The 2025 World Zionist Congress
The right-wing and ultra-Orthodox are campaigning to seize control of the WZO, just as they have in Israel. We need your help to stop them.
The 2025 World Zionist Congress will determine the budget for the next five years of the Jewish National Fund and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Bezalel Smotrich wants to prevent any money from going to Reform and Reconstructionist synagogues and progressive youth movements in the diaspora. In Israel, Smotrich wants to use the JNF’s budget to fuel settlement expansion and make peace impossible.
FAQs
How does the election work?
Canada gets 19 seats at the World Zionist Organization. Meretz Canada needs to win one of those seats to represent your interests at the World Zionist Organization.
What does the WZO mean in Canada?
Almost every Jewish institution in Canada somehow benefits from the WZO’s budget and capacity. Many Israeli cultural events in Canada, the Shinshinim at our synagogues and dayschools, the shlichim/ot at our summer camps, all these are partially funded through JAFI. But if Smotrich takes control of WZO, Reform and Reconstructionist synagogues and youth movements could lose access to these resources.
What has Meretz achieved at WZO?
Lots! Since 2020, we brought in oversight of the JNF to prevent settlement expansion, protected LGBTQ rights in Israel, advanced Jewish-Arab shared society and leadership and supported Kibbutzim after 10/07 when Smotrich wanted to divert funding to the Settlements.
How do I vote?
Voting is easy! First, you need to register as a member of an eligible organization, such as Meretz Canada. Once you’re registered to vote, stay tuned to emails from us. We will alert you when polls open for the general Canadian election.
What are your goals for WZO 2025?
Secure formal WZO recognition and funding for Secular and Humanistic Jewish communities in the Diaspora, establishing them as an officially recognized stream of Judaism.
️Raise ₪500 million for the rehabilitation of Kibbutzim devastated by the October 7th attack and the subsequent war.
Strengthen and expand Hashomer Hatzair’s educational activities both in Israel and worldwide.
Enhance KKL-JNF oversight and redirect settlement expansion budgets toward sustainable development within Israel.
Advance our successful social justice programs throughout Israeli society. Improve the stance of women, LGBTQ+ people, Ethiopians, and Arabs.
Increase funding for Jewish-Arab initiatives that promote coexistence and shared society in Israel.