Meretz UK

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We are fighting for the future of Zionism. Join us

Our Team

Lawrence Joffe

Led Meretz UK for over a decade. Oxford graduate, Guardian obituary writer, and author on Jewish history and the Middle East peace process.

Sam Engel

London-born freelance editor educated at the Jews' Free School and Trinity Hall, Cambridge. His work has appeared in Jewish Renaissance and Moment.

Who We Are

The World Union of Progressive Zionists (UPZ) is the leading voice for progressive Jewish values within the Zionist movement. Rooted in Hashomer Hatzair and Meretz, we combine our Zionist commitment with pursuing peace and social justice.

Why Us

A vote for UPZ is a vote 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. We advocate for religious pluralism and the recognition of all Jewish streams – including Secular, Humanistic, Reform, and Conservative Judaism. We believe in protecting Israel’s democratic character through the separation of religion and state. Our vision centers on Tikkun Olam, democratic values, and a two-state solution. In these critical times after October 7th, we work tirelessly to guide the Zionist movement toward a better path.

What We’ve Achieved

📜 Influenced WZO Policies

Championed resolutions on democracy, judicial independence, LGBTQ+ rights, and Israel-Diaspora relations.

🌾 Redirected Funds from Settlements to Support Kibbutzim

Redirected funding to northern and southern Kibbutzim rehabilitation while reducing transfers to the settlements. Created Derech Ravid Project Strengthened informal education in the Gaza Envelope Kibbutzim. Phase 2 focuses on building new local Kibbutz communities and attracting families dedicated to kibbutz values.

🔍 Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (KKL – JNF) Oversight

Appointed board members aligned with our vision for the KKL-JNF board of directors. Pushed for full budget transparency within the Settlement Division, with budgets presented to the public for review.

♀️ Women’s Representation

We have secured 40% female representation within leadership and decision-making roles.

💙 Hashomer Hatzair

Expand support and collaboration with Hashomer Hatzair in Israel and in the diaspora.

💰 Nitzan Fund for Gender Equality

Philanthropic fund advancing gender equality initiatives in Israel – department funds infrastructure operations. We raised ₪1 million so far.

🎓 Joint Jewish-Arab Leadership Training

Developed post-high-school educational programs focused on equality and shared society.

⚖️ Zionism & Democracy

We implemented educational programs in high schools focusing on values from Israel’s Declaration of Independence, which was developed in response to the judicial reforms. We have hosted conferences emphasizing democracy’s central role in the Zionist vision, supporting democratic values in Zionism’s future.

🌈 LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Supported pride events worldwide, championed the World LGBTQ+ Jewish Congress, and launched an “LGBTQ+ Aliyah” platform.

✌️ Social Justice Centers

Advanced social justice centers are in cities across Israel, including mixed cities, periphery, and the Gaza Envelope, and they promote civic engagement and collaborative leadership.

💡 Ethiopian-Israeli Youth Leadership Programs

This is a yearly program where over 100 Ethiopian-Israeli teens develop Zionist pride, leadership skills, and familiarity with the story of Beta Israel. These future leaders are trained to inspire and represent their community.

✡️ Leading the Fight Against Antisemitism

We actively push for increased involvement and financial support of the WZO in the global fight against Antisemitism.

Our Elected Officials

Dror Morag

Dror Morag is the world union's leader at the national institutions, serving as a member of the Zionist Executive and the Jewish Agency Executive as well as Head of the Department for Social Activism and Tikkun Olam at the World Zionist Organization. Dror is the former Secretary-General of Meretz in Israel, he is a longtime Jewish organizational leader and social activist.

Ronit Snir

Ronit Snir is a member of the Zionist Executive at the World Zionist Organization and the Secretary-General of Hashomer Hatzair in Israel. A lifelong movement activist, feminist leader, and educator, she promotes gender equality and guides youth delegations to Poland.

Dario Teitelbaum

Dario Teitelbaum is the Secretary General of The World Union of Meretz and serves as WUM's representative at the national institutions. He is an educator and A dedicated member of the Hashomer Hatzair movement.

Our Main Goals for This Term

✡︎ Secure formal WZO recognition and funding for Secular and Humanistic Jewish communities in the Diaspora, establishing them as an officially recognized stream of Judaism.

🏡️ Raise ₪500 million for the rehabilitation of Kibbutzim devastated by the October 7th attack and the subsequent war.

💙 Strengthen and expand Hashomer Hatzair’s educational activities both in Israel and worldwide.

🔍 Enhance KKL-JNF oversight and redirect settlement expansion budgets toward sustainable development within Israel.

🙌 Advance our successful social justice programs throughout Israeli society. Improve the stance of women, LGBTQ+ people, Ethiopians, and Arabs.

✌️ Increase funding for Jewish-Arab initiatives that promote coexistence and shared society in Israel.

Why Bother

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 the World Union of Progressive Zionists (UPZ), you choose Zionism rooted in justice, democracy, and peace—and protect our shared identity.