I hope you’ve had a great week! Today, I want to talk to you about an upcoming election that you might not have heard of. Beginning March 10, and continuing through May 4, the World Zionist Congress will be holding elections, and members of our Rhode Island Jewish community can participate. 

The World Zionist Congress, or WZO was founded in 1897 by Theodore Herzel, and the members of the Congress are made up of representatives from organizations across the Jewish world. It is a way that our community can voice our values on important issues in the Jewish world. Each year, the WZO has a say over the distribution of billions of dollars to organizations in Israel, and it’s crucial that the American Jewish community have its voice heard in these decisions. 

In addition to the funding that the WZO has a say on, the Congress will also have input on a variety of important issues in Israel, including religious pluralism, prayer at the Western Wall and the recognition of conversions, among others. The opportunity to influence these topics only happens once every five years, which is why I wanted to share information today with all of you. 

Voting is simple. To vote you must identify as a Jewish American over the age of 18, and you can begin voting on March 10. More information on voting is available at zionistelection.org. I hope you will take a look at the website and let your voice, and the voice of Rhode Island’s Jewish community, be heard. 

Until next time, I wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyous Shabbat. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Adam Greenman
President & CEO