World Zionist Organization

U.S. elections for delegates to the World Zionist Congress have been ongoing, but close on May 4. We need everyone who is able to step up and vote for Slate 17: MERCAZ USA: The Voice of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. You can easily vote through your cell phone at votemercazusa.org. Whether we are talking about Conservative or MERCAZ Jews in the U.S., Masorti Jews in Israel, or Conservative, MERCAZ, or Masorti Jews in Canada, Europe, Asia, or South America, we all have the same needs of ensuring that we have a seat at the table when the World Zionist Congress meets and that we receive our fair share of the billions of funds to be doled out.

Vote for MERCAZ USA: The Voice of Conservative/Masorti Judaism

This coming October, the 39th World Zionist Congress (founded by Herzl in 1897) will be meeting in Jerusalem and the voices of Conservative Judaism urgently need to be heard. The World Zionist Congress is the only democratic body with representatives from all of world Jewry: all countries and all streams. In online elections for delegates to the Congress every 5 years, Diaspora Jews like us have a vote.

Funding for the World Zionist Congress comes from multiple sources. Key constituents are the four Israeli “National Institutions;” namely, the Word Zionist Organization (“WZO”), which is the “umbrella body” of the Zionist Movement, Karen Kayemet L’Yisrael – the Jewish National Fund in Israel, Keren Hayesod (“UJA” in the US), and the Jewish Agency for Israel. In addition to the Israeli National Institutions, Jewish organizations from the four corners of the globe participate in the election. The World Zionist Congress is comprised of 525 delegates – 200 from Israeli political parties (largely tied to the Knesset), 152 from the United States, and 173 from the rest of the world. An additional 228 individuals have a permanent representation at the World Zionist Congress. The result of World Zionist Congress elections will determine who controls these National Institutions for the next 5 years, and how their billions are allocated each year.

MERCAZ Olami is the sole political party representing the worldwide Masorti or Conservative Movement at the World Zionist Congress and the four National Institutions under its auspices. When we pay a $5 administrative fee to cover the cost of the elections and take 5 minutes to vote for Conservative Judaism’s official party, MERCAZ USA, we are voting:

To ensure that the WZO and its affiliates help rebuild the communities devastated on October 7 and provide vital support to those who have been held hostage and their families.
To direct resources into our communities to combat antisemitism and provide education that addresses the root causes of hate.
To uphold democracy and civil rights for all in Israel and including Jews in the Zionist vision of a democratic Israel, especially with extremists seeking to take control and impose their will on us all.
To promote understanding of the Zionist vision, dispel misconceptions about Zionism, counter anti-Zionist actions, and challenge rhetoric that threatens Israel’s safety and security.
To envision a future where Jewish people of all backgrounds can realize the dream of a secure, pluralistic and democratic Israel with fair treatment of Jews and non-Jews who call Israel home, regardless of beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.
To strengthen the bond between American Jews and Israel and bring more resources to our communities to connect the next generation with Israel and their Jewish identity.
To secure $25 million in funding for Israel education in our congregations, our Men’s Clubs and Sisterhoods, at Ramah, USY, through our Shlichim and Shinshinim, and so much more.
To stand in support of the vision of an Israel integrated within the region and at peace with all its neighbors, including the Palestinians.
And finally, to fight to fund the Masorti Movement in Israel and make sure that EVERY Jew from EVERY stream is treated equally in Israel.

Although this all sounds very complicated, in reality it is quite simple. We are talking about the largest philanthropies in the Jewish world and our vote for the World Zionist Congress determines what the WZC does and how they spend their money. As with all elections, not voting IS voting to hand over power and hundreds of millions of dollars to those who do vote, but may not share in our values. In the last election, these other organizations and their constituencies showed up and voted. Conservative Jews like us too often didn’t. We, a Movement of 1 million, need to get out the vote in order to ensure that our goals are met.

I hope that each of us will vote in this critical once in 5-year election. If you are able to include other family members or friends, so much the better. Please note that, pursuant to WZO rules, the actual list of voters will never be made public at any time.

The election runs from through May 4, 2025. You can easily vote through your cell phone by visiting votemercazusa.org. Everyone who votes in the election will be required to provide basic personal information as well as check-off various statements in support of the voting. At the end of the ballot, you will need to attach your vote to one of the 21 US organizations listed. We hope you will choose Slate 17, entitled MERCAZ USA: The Voice of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. If you require a paper ballot to vote, please contact the TBE office to request a ballot. We will then provide you with a paper ballot along with all necessary information to vote.

It’s that simple. This year, more than any other, it’s imperative that the Conservative Movement have a seat at the table. We must assist in the rebuilding of Israel, stand united for Israel, support pluralistic values, increase our representation in the World Zionist Congress, and we must invest in the next generation of Jewish leaders who will lead with our values.

By voting today, you will spend 5 minutes filling out the on-line form and making your payment of $5. And, for the next 5 years, you’ll know that $15 billion dollars controlled by the outcome of the election will be spent in Israel and the Jewish world in a way that’s in line with your values. The power is in your hands. Thank you for your support. Together, we will win this election and make a huge difference for Israel and the Jewish people!

Vote Now!

If you encounter any problems voting, please reach out to either Gary Steinberg at (585) 737-8566 or Debbie Zeger the TBE office and one of us will get back to you as soon as we are able.