Boosting Voter Turnout in the 39th World Zionist Congress Election

Voting is now underway for the 39th World Zionist Congress (WZC), with a push for higher participation from American Jews. Yizhar Hess, the vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization, has highlighted low engagement in past elections, with only 3% of eligible voters participating. In this election, online voting is available until May 4, requiring a $5 registration fee. Fifteen candidates from the Houston area are competing among the record 21 slates representing diverse Jewish perspectives. This election is critical for influencing Jewish standards and funding distribution.

The 39th World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections are currently underway, striving to enhance voter participation among American Jews. Yizhar Hess, vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization, aims to address the historically low turnout, which was approximately 124,000 voters in 2020, representing less than 3% of the eligible Jewish population in the U.S., estimated at 5.8 million by the Pew Research Center.

Voting commenced on March 10 and will continue until May 4, with online access available at zionistelection.org. A nominal registration fee of $5 is required to help cover election costs. Previous turnout from Jewish Texans in the last election was particularly low, with only about 1% participating.

Hess is set to visit Houston for Shabbat services from March 21-23, with the aim of amplifying voter turnout. He emphasizes that increased participation could significantly enhance funding for Jewish programs within the U.S., potentially doubling or tripling financial support for camps, community services, and educational initiatives.

The WZC acts as a crucial decision-making body for the global Jewish community, allocating around $5 billion to various organizations over five years. This congress will host a total of 525 delegates, with elections being held on a proportional basis from a record 21 slates representing diverse Jewish political movements and ideologies.

American Jews aged 18 or older who meet specific criteria can vote, and all candidates must accept the Jerusalem Platform that emphasizes key Zionist values. Issues such as recognition and acceptance of different Jewish religious practices in Israel are anticipated to be central points of discussion among delegates.

Delegates representing the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements are pushing for governance changes that would recognize their religious practices and authority within Israel. This year’s election has increased urgency given recent global events, as American Jews seek to influence standards affecting their communities.

Fifteen individuals from Houston have registered as candidates for the WZC elections, reflecting a wide array of beliefs and backgrounds, indicative of the community’s diversity.
To vote, individuals can visit zionistelection.org, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of the Jewish community.

The ongoing 39th World Zionist Congress election aims to enhance voter engagement among American Jews after historically low participation rates. With an online voting platform and a nominal registration fee, the election presents an opportunity for Jewish communities to influence key funding and policy decisions that shape Jewish life globally. The diverse candidate slates reflect the multiplicity of thoughts within contemporary Judaism, emphasizing the importance of inclusion in religious practices in Israel. Key figures, like Yizhar Hess, are actively working to drive voter registration and turnout, stressing the potential impact of these elections on the Jewish community’s future. Overall, the elections not only symbolize democratic participation but also an alignment of values among various Jewish movements across the spectrum.

Original Source: jhvonline.com