Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad - WZO

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Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad - WZO

The Department is headed by Yair Lootsteen from Jerusalem. Shalom and Welcome! Yair Lootsteen- Head of the Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad - WZO

The department oversees Zionist Federations, Connection with Israelis in the diaspora, and the Bialik Institute. Thank you for visiting the page of the WZO’s Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad. In a time of rising assimilation and distance, we are committed to reaching out to world Jewry of all political and religious persuasions. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for the Jews of the Diaspora and the Jews of Israel to strengthen their connections to each other and recognize that though borders may separate us, we are one people with a common destiny. I have a vision where every Jew in the world will visit their homeland and become Zionist activists anywhere they choose to live. Join us in fulfilling the common Zionist goals of Israel and the entire Zionist world today!

14/08/2026

Congratulations to the Zionist Federation Uruguay- Organización Sionista del Uruguay on the 34th edition of the Jerusalem Award. Congratulations to Martin Aguirre, the award winner, and to Orlando Petinatti, recipient of the special distinction.

09/07/2026

A new chapter for the Zionist Federations of Latin America. The 'COSLA' era — the union of all the Zionist federations of Latin America — began at the federations conference held in Bogotá this past weekend. 'Together we grow stronger,' all of us united on the Zionist front of Latin America.
Yair Michael Lootsteen World Zionist Organization - ההסתדרות הציונית העולמית Organización Sionista del Uruguay

17/06/2026

This past weekend, the Department of Irgoon and Connection with Israelis Abroad at the World Zionist Organization held the Conference of Zionist Federations from Europe and English-speaking countries — a meaningful, inspiring, and forward-looking gathering dedicated to collaborative Zionism and to building a shared foundation for the work ahead.

The conference brought together approximately 60 participants, including senior members of the World Zionist Organization leadership, WZO representatives from Europe and North America, and representatives of 24 Zionist Federations from around the world — including Europe, the United States, Canada, India, South Africa, Australia, and additional countries.

Throughout the conference, participants explored the evolving role and purpose of Zionist Federations today, focusing on four central pillars of activity: internal work within the federation structure, collaboration between federations and their local Jewish communities, cooperation among the different Zionist Federations, and the partnership between the federations, our Department, and the World Zionist Organization as a whole.

The conference featured innovative working methodologies, open and meaningful dialogue, and a collaborative process that surfaced key needs, shared challenges, new ideas, and practical directions for strengthening Zionist activity around the world.

Yair Lootsteen, Head of the Department of Irgoon and Connection with Israelis Abroad, said:
“This conference reflected the Zionist spirit at its best — shared responsibility, commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and a genuine desire to build the next stage of the Zionist Federations’ work together. Especially at this time, the connection between the federations, local communities, and the World Zionist Organization is not only important — it is essential. We leave this conference with stronger partnerships, clear directions for action, and a deep commitment to the road ahead.”

Beyond the professional discussions, the conference created a powerful space of human and Zionist connection — a strong sense of partnership, mutual responsibility, and a sincere commitment to doing good for the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora.

We are grateful to all participants, federation representatives, WZO leadership, and all our partners on this journey. We left the conference with a deep sense of commitment to a meaningful, collaborative, and long-term process for the coming term.

Zionism today is built through listening, partnership, and shared action — and we are proud to be part of this path.

15/05/2026

"After October 7th, I lost all my friends who until then had not been Israeli or Jewish. That's when I understood my need for community."
(Panel participant at the conference, a student from Toronto)

Last weekend, the Department led the *fourth annual conference of the Forum of Israeli Community Leaders in North America*, held in Toronto, Canada, on the topic:

*The Next Generation: Third Culture Kids of the Israeli Community in the Diaspora*

The conference was held in the presence of the Department Head *Yair Lootsteen* and incoming Department Director *Tal Goshen-Gotsstein*.

