Herbert Block asserts the permanence of Zionism as the Jewish right to self-determination. The World Zionist Congress elections are upcoming, impacting global Jewish leadership and funding. Block highlights the necessity for greater voter turnout, with the upcoming elections seeing increased party participation. He stresses voting’s critical role in shaping the agenda and policies representative of Jewish communities worldwide.
Herbert Block, Executive Director of the American Zionist Movement (AZM), affirms that Zionism embodies the Jewish people’s right to self-determination and a homeland in their ancestral lands. Despite facing heightened criticism, particularly after the recent violence, he asserts Zionism remains an indelible part of Jewish tradition. In an interview, Block emphasized that Jews worldwide have historically connected to the idea of Zion.
The upcoming World Zionist Congress elections are pivotal, as they shape the leadership and priorities of global Jewish organizations for the next five years. Block explained that the AZM oversees 46 national Jewish organizations in the U.S., linking them to similar entities in nearly 40 countries. The World Zionist Organization (WZO), established by Theodor Herzl, is among the key institutions facilitating ties between Israel and diaspora Jews.
The Congress acts as the representative body of the Jewish people, with a membership elected globally, diverging from financial-based representation typical in many organizations. Block stated that this assembly, dating back to Herzl’s vision, seeks to bring together Jewish communities worldwide. The 39th Zionist Congress convenes this October, reaffirming these essential connections.
Delegates meet every five years to define objectives for various national institutions integral to Herzl’s vision, which predates Israel’s independence. These bodies support Jewish communities around the world, advance Zionist education, and fund initiatives that benefit Jews globally. Voting begins in March, with a notable increase in participating parties this year.
In the prior election, 14 parties participated; the current climate, post-October 7, has seen this number grow to 21. Block expressed hope for increased voter turnout, having previously engaged only 125,000 voters in North America. He highlighted the significance of participation to appropriately influence the allocation of over a billion dollars distributed annually by these institutions.
Voting is presented as a vital mechanism for individuals to express their priorities within the Zionist framework. Block concluded by inviting others to unite around Zionism, emphasizing, “I’m a Zionist, and that’s what this election is about—affirming your Zionism and representing your views on the Zionist movement. We’re all bound together as a Jewish people.”
Herbert Block illustrates the enduring significance of Zionism amid growing anti-Zionist sentiments, especially highlighted by recent events. The upcoming World Zionist Congress elections are crucial for Jewish representation, influencing fundamental funding and policy decisions for years to come. Robust voter participation is emphasized as essential for ensuring diverse Jewish community priorities are effectively represented.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
