Voting Commences in World Zionist Congress Election, Influencing Israel’s Future

Voting has begun for the 39th World Zionist Congress, offering American Jews a crucial opportunity to influence Israel’s future. This election features a struggle between liberal and right-wing factions, with over $5 billion in funding, along with control of significant institutions, at stake. Participation is open until May 4, but historically low voter turnout remains a concern for ensuring diverse representation in the congress.

Voting commenced on Monday for the election of the 39th World Zionist Congress, providing American Jews with a significant opportunity to influence the future trajectory of Israel. This election is critical in shaping the legislative authority of the Zionist organization, initially established by Theodore Herzl 128 years ago. With over $5 billion in funding for Jewish causes at stake, voters will determine control over essential institutions such as the Jewish Agency and the Jewish National Fund, which owns 13% of the land in Israel.

Any Jewish adult residing in the United States can participate in the election until May 4, provided they acknowledge a set of Zionist principles and pay a $5 registration fee. This electoral process is characterized by a fierce ideological contest between liberal and right-wing Orthodox factions, each striving to influence the future of Zionist institutions and financial priorities during a pivotal historical moment for Israel. Key matters, including religious pluralism and settlement expansion, will be determined by the election’s outcome.

Rabbi Josh Weinberg, heading the campaign for the Reform movement’s slate, emphasized, “This election is about nothing less than the soul of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.” He indicated that voters could help delineate what it means to have a Jewish state and what being Jewish entails through this democratic process.

The Vote Reform slate is among 21 lists competing for the 152 seats designated for American Jewry in the congress, a notable increase compared to 15 slates in the last election, five years prior. Winners will collaborate alongside 173 representatives from Diaspora communities and 200 representatives elected by Israeli political parties, based on their parliamentary representation.

In the previous election, the Reform slate garnered a plurality of American votes; however, the rise of Orthodox lists significantly reshaped the congress’s balance. Eretz Hakodesh and Mizrachi helped establish a right-wing majority for the first time, impacting the outcomes of key decisions.

Several new slates participate this year, many sharing ideologies with Eretz Hakodesh, focusing on Orthodox values or pro-settlement politics. Noteworthy platforms include Am Yisrael Chai, targeting college students, and the Israeli American Council, which engages Israeli expats. Conversely, the left-leaning AID Coalition represents expats supporting the protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, while ANU: A New Union seeks to mobilize young voters on the left.

Despite a general left-leaning inclination in the U.S. Jewish population, low voter turnout undermines potential representation in the congress. Out of nearly 6 million American Jewish adults, only 125,000 participated in the 2020 election, a notable increase from the 56,000 votes cast in 2015. Yizhar Hess, vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization, criticized this low turnout, stating it compromises the pluralistic nature of Zionism. He aims to raise awareness by engaging with various congregational and community gatherings.

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The election for the 39th World Zionist Congress represents a pivotal moment for American Jews to influence Israel’s future. With ideological factions vying for dominance, the outcome will determine assistance allocation and shape critical issues like religious pluralism and settlement expansion. Encouraging voter participation remains essential to reflecting the broad diversity of the Jewish community in decision-making processes. Ultimately, this election underscores the importance of democratic engagement within the Jewish diaspora.

Original Source: www.jta.org