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Once in a generation chance to shape global Jewish life

At a time when many feel powerless to influence events in Israel, the World Zionist Congress elections offer a rare opportunity for diaspora Jews to make a difference.
Avishai Conyer
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Voting is open for the World Zionist Congress from July 1 to 27 (Image: TJI).

Voting is open for the World Zionist Congress from July 1 to 27 (Image: TJI).

Published: 7 July 2025

Last updated: 8 July 2025

Please note: Avishai Conyer is a regular TJI contributor and deputy delegate candidate for the ARZA-Masorti ticket. The Jewish Independent does not endorse the views of or encourage readers to vote for any particular ticket.

For the first time in a generation, Australian Jews have a real vote in shaping the future of Israel and global Jewish life.

Through World Zionist Congress elections being held until July 27, our community will help decide how more than US $5 billion is spent. At a time when many feel powerless to influence events in Israel, this election is a rare and powerful opportunity for diaspora Jews to make a difference.

What is the World Zionist Congress (WZC)?

Commonly referred to as the parliament of the Jewish people, the WZC convenes over 500 delegates every four to five years to decide the future direction of Zionism.

At the Congress, delegates allocate an annual budget, elect the leadership of Israel’s National Institutions – the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), Jewish Agency, World Zionist Organization (WZO), and Keren Hayesod – and vote on resolutions surrounding key political and moral questions facing the Jewish world.

The WZC plays a vital role in resourcing Jewish education, democratic infrastructure, youth movements (including in Australia), civil society, gender equality initiatives, LGBTQIA+ protections, environmental sustainability, and efforts to combat antisemitism.

It remains the only democratic platform through which diaspora Jews can influence Israeli policy and institutional leadership, a role that has become critical as consecutive governments have shifted sharply rightward while global Jewry continues to be more diverse and pluralistic.

Why is this election happening now?

Today, the influence of progressive and pluralist voices in the WZC is under threat.

In 2020, a surprise campaign in the United States by the newly formed ultra-Orthodox party Eretz Hakodesh had a radical result on the previous congress, enabling the majority coalition to become composed entirely of religious and right-wing parties for the first time since Theodor Herzl established the World Zionist Organisation in 1897.

This year’s American WZC election has also been marred by controversy, including allegations of widespread voter fraud. One ultra-Orthodox party has already been disqualified, and others are facing heavy penalties including the potential exclusion of votes. While the final results are being withheld pending investigation, preliminary counts before fraudulent votes have been removed indicate a tight race, with a slim conservative religious majority looking likely.

As a result, smaller elections around the world now have the potential to affect the balance of power in the WZC. One vote cast in Australia could determine whether the next Congress is controlled by a far-right or centre-left majority.

When was the last time Australians got to vote?

Notably, the last WZC election in Australia was held in 2006, and the one before that about 30 years ago.

Local Zionist political parties have traditionally agreed on how to divide the country’s 13 mandates based on proportional membership, ensuring that the delegation reflected the diversity of the Australian Jewish community.

This year, however, that process has broken down. Eretz Hakodesh has entered the Australian race and refused to negotiate. Under WZO rules, when no agreement is reached, a public election must be held.

Who is running in Australia’s WZC elections?

Five groups are contesting the Australian election:

  1. ARZA-Masorti: A coalition of Progressive and Masorti Jews advocating for pluralism, democracy, and a secure Israel that embraces human rights and a just peace process.
  2. Eretz Hakodesh: A Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) party advocating for greater religious authority in Israeli institutions.
  3. Hatikvah: A joint list made up of diverse groups committed to pluralism, inclusivity, social justice in Israel and general progressive political reform.
  4. Mizrachi: A Religious Zionist party aligned with the Modern Orthodox community, supporting a halachic framework for Jewish life in Israel.
  5. Likud: The Australian branch of Israel’s ruling right-wing party, advocating nationalist policies and supporting settlement expansion.

Each party is running a list of up to 13 candidates. Full candidate lists and party summaries can be found on the official voting website.

Who is eligible to vote?

Any Jewish adult permanently residing in Australia is eligible to vote, provided they have not voted in the most recent Israeli national election or another WZC election.

To cast an online ballot, voters must affirm their support for the Jerusalem Program (the WZO’s definition of Zionism) and pay a $5 registration fee to cover administrative costs and prevent fraud.

With the click of a button, Jews in Australia have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Israel and the global Jewish people.

The future of the Jewish people is in our hands now. It is up to us to ensure it is one we can be proud of.

Click here to cast your vote from July 1 to 27.

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About the author

Avishai Conyer

Avishai Conyer

Avishai Conyer is an educator, musician and writer based in Jerusalem. He serves on the International Leadership Council of the World Union for Progressive Judaism and has previously held board and professional leadership roles in Australia’s Jewish community.

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