Record Voter Turnout Marks First Week of US Voting for 2025 World Zionist Congress
US voting for the 2025 World Zionist Congress has more than doubled in the first week compared to the 2020 election, with 53,213 votes cast. This marks a 122% increase from previous numbers and a significant participation from 22 competitive groups and over 2,900 candidates. The Congress, which will occur in Jerusalem in October 2025, will determine key leadership and funding priorities.
Voting in the United States for the 2025 World Zionist Congress election has seen an unprecedented increase, more than doubling in the first week in comparison to the 2020 election. According to a press release issued on Monday, this election, held every five years, allows American Jews to play a critical role in shaping the future of Israel, impacting global Jewish communities, and supporting Zionist initiatives.
From March 3 through March 10, 2023, a total of 53,213 votes were recorded, representing a remarkable 122% increase from the 23,938 votes during the corresponding timeframe in 2020. Given this momentum, it is anticipated that the total votes could exceed the previous high of 123,575. In contrast, only 7,639 ballots were submitted during the first week of the 2015 election.
The election will result in the selection of 152 delegates from the US, who constitute approximately one-third of the Congress. These delegates will collaborate with representatives from across the globe to set the leadership and priorities for the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and other key entities. Their decisions will influence the distribution of over $1 billion each year to support Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
Herbert Block, the executive director of the American Zionist Movement (AZM), expressed satisfaction with the heightened voter engagement, stating that the strong turnout reflects American Jews’ pride in their Zionist identity and emphasizes the current significance for Jewish and Israeli futures.
A record-setting 22 groups, representing a vast array of political viewpoints, religious affiliations, and cultural backgrounds, are participating in this election, marking a 57% increase from the 14 groups in 2020. Additionally, more than 2,900 candidates from 43 states and territories are competing, which signifies an increase of over 60% compared to the last election.
The 39th World Zionist Congress is scheduled to take place in Jerusalem from October 28 to 30, 2025, following this election.
In conclusion, the significant surge in voter participation for the 2025 World Zionist Congress election highlights the active engagement of American Jews in influencing the future of Israel and global Jewish communities. With a remarkable increase in votes and candidate participation, this election promises to set important precedents for representation and decision-making within the Zionist movement. The upcoming Congress will further shape the allocation of substantial resources aimed at supporting Israel and Jewish initiatives globally.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
