Find out more about what MERCAZ Olami has been working on.

News and Events

Op-eds, information and update on the The World Zionist Congress

World Zionist Congress

Our official pronouncements, videos, prayers and content related to the conflict against terrorist organization Hamas that have erupted in Israel in October 2023.

Israel at War

Leaders' voice

MERCAZ Values

Read more about our achievements and activities

Achievements & Publications

Read more about our achievements and activities 

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the fallen hostage, Tanzanian citizen Joshua Loitu Mollel z”l (21), was returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the body of the fallen hostage, Tanzanian citizen Joshua Loitu Mollel z”l

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the fallen hostage, Staff Sergeant Itay Chen z”l (19), was returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the body of the fallen hostage Staff Sergeant Itay Chen z”l

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the three fallen hostages, Captain Omer Maxim Neutra z”l (21), Colonel Asaf Hamami z”l (40), and Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel z”l (19), were returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Captain Omer Maxim Neutra z”l, Colonel Asaf Hamami z”l, and Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel z”l

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the two fallen hostages, Amiram Cooper z”l (84) and Sahar Baruch z”l (25), were returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Amiram Cooper z”l and Sahar Baruch z”l

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the three fallen hostages, Tal Haimi z”l (41), Arie Zalmanowicz z”l (85), and Tamir Adar z”l (38) were returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Tal Haimi z”l, Arie Zalmanowicz z”l, and Tamir Adar z”l

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the two fallen hostages, Eliyahu Margalit z”l (75), Ronen Engel z”l (54), and Thai citizen Sonthaya Oakkharasri z”l (30) were returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Eliyahu Margalit z”l, Ronen Engel z”l, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri z”l

We express profound gratitude for the safe return of the remaining 20 living hostages after 738 brutal days in captivity. Alongside our relief, our hearts break as we mourn the 9 fallen hostages who have also been returned to their families. May their memories be a blessing.

Israel at War | Statement on the Release of Living and Fallen Hostages

With profound gratitude and heartfelt relief, we welcome and celebrate the news of the agreement to bring home the hostages and to bring an end to the war in Gaza, expected to take effect in the coming hours.

Israel at War | Statement on the Agreement of Hostage Deal and an End to the War

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the three fallen hostages, Ofra Keidar z”l (70), Jonathan Samerano z”l (21), and Shay Levinson z”l (19) were returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the recovery of the bodies of the fallen hostages Ofra Keidar z”l, Jonathan Samerano z”l, and Shay Levinson z”l

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the three fallen hostages, Judith Weinstein Haggai z”l (70), Gadi Haggai z”l (73), and Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta z”l (36), who were returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the recovery of the bodies of the fallen hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai z”l, Gadi Haggai z”l, and Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta z”l

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the two fallen hostages, Yair Yaakov z”l (59) and Aviv Atzili z”l (49) were returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the recovery of the bodies of the fallen hostages Yair Yaakov z”l and Aviv Atzili z”l

With hearts full of relief and gratitude, we welcome home Edan Alexander, who was released after being held hostage in Gaza for 584 days.
May his return bring hope and strengthen our unwavering commitment never to abandon those still left behind.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Edan Alexander

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing today as the four fallen hostages, Itzik Elgarat z”l (69), Tsachi Idan z”l (50), Shlomo Mantzur z”l (86) and Ohad Yahalomi z”l (50), are returned to Israel.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of fallen hostages Itzhak Elgarat z"l, Tsachi Idan z"l, Shlomo Mantzur z"l, and Ohad Yahalomi z"l

Our hearts are filled and relief with gratitude as we welcome home Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, Tal Shoham, and‎‏ Omer Wenkert, who were released after being held hostage in Gaza for 505 days; as well as Avera Mengistu and Hisham Sha’ban Al-Sayed who were released after being held hostage in Gaza for more than a decade. May their return bring hope and reaffirm our unwavering commitment never to abandon those still left behind.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, Tal Shoham, Omer Wenkert, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham Sha’ban Al-Sayed

