MOR 2026: Day 3 – Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Zionism, Leadership, and the Global Fight Against Antisemitism

The third day of MOR 2026 took participants to Jerusalem, where history, identity, and present-day challenges converged in a powerful program focused on Zionism, leadership, and confronting the global rise of antisemitism.

The day began with a guided tour of the historic National Institutions Building, a cornerstone of the Zionist movement and a symbol of Jewish self-determination. Built in the 1930s, the building housed the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemet LeIsrael, and Keren Hayesod, and later served as the site of Israel’s first Knesset sessions and the inauguration of Israel’s first president. During meetings held at the building, participants heard from Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, who spoke about Zionism as a living movement and the responsibility of global Jewish leadership, and from Amikam Norkin, former Commander of the Israeli Air Force, who addressed strategic leadership, decision-making, and responsibility in times of national security crisis.

From there, participants made their way to the Western Wall for a quiet and meaningful moment at the heart of Jewish history, before continuing to Aish HaTorah. From the fifth floor, delegates were offered a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Kotel, providing a powerful visual reminder of Jewish continuity and grounding the day’s discussions in the deep historical and spiritual connection to Jerusalem.

In the afternoon, delegates convened for the central session of the day, “Antisemitism Today – When Jew Hatred Goes Mainstream: Practical Tools for Action”, moderated by Rolene Marks, Chairperson of Hasbara, World WIZO. Opening the session, Rolene reflected on the extraordinary solidarity shown by WIZO federations over the past two years — from campaigning for hostages and responding to emergency appeals, to amplifying the voices of women affected by sexual violence and standing firm against rising global hostility. She emphasized the significance of WIZO’s name — always written in capital letters — as a declaration of pride, visibility, and resolve at a time when Zionism itself is increasingly distorted and demonized.

The discussion underscored a clear message: Zionism is the national liberation movement of the Jewish people and an expression of the right to self-determination in the Jewish ancestral homeland. Denying that right uniquely to Jews is not legitimate political criticism, but a modern manifestation of antisemitism.

Panelists offered practical tools for confronting antisemitism across multiple arenas. Eric Rubin, CEO of Project Max, shared how sports can serve as a powerful platform for bridge-building and mobilizing allies against racism and antisemitism. Shawn Eni, creator of one of the largest pro-Israel accounts on social media, examined how antisemitism spreads online — viral, emotional, and algorithm-driven — and how facts, timing, and humor can disrupt hateful narratives. Yana Naftalieva, Director of Engagement and Outreach in Central Asia and Balkans at CAM, highlighted coalition-building, democratic advocacy, and engagement with governments as essential tools for meaningful and lasting impact.

Following this discussion, leaders from WIZO federations around the world shared how global political shifts are directly affecting Jewish life on the ground. Michelle Spiro spoke about changing government positions and violent antisemitic incidents in Australia; Danielle Shane addressed rising tensions and political polarization in the United Kingdom; and Nathalie Riu-Guez reflected on developments in France and their impact on Jewish communal security and confidence. Despite differing national contexts, a shared understanding emerged: antisemitism today is global, coordinated, and demands a united international response.

The day concluded with a powerful lecture by Daniel Hagari, former IDF Spokesperson and one of Israel’s most trusted public communicators during times of crisis. Speaking about trust in times of war, Hagari emphasized transparency, responsibility, and the critical relationship between leadership and the public, reminding participants that trust — carefully built and protected — is a cornerstone of resilience for Israeli society and the global Jewish community alike.