Reform Zionism is a modern movement within Judaism that advocates for a democratic and pluralistic State of Israel. It is based on the conviction that Israel should be a place where all citizens—regardless of their religious or ethnic background—can live as equals. This perspective is reflected in the core principles of Reform Zionism.

Democracy and Pluralism: Reform Zionists advocate for a strong and vibrant democracy in Israel, where the rights of all minorities are protected. They support a clear separation of religion and state and promote the equality of all religious streams in the country. Israel should be a democratic model for all citizens, enabling them to live together in freedom and respect.

Social Justice: Another central concern of Reform Zionism is the promotion of social justice. Reform Zionists strive for a fair distribution of resources and opportunities, ensuring that all people in Israel, regardless of their background or social standing, have equal opportunities.

Peace and Security: Reform Zionists work towards promoting peace and security within Israel. They emphasize that a stable and secure society is the foundation for the development of a democratic state. Creating a safe environment for all citizens, one that ensures protection from both internal and external threats, is a key goal of Reform Zionism.

Religious Pluralism: Reform Zionists believe that the Jewish state should be a place where Jews of different religious beliefs can practice their faith freely. This means recognizing all Jewish denominations as equal, ensuring that every Jewish community has a place in the State of Israel.

As part of a global Jewish community, Reform Zionism actively works to ensure that Israel fulfills the ideals outlined in its founding documents. The Israeli Declaration of Independence emphasizes that the state must ensure the welfare of all its inhabitants, regardless of religion or origin. It guarantees the core principles of freedom, justice, and peace, as taught by the Jewish prophets. Equality and human rights must be guaranteed for all, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnic background. Furthermore, freedom of religion must be secured, and cultural diversity protected.

In Israel, organizations like the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) represent the values of Reform Zionism. This movement advocates for an open, inclusive, and morally responsible Israel. A central focus of their work is the recognition of the Reform movement as an equal religious denomination in the Jewish state. Reform and progressive Jews must receive the same respect and recognition as other religious streams in Israel.

Reform Zionism seeks to further develop Israel as a Jewish state that embodies the values of freedom, equality, and democracy. This vision is a continuation of the original Zionist idea of creating a vibrant and inclusive Jewish culture. Jews should be able to live as free citizens of the world, as well as part of a Jewish community.

The founding of the State of Israel in 1948 was a historic milestone, but for Reform Zionists, Zionism does not end with the establishment of the state. They see it as their responsibility to shape Israel in accordance with the Jewish prophetic tradition—creating a society that strives for justice and protects human rights. For Reform Zionists, love for Israel means actively working towards its continued development. A Jewish state can only truly be Jewish if it remains democratic and recognizes all forms of Jewish identity. The concept of K’lal Yisrael—the unity of the Jewish people—means that all streams of Judaism must be respected and integrated. Every person has the right to shape their Jewish identity and combine tradition with the realities of modern life.

Reform Zionist organizations are active in Israel and around the world, working to realize their goals. A central player in the global representation of Reform Zionism is Arzenu, the international association of Reform and Progressive Zionists. Arzenu serves as the umbrella organization for Reform Zionist movements worldwide and represents their interests within the World Zionist Organization (WZO).