At a time when democracy in Israel is being challenged by the most extreme right-wing messianic and autocratic-ruling-coalition-government in the history of the state, we American Reform Jews who care about Israel have an opportunity to make our voices heard in protest. Voting in the World Zionist Congress (WZC) election is our opportunity to take a stand for democracy and pluralism in Israel.

I have written twice on this blog already about the singular importance of this election. I am doing so again because our voting for the Reform Slate is one way for Diaspora Jewry to participate in the future of democracy in Israel. Contrast our intent to that of our ultra-Orthodox opponents who have pledged to get 100,000 votes in order to defund Israeli Reform Judaism and turn back the clock on Israeli democracy, pluralism and peace. 

Israel’s leaders are watching closely to see who is going to emerge as the predominant voice of American Jewry – and it must be us!

If we Reform American Jews vote in large numbers in this election, we can directly impact the amount of resources and funding for our Israeli Reform synagogues, rabbis, values, and advocacy work on behalf of democracy and human rights in Israel and Diaspora communities. The Israeli Reform Movement does not receive the kind of funding that the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox movements receive from the government, and so our standing in the World Zionist Congress can make a very significant impact on the financial health of the Israeli Reform Movement.

I am running for a seat in the WZC, and I ask for your vote – BUT, your vote isn’t only for me. It’s for our values to help ensure religious pluralism, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and a pathway to peace that includes the return of all hostages.

To be eligible to vote in 39th World Zionist Congress you must:

• Be Jewish (and not subscribe to another religion)
• Be 18 years or older by June 30, 2025
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident in the U.S.
• Maintain your primary residence in the U.S.
• Accept the Jerusalem Program (the Zionist movement platform)
• Have not voted in the November 2022 Knesset election (and will not vote in any future Knesset election which may be held prior July 28, 2025)

To register to vote, pay the $5 administrative fee, go to https://www.vote4reform.org/