In the first week of voting for the 2025 World Zionist Congress, over 53,000 votes were cast, representing a 122% increase from the previous election in 2020. This year’s election features record participation from 22 groups and over 2,900 candidates, emphasizing the Jewish community’s increasing engagement in shaping Israel’s direction. The Congress will convene in Jerusalem in October 2025.
Voting for the 2025 World Zionist Congress election in the United States has experienced a more than twofold increase within the first week compared to the previous election in 2020. The election, held every five years, empowers Jews in the United States to influence Israel’s direction, global Jewish communities, and the support of Zionist ideals, as indicated in a recent press release.
From March 3 to March 10, this election has recorded a total of 53,213 votes, signifying a remarkable 122% rise from the 23,938 votes cast during the same period in 2020. If this trend continues, the election is expected to surpass the previous participation record of 123,575 votes. In contrast, only 7,639 votes were cast in the first week of the 2015 election.
The 152 delegates elected from the United States will constitute approximately one-third of the Congress. They will collaborate with global representatives to determine the leadership and priorities of significant organizations such as the World Zionist Organization (WZO), Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), the Jewish Agency for Israel, and United Israel Appeal. These decisions impact the allocation of more than $1 billion annually to support Israel and Jewish communities globally.
Herbert Block, executive director of AZM, remarked on the turnout, stating, “We are gratified to see the unprecedented voter participation in the election’s first week and anticipate that this pattern will continue throughout the voting period. By turning out in record numbers, American Jews are showing they are proudly Zionist and are sending a clear message that the stakes for the Jewish and Israeli future are higher than ever.”
This year’s election features a record 22 groups, reflecting a diverse array of political views, religious affiliations, and cultural backgrounds, which is a 57% increase from 14 groups that secured seats in 2020. Additionally, over 2,900 candidates from 43 US states and territories are contesting the election, marking an increase of more than 60% compared to 2020. Following this election, the 39th World Zionist Congress is scheduled to convene in Jerusalem from October 28 to 30, 2025.
The voting for the 2025 World Zionist Congress in the United States has seen a remarkable surge, indicating heightened engagement among the Jewish community regarding their influence over Israel and global Jewish matters. With substantial participation documented in the initial week and an increase in competing groups and candidates, the upcoming Congress is poised for significant deliberation and decision-making, underscoring the critical nature of Zionist involvement at this juncture. In summary, the profound increase in voter turnout signifies a robust commitment among American Jews to participate in shaping the future of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
