, other than in regard to religion and state. We recognize that within our Movement both in Israel and the Diaspora, there are multiple stands on most matters, the territorial issues within the state of Israel among them. Like Mercaz Olami, the Masorti Movement in Israel is committed to the principle of respectfully embracing a variety of approaches within our membership world-wide. Based on this principle and related principles, Mercaz Olami, the political arm of Masorti-Conservative Judaism in the National Institutions of the Jewish people (WZO, Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (JNF), Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Agency), opposes a proposal made by the recently appointed Chairman of the Keren Kayemet Board of Directors to establish new guidelines for purchase of land in Judea and Samaria. Our opposition is not because we see the issue as a matter of left and right but out of concern for four principles.
First, we insist that the National Institutions of the Jewish People relate to the Government of Israel in a democratic manner. Inherent to KKL’s mandate is to work in tandem with the democratically elected Government of Israel. Democracy dictates that settlement policy for Judea and Shomron remains is the jurisdiction of the Knesset and the soon-to-be formed new governing coalition. It would be undemocratic for KKL to politicize and overstep its role by formulating its own settlement policies.
Second, we insist that KKL symbolize the principle of Zionist consensus. KKL belongs to the Jewish People in Israel and the Diaspora. Fundamental changes in the manner in which KKL manages The Land ought not be made by Israelis alone. KKL must act according to this principle of Zionist consensus such that its policies recognize and respect different approaches to the actualization of Zionism. The proposed action favors the settlement policy of one group over others. Politicizing KKL would be inconsistent with the principle of Zionist consensus, a basic tenet throughout KKL's history.
Third, we oppose any sudden and dramatic change in KKL’s status quo. Throughout the past decades, KKL has purchased land in the Negev, the Galilee and throughout areas within sovereign Israel as a unifying element for Israeli and World Jewry. The proposed changes represent a dramatic departure from KKL’s status quo. Moreover, the process of decision-making is flawed. The changes have been presented in a deliberately rapid and vague manner, not allowing for in-depth consideration of implications and consequences. The attempt to conduct a hasty discussion is also blemished by attempts to conceal relevant information from members of the Directorate. This is not proper conduct for a public institution of the Jewish People.
Fourth, we oppose any distortion of Zionism. Though he claims otherwise, the new Chairman of KKL is not proposing a return to a KKL-Israeli government collaboration which has been at the core of KKL Zionist ideology. Rather, he has proposed a unilateral action by KKL to buy lands in the territories as it sees fit. Unilateral non-government private purchases of lands in the territories using Jewish money is not Zionism. It is a distortion of Zionism. It demolishes the bedrock of cooperative collaboration between the National Institutions of the Jewish People and the State of Israel. It would damage bonds between them.