World Zionist Congress Elections

The results of these elections impact the allocation of billions of dollars by the largest organizations in the Jewish world – the WZO, KKL/JNF, and the Jewish Agency – as seats on their respective boards of directors are allocated according to the outcome of these elections. Any Jewish American (by self-definition) over 18 who is not a member of another religion, resides permanently in the U.S. and didn’t vote in the last Knesset election can vote in these elections with no organizational membership or pre-registration required. 

Why does this matter?

Jewish communities are diverse. Every Jew and Jewish community has different values and priorities as well as different visions for Israel and the Jewish world. Founded by Herzl in 1897, the World Zionist Congress is the only democratic body that includes Jews of all backgrounds from all countries. When you vote in elections for the World Zionist Congress, you make your and your community’s voice and values heard at some of the most decisionmaking tables in the Jewish world. When you don’t vote, you give up your voice at this democratic table, and hand power, billions of dollars and control over to others who may not share your values and your vision for Israel and the Jewish world. 

What kind of decisions are at stake?

Will the major organizations under the Zionist Congress’s auspices invest millions in Jewish institutions from all streams – Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative – in Israel and around the world, or invest in only one way of being Jewish? Will KKL/JNF invest more of its over $1 billion annual budget in rebuilding communities devastated on October 7th, or in combating climate change, or in other political priorities? The different parties running in these elections have different priorities and different answers to these questions.

Voting is simple.

Any Jewish American (by self-definition) over 18 who is not a member of another religion, resides permanently in the U.S. and didn’t vote in the last Knesset election can vote in these elections with no organizational membership or pre-registration required. Voting takes five minutes, and cost $5. This is an administrative fee in the spirit of Herzl’s Zionist Shekel – that is, buying into the future of Israel and the Zionist movement – that covers the cost of the election and nothing else. You can vote starting March 10 at zionistelection.org.