Israeli Americans: Harnessing Our Power to Transform the WZC Elections

The World Zionist Congress (WZC) serves as a pivotal platform for Jews worldwide to influence key decisions affecting Jewish communities and the state of Israel. Historically, the WZC has convened every five years since its inception by Theodor Herzl in 1897, bringing together delegates from various global Jewish communities. For instance, the 38th Congress in 2020 included 524 delegates: 199 from Israel (38%), 152 from the United States (29%), and 173 from other parts of the Jewish diaspora (33%).

Yet, most of the Jewish world do not vote in these elections.

For Israeli-Americans—individuals who are Israeli by birth or descent but reside in the United States— representation is especially low, therefore participation in the WZC elections is particularly significant. Here’s why:

1. Representation of Unique Interests

Israeli-Americans possess a distinct cultural and national identity that blends Israeli heritage with American experiences. Engaging in the WZC elections ensures that this unique perspective is represented in discussions and decisions that impact both Israel and the global Jewish community.

2. Influence on Allocation of Resources

The WZC oversees substantial budgets directed toward Jewish education, community development, and support for Israel. Voting for delegates who understand and advocate for the specific needs of Israeli-Americans can lead to more tailored and effective use of these resources.

3. Strengthening Community Connections

Participation in the WZC fosters a deeper connection between Israeli-Americans and their heritage. It provides an avenue to engage with broader Jewish and Israeli issues, reinforcing communal bonds and ensuring that the voices of Israeli-Americans are heard on a global stage.

4. Shaping Policies Relevant to Diaspora Jews

The decisions made by the WZC can influence policies affecting Jewish communities worldwide. By voting, Israeli-Americans can advocate for initiatives that address their specific concerns, such as programs supporting Hebrew language education, cultural events, fighting anti-zionism and Israel-Diaspora relations.

5. Combating Apathy and Ensuring Active Participation

Historically, voter turnout for the WZC elections has been low. For example, in the United States, only 123,575 votes were cast in the 2020 elections, despite a Jewish population of approximately six million.

Increased participation from Israeli-Americans can counteract this trend, ensuring that our interests as a community are adequately represented.

Call to Action

As Israeli-Americans, our vote in the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections is a powerful tool to influence the future of the Jewish people and the state of Israel. By supporting delegates that resonate with our unique identity and concerns, we can ensure that the WZC reflects the diverse tapestry of Jewish life. Engage in the process, make your voice heard, and contribute to shaping a future that honors and supports the Israeli-American community.

For more details about the Israeli-American platform go to IAC360 | IAC | WZC