Record Voter Participation in 2025 World Zionist Congress Election

Voting in the US for the 2025 World Zionist Congress has more than doubled in the first week, with 53,213 votes cast, compared to 23,938 in 2020. The election allows American Jews to influence Israel’s future and allocate over $1 billion annually to support Jewish communities. With a record number of candidates and groups participating, an unprecedented voter turnout highlights American Jews’ commitment to Zionism.

Voting for the 2025 World Zionist Congress election in the United States has significantly increased, with participation more than doubling in the first week compared to 2020. According to a press release, from March 3 to 10, 53,213 votes were cast, representing a 122% increase from the 23,938 votes recorded during the same period in 2020. This momentum suggests that the election may surpass the previous record of 123,575 total votes. In contrast, only 7,639 votes were cast in the initial week of the 2015 election.

The election occurs every five years and enables American Jews to influence Israel’s future, impact global Jewish communities, and advocate for Zionism. Of the 152 delegates elected from the US, who comprise approximately one-third of the entire Congress, they will collaborate with international representatives to set the directives and priorities of vital organizations, including the World Zionist Organization (WZO), Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the United Israel Appeal. These entities will ultimately manage the allocation of over $1 billion annually to support Israel and Jewish communities globally.

Herbert Block, executive director of AZM, noted, “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 elaborated that record voter turnout demonstrates American Jews’ pride in their Zionism, emphasizing the critical importance of Jewish and Israeli futures at this juncture.

This year’s election features a record 22 competing groups, reflecting diverse political perspectives, religious affiliations, and cultural traditions—marking a 57% increase from the 14 groups that participated in 2020. Additionally, over 2,900 candidates from 43 states and territories are vying for election, a rise of more than 60% from the previous election.

The 39th World Zionist Congress is slated to convene in Jerusalem from October 28 to 30, 2025, following this year’s elections.

The significant uptick in voter participation in the 2025 World Zionist Congress election underscores a growing engagement among American Jews in shaping Israel’s future. With a record number of groups and candidates participating, the election not only highlights the increasing importance of Zionism but also sets the stage for impactful decisions affecting over $1 billion annually for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. This momentum indicates a promising turnout leading into the Congress scheduled for October 2025.

Original Source: www.jpost.com