The conference was expertly facilitated by psychologist *Daniela Tomer, with a focus on the fascinating and emerging field of **Third Culture Kids (TCK)* — a bridging culture existing in the space between the parents' culture and the host culture. We were introduced to and deepened our understanding of this unique identity's characteristics, its needs, the meaning of mobility and impermanence, its gifts and challenges, its losses, coping strategies, mirrors and anchors — and the transition of all these from the personal to the communal.

At the highlight of the conference, we hosted *four wonderful and inspiring young people from the Israeli community in Toronto* — Hadar, Tamir, Sophie, and Yarden — who openly shared remarkable and, at times, unsettling experiences and insights.

We heard case studies from various communities in *Palo Alto, Ottawa, and a **Toronto Israeli Scouts troop*, and learned about additional research in the field.

On Friday evening, we had the privilege of attending *Kabbalat Shabbat at Holy Blossom Temple, led by **Rabbi Yael Splansky* and *Cantor David Rosen, together with **Nomi and Neta-Li, community leaders from Vancouver and Charlotte. We heard from the President of the **Canadian Zionist Federation, Stan Greenspan, about their activities, and had the opportunity to view several items from the world's largest private Herzl collection, belonging to **David Matlow. On Saturday night, we concluded the conference with a moving performance by *"Blue Bench Theatre"* featuring the songs of **Yehonatan Geffen*.

---

Department Head Michael Lootsteen summarized and said:

"We devoted the majority of our time over the weekend to the next generation of these Israelis — those born in Israel before their parents left, or abroad after their parents arrived at their new homes. As someone participating for the first time this year in this annual conference — the fourth of its kind — of community leaders, I was also introduced during the conference to the special community that has taken shape over the years of the Forum's activity. Colleagues in sacred work and true friends along a complex and values-driven path.

My department deals with many and varied fields, but it is clear to me that one of the most important is preserving the connection between the State of Israel and Israelis living abroad, and even more so with the sons and daughters, the next generation, of those Israelis. In my view, this is not only a mission of personal significance for each and every Israeli living abroad, but a **strategic mission of the highest order* for my department within the World Zionist Organization — and beyond. I'm already looking forward to the Forum's conference in 2027!"*

Many thanks to the *Head of the Department's North America Desk, Lior Sagi, and **Program Manager Yahav Barnea, for planning and leading the conference. Thanks also to the **Representative of the WZO Executive in North America, Michal Slawny Cababia* and Europe Regional Manager, Dana Ayalon, who joined.

Thanks to the *Canadian Zionist Federation* and *Prosserman JCC* for their support of the conference.

HHoly Blossom TempleCCanadian Zionist FederationPProsserman JCCLLior SagiYYahav Barnea@

23/04/2026

Israel 78 — "Strokes of Hope" Exhibition Around the World**

As Israel celebrates its 78th Independence Day, Israeli communities, Jewish communities, and Zionist federations across the globe joined the celebration by hosting the special exhibition of our Department — **"Strokes of Hope"** by artist Zeev Engelmayer.

From Toronto to São Paulo, from Mexico City to Barcelona — hundreds of people stood before these works of art and found in them a bridge between their hearts and their homeland.

A heartfelt thank you to our partner communities: the communities in Toronto, the Zionist Council in Mexico, the Zionist Federation in Paraguay, the community in Cleveland, Comunitat Bet Shalom in Barcelona, Holy Blossom Temple, Oshman Family JCC Palo Alto, and the Jewish community in São Paulo.

Because Zionism isn't just a place — it's a feeling, a connection, and roots that hold us together, wherever we may be.

Wishing all of Am Israel a joyful Independence Day 🎉🇮🇱

16/03/2026

To our dear partners and friends in the Zionist Federations and in the Jewish communities around the globe;

In recent days we have been following with concern reports of the horrific attack on Temple Israel, a Reform synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. That assault followed other attacks on synagogues in recent weeks; in Toronto, Canada, in Liège, Belgium, and most recently in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

We breathed a sigh of relief when we learned that thanks to the resourcefulness and courage of its security guards, the incident at Temple Israel ended without casualties.
We know that since October 7, 2023, the price paid by Jewish communities around the world, solely because of their Jewishness, has been unbearable. We also know how deeply intertwined these things are and how events in the State of Israel powerfully affect your lives in the Diaspora. It is therefore important for me to convey a clear message of solidarity and support, and to say that we stand by your side to bolster your resilience and to reinforce your strength. The deep bond between Israel and the Jewish communities around the world is a one of mutual responsibility, and our fate is one of shared destiny.
Your ability to continue leading full Jewish communal lives as well as supporting us, your brothers and sisters in Israel, even in the face of complex challenges, inspires admiration and strengthens our own spirit.
We will continue to stay in touch, to assist in every way required, and to work together for the security of the communities and for strengthening the sense of belonging and of Jewish and Israeli pride everywhere.
In steadfast friendship,
Yair Lootsteen Yair Michael Lootsteen
Head of the Department

08/03/2026

In honor of International Women’s Day, we held a special Zoom session today with Adv. Elisheva Kendi-Ansbacher, Chair of the Zionist General Council (Vaad Hapoel Hazioni), for an inspiring conversation about the courage, leadership, and influence of women in the Zionist movement.

Elisheva is one of the prominent figures in today’s Zionist leadership and has worked for many years to advance women and promote their full integration into society and the public sphere.

The meeting was attended by heads of Zionist federations from around the world.

Yair Michael Lootsteen

03/03/2026

🎭✨ Community Purim Masquerade Ball – Purim 5786 ✨🎭

The Department for Irgoon and Connection with Israelis Abroad at the World Zionist Organization is pleased to share a festive digital activity kit for your community Purim celebration — fun for the whole family!

What’s included?
🎨 Creative craft stations
🧩 Hebrew-themed activities
🎉 Israeli-Purim Bingo

And the highlight:
🏆 “Royal Jeopardy” – A Competitive Trivia Experience for adults!
A dynamic group game designed for large events, built in a digital format and ready to be projected on a big screen during your celebration.
The questions are engaging, entertaining, and connect participants to Israeli culture and community spirit — all in the spirit of masks!

All materials are provided in digital format.

📩 To receive the full kit, register here:
https://www.tfaforms.com/5211741

05/02/2026

Singing with You Suddenly
It's Like a Dream
It's Like a Dream
A Gate of Wishes Opens
To Sing with You"
Last Friday, we held a joint Canadian-Israeli Kabbalat Shabbat at Holy Blossom Temple with an impressive attendance of over 250 participants – in honor of Tu B'Shvat and Shabbat Shira.
We began the special gathering with Tu B'Shvat activities, and with wine, cheese, and dried fruits.We continued with a special Kabbalat Shabbat service filled with a mix of Jewish tradition, Israeli songs, and a true coming together of the communities, culminating in a moving duet of "Sing with You" in Hebrew and English. The ceremony was led by the senior rabbi, RabbiYael Splansky, with Senior Cantor David Rosen, and the synagogue musicians, along with the Shali'ach Tzibur and North American Regional Director at the department, Lior Sagi, and the talented Israeli musicians Amit Rosenblum and Tal Katz.
Thank you to the synagogue staff for their cooperation, led by Executive Director Rachel Malach and Rabbi Taylor Baruchel, and the North American Program Manager at the department, Yahav Barnea

Yair Michael Lootsteen
Lior Sagi

30/01/2026

The Forum of Israeli Community Leaders in North America, which the department has been leading for the fifth year, met yesterday for the first time with the new head of the department Yair Michael Lootsteen. Yair introduced his values and visioni for working with Israeli Communities in the Diaspora, which are growing significantly. The community leaders shared the main challenges they are currently facing, and discussed ways to continue deepening their important collaborations with the department.
In addition, we welcomed the return of the last hostage Ran Gvili z"l, and prepared together to mark Israel's upcoming national holidays
Lior Sagi
Yahav Barnea

Address

King George 48
Jerusalem

Telephone

+97226202176

Website

https://www.wzo.org.il/department/Irgoon-Israelis-Abroad/home

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