Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

New Zionist Group Formed in Canada

October 19, 1977
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Kadima–Organization of Canadian Progressive Zionists–a new group created by the Canadian Reform Movement, has just joined the Canadian Zionist Federation (CZF). Their application to affiliate with the CZF received the unanimous approval of the national officers at their last meeting, it was reported here. During the holiday season, 2500 Torontonians joined this Zionist constituent organization, the CZF said. Montreal Reform synagogues are now campaigning for members and it is expected that the Vancouver and Winnipeg communities will follow suit.

By special arrangement with the World Zionist Organization, the Reform movement will be represented by 15 delegates at the forthcoming 29th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, according to the CZF. This figure might be enlarged in view of the new Canadian group. Rabbi Michael Stroh, spiritual leader of Temple Har Zion in Toronto, is pro tem chairman of Kadima. In a statement, he said, “The time has come for liberal Jews who are Zionists to begin working from within the Zionist movement to gain rights for non-Orthodox Jews in Israel.” Favoring religious pluralism in Israel, Stroh said that the Law of Return “Is a threat to Reform and Conservative movements and their conception of religious freedom.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement