Vote Reform in the World Zionist Elections January 21-March 11, 2020

Posted on January 8, 2020

Even from America’s shores, we can impact Israel by voting for the 38^th congress in the World Zionist election. The World Zionist Congress (WZC) is the governing body of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), Jewish National Fund (JNF), and the Jewish Agency for Israel. The First Zionist Congress, convened by Theodor Herzl in 1897, began the Zionist movement stating that the Jewish people should have a state of their own. The WZC meets every five years to discuss policy and funding for Jewish institutions in Israel and across the world.

With more slates than ever before representing the diversity of thought, opinion and cultural identity of the American Jewish community, we have a rare opportunity to make a direct impact on the future direction of Israel and diaspora affairs. Decisions will be made regarding the priorities of the key National Institutions of Israel – World Zionist Organization (WZO), Jewish National Fund (JNF) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JNF) – and the allocation of nearly $1 billion in funding in support of Israel and world Jewry.

This is an opportunity to connect with the land of Israel, support Reform Judaism, and strengthen the Jewish state. By voting Reform, you are investing in an Israel that is both Jewish and democratic and is a free society that upholds equality of religion, gender, race, and ethnicity. Our Reform vote will advocate for government recognition of the many diverse expressions of Jewish religious identity and support of a democratic civil society in Israel. It will work so that liberal streams of Judaism are provided equal financial support and resources in the Jewish State. And will advocate for a long-term peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Please see more at https://azm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-ARZA-Platform-and-Slate.pdf

Who is eligible to vote in the US Elections to the 38th World Zionist Congress?

Be 18 years of age or above (as of June 30, 2020)
Be a permanent resident of the United States
Be Jewish
Have not voted and will not vote in the March 2, 2020 Knesset election
Affirm your commitment to the Jerusalem Program (asserts the unity of the Jewish people and bond to Israel, immigration and integration of immigrants in Israel, strengthening Israel’s morality and spirituality, Jewish education, responsibility, and rights of individuals)

Registration and voting will open on January 21, 2020. To register, visit azm.org/elections after that date. The fee to register and vote is $7.50, which covers the administrative costs of running the election (anyone age 25 and under pay $5.00). For more information: https://azm.org/elections

For quick video on these elections: Click here

We are hoping for many within our congregation to vote. Thank you for supporting the Reform movement and Israel.