The first week of voting for the 2025 World Zionist Congress election in the US has seen a record increase, exceeding 53,000 votes, which is a 122% rise from 2020. With this trend, the election might surpass the previous total of over 123,000 votes. The 39th Congress is set to take place in Jerusalem from October 28 to 30, 2025.
Voting in the United States for the 2025 World Zionist Congress election has experienced a remarkable increase, with participation more than doubling in the first week compared to the prior election in 2020. According to a press release issued on Monday, this election allows Jews throughout the United States to impact Israel’s future and influence global Jewish communities every five years.
From March 3 to March 10, a total of 53,213 votes were cast, reflecting a 122% increase from the 23,938 votes recorded during the same timeframe in 2020. If this trend continues, the election could exceed the previous record of 123,575 total votes. Notably, only 7,639 votes were cast in the opening week of the 2015 election.
The election encompasses 152 delegates from the United States, who will represent approximately one-third of the Congress. These delegates will collaborate with global representatives to decide the leadership and priorities of significant organizations, such as the World Zionist Organization (WZO), Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the United Israel Appeal. Their decisions will influence the distribution of over $1 billion annually, benefitting Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
Herbert Block, executive director of the American Zionist Movement (AZM), expressed satisfaction regarding the high voter turnout, stating, “We are gratified to see the unprecedented voter participation in the election’s first week and anticipate that this pattern will continue throughout the voting period.” He emphasized that American Jews are unitedly conveying a significant message about the future of both the Jewish population and Israel.
This year’s election features a record total of 22 competing groups which represent various political stances, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. This marks a 57% increase from the 14 groups that participated in the 2020 election. Furthermore, over 2,900 candidates from 43 states and territories are contesting in the upcoming election, reflecting a growth of more than 60% from 2020.
The 39th World Zionist Congress is scheduled to convene in Jerusalem from October 28 to 30, 2025, following this year’s election, showcasing the continuing engagement and involvement of the Jewish community around the world.
In summary, the 2025 World Zionist Congress election has witnessed an extraordinary increase in voter participation in the United States, with over 53,000 votes cast in the first week. This election plays a crucial role in determining the future of Jewish communities and support for Israel. The anticipation of high voter turnout and the growing number of candidates and participating groups underscore a renewed commitment to Zionism and Jewish unity.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
