WZO Elections - NA'AMAT USA

WZO

WZO Elections Coming Up

WZO Elections are Coming Up

The World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections are a unique opportunity for Jews around the world to shape the priorities and values of the global Jewish community. By participating in the WZO elections and voting for slates that reflect the values of NA’AMAT USA, you can amplify our voice in shaping the policies and programs that matter most. Information on voting below.

If we don’t mobilize and support slates that align with our values in the WZO elections, the consequences for the causes we champion—empowering women, supporting children, and fostering equality—could be significant. Here’s why:

The Stakes of Inaction:

Loss of Funding for Critical Programs

• The WZO directs funding to organizations and initiatives in Israel based on the priorities of the elected slates. If slates that don’t share our commitment to equality and social welfare gain influence, funding may be redirected away from programs that support women, children, and vulnerable populations.

• NA’AMAT-affiliated programs, which rely on advocacy within Zionist institutions to secure vital resources, could face cuts or stagnation, leaving women and families underserved.

Erosion of Progressive Zionist Values

• If slates with different priorities gain control, policies may shift away from addressing issues of gender equality, social justice, and empowerment. This could result in a diminished focus on building a more inclusive and equitable Israel.

Impact on Advocacy Efforts

• A reduction in representation for value-aligned slates means a weaker voice in advocating for policies that benefit the causes we care about. Our ability to influence decisions on education, welfare, and gender equality could be significantly diminished.

Marginalization of Vulnerable Communities

• Programs designed to uplift marginalized communities—women in domestic violence shelters, single mothers, and at-risk youth—could lose visibility and funding. Without strong advocacy, these groups risk being deprioritized in favor of other agendas.

Why This Matters to NA’AMAT USA

Every vote in the WZO elections determines how resources are allocated, and which voices are heard.

By not supporting slates aligned with our mission, we risk:

Undermining our ability to drive meaningful change for women and families in Israel.
Losing ground in the fight for equality, justice, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Weakening the connection between Zionism and the values of inclusion, empowerment, and progress.

Call to Action

We have the power to ensure that the causes we hold dear remain central to the WZO’s priorities. By supporting slates aligned with NA’AMAT USA’s mission, we can secure funding for programs that make a tangible difference and continue building a future that reflects the best of Zionist and Jewish values. Together, let’s ensure our voice—and the voices of those we serve—are heard loud and clear.

How to Register and Vote

Registration and voting will open on March 10, 2025 and end May 4, 2025, Voting will be online and paper ballots will be available on request. The fee to register and vote is $5, which goes to cover the operating costs of the election.

Eligible voters register online at www.azm.org.

How WZO Voting Works

Representation Through Slates:

In the WZO elections, various slates (groups or parties) represent diverse ideologies, values, and priorities within the Jewish world. These slates vie for seats in the World Zionist Congress, the governing body of the WZO.

Impact:

Voting determines how resources, policies, and programs are shaped and allocated by the WZO, impacting educational initiatives, cultural programs, and funding for global Jewish and Zionist causes.

What Are Voters Choosing?

Slates/Lists:

Voters select from a variety of slates (party lists) representing different ideologies, denominations, and priorities within the Zionist movement (e.g., Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, secular, feminist, environmental, etc.)

Proportional Representation:

Seats at the World Zionist Congress are allocated based on the percentage of votes each slate receives.

What Happens After the Election?

World Zionist Congress:

Representatives elected through the WZO election join the World Zionist Congress, which convenes every five years. The next Congress is October 2025.

Congress Responsibilities:

• Shaping policies for the Zionist movement.
• Allocating budgets for Zionist activities worldwide (e.g., Jewish education, aliyah, combating antisemitism).
• Electing the leadership of key Zionist organizations.

Vote for Aligned Slates

To ensure the World Zionist Congress reflects values consistent with NA’AMAT USA’s mission, it’s vital to vote for slates that prioritize:

Advancing Equality and Empowerment: Slates that support programs for women, children, and families directly align with our mission of fostering equality, empowering women, and building strong communities.
Promoting Education: Education is at the heart of societal change. Voting for slates that champion educational initiatives ensures that Jewish values and Zionist principles are passed down to future generations.
Strengthening Social Services: Aligned slates focus on funding for critical services in Israel, including child welfare, support for survivors of domestic violence, and programs benefiting marginalized populations.
Fostering Solidarity Among Jews: A vote for these slates underscores a commitment to unity, inclusion, and collaboration across the global Jewish community while prioritizing those most in need.
Advocating for a Shared Future: Choosing slates aligned with NA’AMAT USA means advancing a vision of Zionism rooted in justice, equality, and care for all individuals.

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