We are at a loss for words to express the immense pain and sorrow we are experiencing as the three fallen hostages, Oded Lifshitz z”l (84), Ariel Bibas z”l (5), and Kfir Bibas z”l (2), are returned to Israel. We are shocked and devastated by the news that Shiri Bibas was not returned, despite the agreement and our desperate hopes and prayers.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of fallen hostages Oded Lifshitz z"l, Kfir z"l and Ariel Bibas z"l; and the release of Shiri Bibas

Our hearts are filled and relief with gratitude as we welcome home Sagui Dekel-Chen, Iair Horn, and ‎‏Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov who were released after being held hostage in Gaza for 498 days. May their return bring hope and reaffirm our unwavering commitment never to abandon those still left behind.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Sagui Dekel-Chen, Iair Horn, and ‎‏Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov

Our hearts are filled and relief with gratitude as we welcome home Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy and Eli Sharabi who were released after being held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. At the same time, the distressing images of the hostages remind us of the desperate reality facing every hostage still held in Gaza. May their return bring hope and reaffirm our unwavering commitment never to abandon those still left behind.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy, and Eli Sharabi

Our hearts are filled and relief with gratitude as we welcome home Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas who were released after being held hostage in Gaza for 484 days. May their return bring hope and reaffirm our unwavering commitment never to abandon those still left behind.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon, and Yarden Bibas

After 482 days in captivity, we welcome home Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Moses, and welcome back Pongsak Thenna, Bannawat Seathao, Surasak Lamnau, Watchara Sriaoun, and Sathian Suwannakham, the five Thai citizens who were being held hostage in Gaza.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger, Gadi Moses, and Five Thai Citizens

After 477 days in captivity, we celebrate life, and welcome home Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev.

Israel at War

Our official pronouncements, videos, prayers and content related to the conflict against terrorist organization Hamas that have erupted in Israel in October 2023.

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the body of the fallen hostage, Tanzanian citizen Joshua Loitu Mollel z”l

November 6th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the body of the fallen hostage Staff Sergeant Itay Chen z”l

November 5th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Captain Omer Maxim Neutra z”l, Colonel Asaf Hamami z”l, and Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel z”l

November 3rd, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Amiram Cooper z”l and Sahar Baruch z”l

November 2nd, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Tal Haimi z”l, Arie Zalmanowicz z”l, and Tamir Adar z”l

October 22nd, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of the bodies of the fallen hostages Eliyahu Margalit z”l, Ronen Engel z”l, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri z”l

October 19th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the Release of Living and Fallen Hostages

October 16th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the Agreement of Hostage Deal and an End to the War

October 9th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the recovery of the bodies of the fallen hostages Ofra Keidar z”l, Jonathan Samerano z”l, and Shay Levinson z”l

June 22nd, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the recovery of the bodies of the fallen hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai z”l, Gadi Haggai z”l, and Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta z”l

June 9th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the recovery of the bodies of the fallen hostages Yair Yaakov z”l and Aviv Atzili z”l

June 9th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Edan Alexander

May 13th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of fallen hostages Itzhak Elgarat z"l, Tsachi Idan z"l, Shlomo Mantzur z"l, and Ohad Yahalomi z"l

February 27th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, Tal Shoham, Omer Wenkert, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham Sha’ban Al-Sayed

February 23rd, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of fallen hostages Oded Lifshitz z"l, Kfir z"l and Ariel Bibas z"l; and the release of Shiri Bibas

February 21st, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Sagui Dekel-Chen, Iair Horn, and ‎‏Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov

February 16th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy, and Eli Sharabi

February 9th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon, and Yarden Bibas

February 2nd, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger, Gadi Moses, and Five Thai Citizens

January 30th, 2025

Israel at War | Statement on the release of Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev

January 26th, 2025

Stay on the Pulse

Receive the latest stories, updates and event notifications.