Voting Opens for 39th World Zionist Congress: Influence Israel’s Future

Voting for the 39th World Zionist Congress has begun, offering American Jews a chance to influence Israel’s future. The election impacts over $5 billion in funding and key issues like religious pluralism and funding for Jewish education. It features a contest between liberal and Orthodox factions, with a notable rise in the number of competing slates. Low voter turnout remains a concern among leaders advocating for greater representation in the congress.

Voting commenced on Monday for the 39th World Zionist Congress, providing American Jews with a unique opportunity to influence the future of Israel. This election is significant as it determines the balance of power within a historical Zionist organization founded by Theodore Herzl 128 years ago, implicating over $5 billion in funding for Jewish initiatives and quasi-governmental institutions like the Jewish Agency and the Jewish National Fund, which owns a considerable portion of Israeli land.

All Jewish adults residing in the United States are eligible to vote until May 4, provided they agree to a set of Zionist principles and pay a nominal $5 registration fee. This election features a profound ideological contest between liberal and right-wing Orthodox factions, each aspiring to mold the future of Zionist institutions and influence financial allocations during a critical juncture in Israel’s history, affecting religious pluralism, Jewish education funding, settlement policies, and Israel-Diaspora relations.

Rabbi Josh Weinberg, leader of the Reform movement’s liberal slate, emphasized that “This election is about nothing less than the soul of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.” The significance lies in the competing interpretations of Jewish statehood and Jewish identity, which will be partially determined through this democratic process. In total, 21 slates are competing for the 152 seats designated for American Jewry, reflecting a marked increase in participation compared to the last election.

Weinberg’s Vote Reform slate aims to replicate its previous electoral success, having garnered a plurality of American votes in the past election. However, the recent ascendancy of Orthodox slates such as Mizrachi and Eretz Hakodesh shifted the demonstrated balance of power towards right-wing representation in the congress. Eretz Hakodesh seeks to expand its influence, building upon its past accomplishments and inviting others who share its beliefs to join.

The current elections introduce nine new slates, many echoing Orthodox values or pro-settlement ideologies, while strategically focusing on specific demographics. For instance, Am Yisrael Chai seeks to engage college students, the Israeli American Council slate focuses on Israeli expats, and Beyachad caters to Russian-speaking Jews. Left-leaning slates, such as the AID Coalition and ANU: A New Union, aim to attract voters sympathetic to recent protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Despite the left-leaning tendencies of U.S. Jews, low voter turnout is a significant concern, with only 125,000 casting ballots in the last election out of nearly 6 million eligible adults. Yizhar Hess, vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization, describes this low turnout as a “shonda” that jeopardizes Zionism’s foundational pluralism. He is determined to raise awareness and encourage participation by engaging with congregations and community groups.

In conclusion, the ongoing election for the World Zionist Congress is a critical moment for American Jews to influence the future of Israel. The ideological battle between liberal and right-wing Orthodox factions may shape important policies regarding religious pluralism, funding, and settlement issues. Awareness and participation in the electoral process are essential to ensuring that the diverse voices within the Jewish community are adequately represented. Encouraging higher voter turnout remains a priority for leaders to preserve the essence of Zionism as envisioned by its founders.

Original Source: www.jta.org