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Joseph Frager

Apathy Is Not Acceptable in the Upcoming World Zionist Congress Election

The State of Israel came into being because of the World Zionist Congress. This is where Herzl made his mark and major contribution. The first Zionist Congress which he chaired was held in Basel, Switzerland in 1897.

Every five years Jews living in the Diaspora have a chance to have a significant say in the future of the State of Israel. More than five billion dollars is at stake. The more votes the more influence in where the money goes. Israel’s national institutions, its Schools and Yeshivot, and its political landscape are all impacted by this funding.

Since 1897 the Reform and Conservative Jewish groups have ruled the roost. Orthodox Jews,I am sorry to say, have been slow learners. There are many reasons for this but times are “a changing”.  It is clear that Orthodox Jews can be a powerhouse when they want to be. Orthodox Jews helped elect Donald Trump as President of the United States. They are a formidable force when they are united and take an interest.

It is not clear why the Orthodox have failed to grasp the enormity of the election facing them in the World Zionist Congress. In the last election only 8000 Orthodox Jews voted. There were only 55,000 votes in all. The Reform contributed most of the votes. The Reform for the most part push for Reform Conversions, Civil Marriage, a Pro-BDS Agenda, an Anti-Settlement Ideology, and for a mixed prayer service at the Western Wall. The Orthodox cannot be apathetic. They must be pro-active and realize the tremendous responsibility to vote in this crucial election. As of this past week a total of 56,000 votes have been cast. Most are from the Reform and Conservative Movements who have been better at  mobilization once again than the Orthodox. If every Orthodox Jewish family registers to vote (you must be at least 18 years old-it costs $7.50 each) (see the link above) then the Orthodox will finally have a major share of the 5 Billion Dollars that is distributed.

There are a number of Slates that the Orthodox can choose from including Slate #4 which is the Orthodox Israel Coalition which the National Council of Young Israel and Yeshiva University belong to. There are two Orthodox Sephardic Slates, and an Agudah Slate as well. My personal preference because of my close relationship since childhood with Mort Klein  is Slate #11 which is the ZOA (Zionist Organization of America) Slate.

Mort Klein’s Father of Blessed Memory was my Rabbi growing up in a small Orthodox Synagogue in Philadelphia. He was a tremendous Torah Scholar.

It is high time for the Orthodox to abandon apathy and embrace their responsibility to future generations. Voting in the World Zionist Congress‘ upcoming election is one sure way to do so.

About the Author
Joe Frager is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in private practice. Currently he is the Chairman of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim and First Vice President of the National Council of Young Israel. For the past 25 years he has been the Organizer of the Israel Day Concert in Central Park after the Salute to the Israel Day parade.
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