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What is the world Zionist CongressThe first Zionist Congress first convened in Basel, and established the foundation of the World Zionist Organization. The first Congress, had only 197 delegates participate, and adopted the Basel Program, which defined the goal of Zionism to strive to create a home in Palestine for the Jewish people, secured and recognized by international public law. The WXC is the legislative body of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), representing the global Zionist movement. Today, the WZC plays a crucial role in shaping Zionist policies, allocating significant funding for Jewish causes, and influencing the future of both Israel and the Jewish diaspora through its political, social, and cultural decisions. It remains a vital institution connecting Jewish communities worldwide with Israel. World Zionist Congress convenes every 5 years. There are today a total of 507 delegates. (1) 190 Israeli delegates – representative of Israeli political parties. (2) 152 US delegates, elected by Jewish registered voters who declare that they did not vote in Israeli elections. (3)165 Rest of World (ROW) delegates, elected in different systems in all other countries. The key function of the WZC is to elect key officials for the major following institutions: World ZIonist Organization (WZO) – to rally world wide Jewish support Jewish Agency For Israel (JAFI, הסוכנות היהודית) – to facilitate immigration (Aliyah) to Israel Kerent Kayement / Jewish National Fund (הקרן הקיימת) – to own and manage land in Israel Keren Hayesod / Israel Appeal (קרן היסוד) – to raise funds for supporting the above
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Why does the WZC matter?The WZO matters because it is capable of implementing, funding and leading initiatives that impact Israel and the Jewish communities world-wide. The organizations that belong to the World Zionist Organization control and manage over $1.5BB annually, own over 15% of the land in Israel, employ tens of thousands of employees As a non-political organization, it also connects and works closely with the political leadership of Israeli government and world Jewish communities.
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What is the mission of the AID-Coalition movement? Why is it different than other organizations participating in the WZC elections?Our movement is focused on fostering unity and collaboration across all segments of Israeli society. We aim to direct World Zionist Congress (WZC) projects towards promoting universal democratic principles of equality, mutual respect, and civic engagement. Though we operate independently of political parties, we maintain close dialogue with many parties and democratic groups, working towards building a broad coalition with a common goal. Our efforts represent a broad coalition united by shared values and a passion for a just and democratic Israel. Because of that approach we are the only organization representing all pro-democracy movements from Israel, with a clear commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the country’s liberal and democratic foundations. To do this our work goes beyond financial support. We are unique in having have mobilized people on the ground and maintained coordination with democratic organizations. While other groups may focus on specific political interests, our focus is on rationally allocating resources to ensure Israel remains a democratic, liberal, and just Jewish state that serves all its citizens.
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Who are the other parties running in the WZC elections, and why should American Jews participate?Various slates in the WZC elections represent a broad spectrum of ideological perspectives, from religious Zionist groups to progressive and secular Zionist movements. American Jews should engage in the elections because their vote directly influences how significant resources are allocated to Jewish education, combating anti-Semitism, and supporting community development in both Israel and the diaspora. By voting, they ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of the Jewish people. These organizations focus on very important things, namely how to strengthen and support the community in the United States. Many of these represent political parties from Israel, and their political interests. The focus of the AID Coalition is unique in that it is upon Israel, not upon political aspirations and self interests, but rather the rationale allocation of resources of the Zionist Organization in Israel to support a just, liberal, democratic Jewish state that protects all of its citizens
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How does one get elected in the US to the WZC, and when are the elections?In the US, WZC elections are held every five years, before the general convention of the WZC, and registered American Jews can vote for slates that represent various political and religious movements. Candidates run on slates such as AID-Coalition or others, each advocating different visions for Zionism. The election process involves voter registration, online voting, and campaign efforts across multiple platforms to engage voters. Any Jew who is a U.S. citizen or resides in the United States may participate.
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What is the Jerusalem Program?The Jerusalem Program (תוכנית ירושלים) is the ideological platform of the Zionist Movement, adopted in 1951 to replace the Basel Program as a result of the creation of the State of Israel. The revised manifesto, the task of Zionism is the consolidation of the State of Israel, Aliyah to Eretz Israel and the fostering of the unity of the Jewish people
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How does the WZC achieve impact?The WZC impact is achieved by appointing the heads (officers and department heads) of the organizations that constitute the World Zionist Organization, including the Jewish Agency; Keren Kayement (JNF); Keren Hayesod (United Israel Appeal) and the subsidiaries of these organizations. Together these individuals control and manage budgets that exceed $1.5BB annually, and over 15% of the land in Israel. They decide upon real estate divestitures; fundraising activities; public action; education; settlement and advocacy operations on a global scale.
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Why is this pertinent at present?World anti-semitic sentiments are rapidly increasing. Events of the last year have shown that when the butterfly flaps its wings in Israel, the tsunami is felt across Jewish and Israeli communities worldwide. What happens in Israel impacts the communities of Jews and Israelis worldwide. A rational distribution of resources, one that will strengthen the foundations of the State of Israel, will have a direct impact upon how Israel is perceived, and upon the well being of Jews and Israelis world wide. Otherwise, there is a high risk that non-democratic, ultra-conservative parties, that are beyond the Zionist consensus, will take control and apply these vast resources, that are owned by the entire Jewish community, for purpose of promoting their own political agenda and not for the benefit of the Jewish community at large.
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Who is on the list of DelegatesOur list includes 200 delegates from all walks of life, including Tech executives; business leaders; public and social activists; students; young professionals; and community leaders. Our goal is to ensure that these resources support a democratic, inclusive, and strong Israel, one that reflects the values of the Jewish people worldwide. We represent Israeli expats residing in the U.S. and those American Jews who Israel is close to their hearts. Click here to see a list of our Delegates
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What is the Timeline
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Why be a delegate at the Zionist Congress, and how does it impact Israel and Jewish communities globally?Becoming a delegate allows individuals to influence the allocation of resources to Israeli and global Jewish and Zionist initiatives, shape the ideological and policy direction of Zionist organizations, and support projects that impact the future of Israel. Delegates also ensure that the concerns of Jewish communities outside of Israel are addressed, fostering a strong connection between Israel and the diaspora.
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What Are the Requirements of a Delegate?Represent the initiative at the upcoming World Zionist Congress in Israel (travel expenses will be covered). Requirements Age 18 and above Jewish Currently residing in the United States Obligations No obligations are placed upon the delegates. You can choose your level of involvement Enlist Petitioners to support our slate (online registration)
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