It was fitting that Zionist leaders from around the world gathered in Budapest in June.

As the birthplace of Theodor Herzl and home to one of Europe’s most resilient Jewish communities, the city symbolizes both the origins of modern Zionism and the enduring strength of the Jewish people. It was an appropriate setting for over 50 leaders representing Zionist Federations from 24 countries to reflect not only on where the Zionist movement has been, but also on where it must go next.

Over three days of conversations, workshops, and a shared Shabbat, one message emerged. The future of Zionism will not be built through uniformity. It will be built by embracing the diversity of our communities while strengthening the global bonds that unite us.

That lesson resonated deeply with us because it reflects the work of the American Zionist Movement every day. As the umbrella convening Zionist Federation in the United States, AZM is comprised of 51 diverse national Jewish Zionist organizations representing a broad ideological, political, and religious spectrum. We do not all approach every issue in the same way, nor should we. Our goal has never been to eliminate our differences. It has been to ensure that our shared commitment to Zionism is always greater than those differences. That commitment allows organizations with different perspectives to work together on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people, and our experience has shown that diversity is not an obstacle to overcome. It is one of the........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)