What is the World Zionist Congress?

World Zionist Congress is the supreme governing body of the World Zionist Organization (WZO). The Congress makes crucial decisions that determine the directions of activity and policy of the WZO itself and its cooperation with the state of the Jewish people – Israel. The Congress is attended by 500 delegates:

• 190 delegates from Israel (38%). The composition of this group is distributed according to party affiliation, that is, it is formed in accordance with the results of the parliamentary elections held in Israel before the Congress.
• 145 delegates from the USA (29%) – the composition of this group is determined by elections held by the country’s Jewish community.
• 165 delegates from other diaspora countries (33%) – in most cases, Jewish organizations of these countries will appoint their delegates without elections.

The USA sends the largest delegation among diaspora countries to the Congress, and the election of delegates gives every Jew in the USA the opportunity to democratically influence the future of the entire Jewish people and its state.

Why are these elections especially important?

The tragedy of October 7, 2024, when Palestinian terrorists staged a monstrous massacre in Israel, accompanied by mass murders, violence, hostage-taking, and looting, as well as the subsequent grueling and bloody war, became a turning point in the modern history of the Jewish people.

The perception of what is happening around and in Israel for millions of Jews around the planet has decisively changed. This tragedy highlighted the need for the diaspora Jews to unite and actively support Israel. The forms of this support and how Jews around the world will help themselves will be determined by the 39th World Zionist Congress.

The election results will determine:

• Resource allocation: The Congress decides how to distribute about 1 billion dollars a year on projects supporting Israel, aliyah, Jewish education, and the fight against anti-Semitism.
• Setting priorities: Delegates shape the policy of the WZO, affecting the interests of Jewish communities worldwide.
• Connection with Israel: Strengthening the ties of the Jewish diaspora with Israel, especially in the current geopolitical tension.

How can you vote?

Voting in the USA will primarily take place online (using personal computers and mobile devices) from March 10 to May 4, 2025. Every resident of the USA, who has reached the age of 18, feels a connection to the Jewish people, and shares the ideals of Zionism, is entitled to cast their vote for one of the lists of candidates representing various ideological, political, and religious currents and groups.

Now more than ever, it is important to take responsibility for the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Participating in these elections is not only a right but also an opportunity to make a real contribution to decision-making that will affect the lives of millions of people.

For registration and additional information, visit the AZM website.