Voting Opens for 2025 World Zionist Congress Election, Key Issues at Stake

Voting for the 39th World Zionist Congress has commenced and will run through May 4, 2025, allowing American Jews to elect representatives who will influence over $1 billion in annual funding for Jewish causes and shape the future of Israel. The election features 21 competing slates, a notable increase from the previous election, with candidates representing a diverse array of political beliefs and cultural traditions. This year’s elections are particularly significant as they reflect ideological divisions within the Jewish community, especially between liberal and right-wing Orthodox factions, as they contend over key issues such as religious pluralism and settlement expansion. The results will impact the leadership and priorities of major Zionist organizations, including the Jewish Agency and Jewish National Fund. With approximately 11,000 pre-registered voters and nearly 3,000 candidates, participation in this election is projected to be the highest in over three decades. The election is seen as a critical moment for American Jews to assert their influence in Zionist institutions and the broader conversation about Jewish identity and statehood.