This week, the Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO) opened its annual Meeting of Representatives (MOR) Week in Tel Aviv, bringing together approximately 100 senior representatives from 23 countries worldwide, according to a statement from the organization.
Held under the theme “We Are Here-Zionism 2026,” the statement describes this year’s MOR week as taking place “against the backdrop of the conclusion of a complex security and social period, and Israel’s national transition from immediate crisis response to recovery, renewal, and the strengthening of civic resilience.”
This year’s MOR Week includes “tours, visits, and in-depth meetings across the country with affected communities, women, youth, and professional teams, with the aim of identifying needs and assisting in the rehabilitation of Israeli society.”
World WIZO chair Anita Friedman described the gathering as a “true expression of strength” following the war, underscoring the diversity of national backgrounds among the delegates.
Opening ceremony took place in Tel Aviv
World WIZO president Anat Vidor, World WIZO chair Anita Friedman, chair of WIZO Israel Ora Korazim, World WIZO CEO Marcel Assouline, incoming JNF-KKL chair Eyal Ostrovsky, Athena Fund president Uri Ben-Ari, and others attended the opening gala event at World WIZO headquarters in Tel Aviv.
The event also included performances by Eurovision winner Izhar Cohen, comedian Shahar Levy, and the WIZO Hadassim Youth Village’s student band.
During the ceremony, a memorial was held in honor of Tova Ben-Dov, former World WIZO president, who “dedicated decades of public and social service to shaping the movement’s path, values, and identity,” according to the statement.
President Isaac Herzog opened the event through a recorded message, commending WIZO for its role in renewing hope after years of war.
“These are especially difficult days for our people," Herzog said.
“Here in Israel, we have lost much, and pain and suffering have struck us, our homes, and our communities. At the same time, in Jewish communities around the world, the resurgence of an old hatred - antisemitism - has deeply undermined our sense of security, identity, and belonging.”
“Yet alongside the pain and hardship, these moments have drawn forth our deepest resources - moral courage, resilience, dignity, and a fierce commitment to one another. These qualities are not foreign to WIZO; they are its very heart for decades.”
“Since its birth as an idea in the minds of Jewish women, WIZO has grown into a force of female leadership in Israel and around the world, and even in these challenging times continues to be a precious resource and a beautiful gift of strength, mutual responsibility, and hope for Jewish communities worldwide.”
WIZO president Anat Vidor also spoke, emphasizing the importance of the Jewish diaspora in Zionist affairs.
“WIZO is not merely an Israeli social organization, but an international Zionist movement working to protect the Jewish people wherever they may be, so that every Jew can live with dignity and security without hiding their identity,” Vidor said.
“A strong State of Israel is the central tool for realizing this vision. This is a complex period for world Jewry, and therefore, our mutual responsibility is not a slogan but a binding contract. As in the past, so today - we do not have the privilege of silence or apology.”
“The presence of the federations here is not symbolic, but an expression of practical partnership in rebuilding Israeli society and standing together, firmly, against global antisemitism.”