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WHAT IS THE WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS?
For 128 years, the World Zionist Congress has been the global forum of the Jewish people - a powerful democratic forum where Jews from around the world can help shape Israel’s future and Jewish life.
Founded by Theodor Herzl, the Congress sets policies and funding priorities for the World Zionist Organization. Its composition influences leadership, governance, and budget decisions for key institutions, including the Jewish Agency for Israel—the world’s largest Jewish nonprofit—and the Jewish National Fund.
WHY IS IT CRITICAL TO VOTE NOW?
Voting gives you a direct say in how billions of dollars are allocated to support Israeli society and Jewish communities worldwide. It’s your chance to influence the future of Zionism- whether it promotes democracy, pluralism, peace, and inclusion or slides further toward theocracy and exclusion. The more people vote, the louder our community’s voice is in shaping Israel’s priorities and global Jewish policy.
We are at a turning point for Israel and the Jewish world.
In the wake of October 7 and amid an ongoing, multi-front war, decisions are being made that will shape Israel’s recovery, the future of Zionism, and Jewish life around the world for years to come. Extremist and ultra-Orthodox parties are working to reshape Israel’s character, moving it away from the democratic, inclusive vision laid out in its Declaration of Independence.
WHY VOTE HATIKVAH?
Hatikvah is a coalition of progressive Australian Jews. Our leadership includes Australians and Israelis at the forefront of a broad range of organisations, alongside political and social activists, academics, artists, and many others deeply engaged in advancing civil rights and democracy. We are united by a shared commitment to Jewish values and a vision for a just, inclusive, and pluralistic Israel.
BY VOTING HATIKVAH, YOU ARE VOTING FOR:
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Directing funding toward rebuilding the communities most affected by October 7th and Operation Am K’Lavi (Rising Lion) from the Western Negev to the North, instead of expanding settlements.
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Defending Israel’s pluralist democracy and pushing back against extremist, anti-democratic forces seeking to undermine it.
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Investing in the next generation of Jewish and Israeli leadership through education, youth movements, and community initiatives rooted in shared values.
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Upholding cultural and religious pluralism, supporting diverse Jewish voices, practices, and creative expression in Israel and around the world.
This is our moment to reclaim Zionism as a force for unity, democracy, and renewal.
WHO CAN VOTE?
Any Jewish person who:
• Is 18 years or older as of 1 July 2025
• Resides permanently in Australia
• Has not voted in the Israeli Knesset election (1 November 2022) or the WZC election in any other country.
Each voter in Australia is required to pay a $5 ‘Zionist Shekel’ registration fee. This helps cover the costs of running the election for all parties. Purchasing the ‘Zionist Shekel’ is also a formal affiliation with the Zionist movement and that you want to have a say in its future. Voting and registration will be conducted online through a secure, independent platform, fully compliant with Australian privacy laws.
By building a strong voice at the 2025 Congress, we can direct vital funding toward rebuilding communities impacted by October 7th and Operation Am K’Lavi, defend Israel’s pluralist democracy, invest in the next generation of Jewish and Israeli leadership, and uphold the cultural and religious diversity that strengthens Jewish life in Israel and around the world.
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