World Zionist Congress Election Initiatives: Boosting American Jewish Turnout

Voting for the 39th World Zionist Congress has started, with leaders urging higher participation among American Jews. The election runs from March 10 to May 4, with online voting available. Efforts focus on increasing engagement following disappointing turnout in 2020, and the election will decide funding for Jewish organizations. Fifteen Houston candidates are participating, reflecting diverse viewpoints among Jewish communities.

The 39th World Zionist Congress (WZC) election has commenced, with Yizhar Hess, the vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization, spearheading efforts to enhance voter turnout among American Jewish communities. Voting began on March 10 and will continue until May 4, aiming to surpass the 2020 turnout, which witnessed only 124,000 ballots cast despite a Jewish adult population of 5.8 million in the United States, resulting in less than 3% participation.

This year’s election allows online voting via zionistelection.org, with a nominal registration fee of $5 per voter to cover election expenses. The American Zionist Movement (AZM) reported a dismal turnout in the previous election, noting that only 2,054 of approximately 176,000 Jewish Texans participated.

To further this initiative, Hess plans to visit Houston between March 21-23, 2025, attending Shabbat services at local congregations. He articulates that increased participation could lead to a significant uptick in funding for vital Jewish programs across the U.S., such as summer camps, community services, and educational initiatives.

Hess emphasizes that while North American Jewry includes 35% Reform, 20% Conservative, and 10% Orthodox, the latter group disproportionately influenced past elections, securing 20% of the vote despite their smaller population percentage. This year, 525 delegates will be elected to the congress, determining how approximately $5 billion will be allocated to Jewish organizations over five years, with a substantial portion flowing through the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Jewish National Fund.

Voter eligibility includes being Jewish, aged 18 or older, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and a primary resident of the U.S. The WZO election features a record 21 slates representing a wide spectrum of Jewish political thought, with issues such as the recognition of Reform and Conservative practices in Israel central to the election discourse.

Rabbi David Lyon, a candidate from the Reform slate, underscores the election’s significance for American Jews, stating that their involvement can impact Jewish life and funding in Israel, despite their inability to vote in Israeli elections. Voting is a pathway for American Jews to influence how $5 billion will be allocated in support of various Jewish movements in Israel.

Fifteen candidates from Houston are participating in the election, representing a historic array of beliefs and traditions. Notable local candidates include Rabbis David Lyon, Gideon Estes, and others. For voting, visit zionistelection.org to cast your ballot.

The 39th World Zionist Congress election presents a critical opportunity for American Jews to influence significant funding and policy decisions related to Jewish life in Israel and beyond. Yizhar Hess’s initiatives aim to enhance voter turnout in response to previous low participation rates, emphasizing the importance of including diverse perspectives within the Jewish community. Ultimately, this election serves as not only a political event but also a moment of engagement and representation for Jews living outside of Israel.

Original Source: jhvonline.com