Temple Emanuel News

1) Read Instructions for Voting in the World Zionist Congress (WZC)
2) Following instructions from above, click here to cast your vote in the WZC
3) After voting, record your vote with Temple Emanuel
OPTIONAL: Sign up as a volunteer to help others vote in the WZC

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD IN ISRAEL AND VOTE REFORM!

Voting has begun for the World Zionist Congress controlling an annual budget of $1 billion ($5 billion over the 5-year term) in Israel and policies and spending at major Israeli agencies like the Jewish National Fund (controlling 13% of Israel's land) and the Jewish Agency (caring for the people of Israel).

The VOTE REFORM slate advocates for:

• Protecting the rights of women in prayer, the military, and daily life in Israel
• Establishing and preserving LGBTQ+ rights including crucial death benefits for same-sex partners of soldiers killed in battle
• Ensuring that Israeli Reform rabbis and leaders will be recognized by the State of Israel and their conversions will continue to be accepted in the Jewish state
• Providing for the right of non-Orthodox Jews to practice their Judaism freely and to be treated equitably in life and in death

As Reform Jews who are committed to a strong, secure and democratic State of Israel that reflects our values, we have a singularly important opportunity to let our voices be heard by casting our votes for Reform Judaism in the upcoming World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections. The WZC is a remarkable gathering where elected delegates representing a wide variety of organizations gather every 5 years in Jerusalem to debate and vote on key policies and procedures.  Non-Israeli citizens cannot vote in Israeli elections, but they can have a say in uplifting the values and causes that are essential. This election is vitally important because billions of dollars of funds, and key leadership portfolios are distributed by the Jewish Agency in Israel based on our votes.  By registering as a member of the Association of American Reform Zionists (ARZA) and by casting your vote, you can and will have an impact on the future of the Jewish State.

Five years ago, the far right and ultra-orthodox organizations did not fare well in the WZC elections. This time, they are well organized and have prepared a sophisticated smear campaign against the Reform movement – calling us non-Jews and anti-Zionists.

Why is this important? In the words of Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Director of ARZA: “Liberal Zionism is the insistence that there is no necessary contradiction between Israel’s dual identity as a Jewish and democratic state: that Israel can be a national home and refuge for the Jewish people while also embodying universal democratic principles of human rights and equality.”

VOTE HERE