The Jewess Patriot: As The World Zionist Congress Collapses, Chabad Succeeds

As The World Zionist Congress Collapses, Chabad Succeeds

For me, it was the tale of which side of the road you crossed one recent Tuesday night in Jerusalem. On one side, in the International Convention Center of Jerusalem, the World Zionist Congress held its opening ceremonies. On the other, in The Vert Hotel, two prestigious Chabad rabbis hosted hundreds as their children were united in marriage.

World Zionist Congress

This was my first time attending the convention held in Jerusalem. Throughout the years, I have attended the Republican National Conventions, AIPAC conventions, The General Assembly conferences and many more. I thought my experiences prepared me for three days of networking, advocating for Israel and fighting antisemitism. Boy, was I wrong! Pre Jerusalem convention, there was controversy about the World Zionist Congress, especially among leaders from major slates.

Nothing got me ready for the experience of Zionists fighting! Aren’t we on the same team? Was the 39th Congress the vision of Herzl and Jabotinsky?

I had many great conversations and met some great people. However, too many voices were speaking without listening. Individuals were fighting for themselves, not for Israel or the majority of the Jewish people.

Two weeks later, headlines in Israel highlight chaos stemming from the 39th World Zionist Congress.

Chabad

On the very same Tuesday night, I participated in a gathering filled with love, respect, solidarity and unity. Rabbis from Europe, America, Australia and Israel blessed the chossen and kallah (groom and bride) and their family and friends.  Strangers became more than acquaintances, and bonds were made that will continue at simchas, and shliach and shlucha conventions.

While Chabad is religious, it’s welcoming. They met me in Shul (Chabad of the Old City in Jerusalem) on Shabbos and insisted I join them. Yes, I have an advantage, I attend Chabad services regularly and know many of the Rabbis and Rebbetzins in the United States.

Chabad offers something that the World Zionist Congress didn’t. That is judgement! So many of my friends who don’t belong to Shuls, keep kosher or light Shabbat candles tell stories of their grandchildren attending Chabad Sunday programs or visiting a Chabad house when traveling. All speak of positive experiences.

Chabad doesn’t preach left, right or right or wrong. It welcomes Jews! It works within communities with non Jewish neighbors. (Think about the Mumbai massacre and the babysitter who saved Moshe Hertzberg. Remember how the Rebbe was instrumental in helping Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm with one of her signature issues of dealing with hunger.)

Almost two weeks after the Congress and editorials in Israel are still criticizing the Congress and questioning the future of Zionism.

How can Jews expect to fight antisemitism when everyone can google this and see our failures? Our inner civil wars?

Is it any wonder that New York, Virginia and California voted for antisemitic officials? Does it really surprise anyone that England’s ten largest cities are run by antisemitic Muslims who support the Palestinian narrative of “ From The River To The Sea?”

In the age of assimilation and intermarriage, we don’t need any help destroying ourselves.

Nor do we need the controversy of a failed World Zionist Congress.

As just published in an opinion in The Jerusalem Post, “Zionism’s future lost in backroom deals at World Zionist Congress. What was once the beating heart of Jewish political imagination – the place where our people charted their collective destiny – has devolved into a cheap political bazaar.”

Perhaps a visit to 770 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York or a nearby Chabad would do wonders for questioning our long term goals and seeking Moshiach.