As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we want to inform you of a great opportunity you have as Jews living in America to directly influence major decisions made in Israel. Such an opportunity, at this critical time, is the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections.
Just as elections are held periodically for Israeli citizens to vote for representatives in the Knesset, Jews around the world also have an opportunity to vote and impact the future of Israel and the Jewish World.
A VOTE FOR THE ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
MIZRACHI has historically represented the Torah Voice and the Orthodox movement in the WZO for almost 120 years. Founded in 1902, soon after the first Zionist Congress in 1897, MIZRACHI has brought together all the Orthodox Torah voices within the WZO into a strong and broad coalition.
Our slate this year in America is called The Orthodox Israel Coalition – The MIZRACHI Vote Torah slate. The slate, once again incorporates the major religious Zionist Orthodox movements and organizations across the US: Religious Zionists of America (RZA), Amit, Orthodox Union (OU), Yeshiva University (YU), Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), Touro College, Bnei Akiva and beyond.
These elections have a far-reaching impact –
- Influential positions – Major leadership positions are decided by these elections such as the heads of the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (The JNF – Jewish National Fund in Israel), Keren Hayesod and many of its divisional heads as well their governing boards.
- Massive funding – The annual combined budgets of these institutions is in excess of $800 million. How this money is used is dramatically impacted by this election. Maintaining and expanding the hundreds of TORAH shlichim in North America and around the world who serve as teachers, youth movement leaders, campus leaders, and Bnot Sheirut depends on a strong ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION turnout.
- Orthodox representation – The Orthodox community in America makes up only 10 -15% of American Jewry. It is often underestimated in the National Institutions because it is perceived as an insignificant minority. This perception does not reflect the reality of the contribution of Orthodox Jews to communal organizations and institutions in America, an influence far beyond our relative numbers and the rapid growth of Orthodoxy in America. Success in these elections will greatly bolster the standing and influence of the Orthodox Torah voice within these institutions.
HERE’S HOW THE VOTING PROCESS WORKS?
Every five years the World Zionist Organization (WZO), holds an international assembly of Jews: The World Zionist Congress, which brings together delegates from around the world. Delegates from the United States are determined in an election. By voting in these elections you can play a proactive role in shaping the Jewish future. The American delegation is by far the largest of all Diaspora communities and constitutes 145 of the 500 delegates which make up the Congress. It is vital that that our coalition have a strong representation within this delegation – your vote will help achieve that.” The 38th Congress will meet in Jerusalem on October 2020.
WHEN DO THESE ELECTIONS TAKE PLACE?
The elections take place this year during a 50 day period, starting January 21, 2020 and ending on Shushan Purim, March 11, 2020. Any American Jew who will turn 18 by June 30th, 2020 is eligible to vote in this election. This can be done simply during the election period using a smartphone or computer by paying a nominal fee and then voting for the slate of one’s choice. More details will be sent out closer to the election period.
A vote for our powerful and broad coalition is a vote to strengthen the soul of the Jewish people and the impact of our timeless Torah values in the makeup and activities of Israel’s National Institutions.
More information regarding the elections will follow.
VOTE FOR THE ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION – VOTE TORAH
Wishing you all a Shana Tova uMetuka,
Rav Doron Perez
Chief Executive
MIZRACHI world movement
www.mizrachi.org
