In preparation for the convening of the 38th World Zionist Congress, which will convene virtually for the first time between October 20 and 22, 2020, with the participation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin - the "Confederation of General Zionists" faction submitted a resolution to the World Zionist Congress To establish a committee that will discuss the addition of new Zionist communities and federations and the inclusion of more Zionist voices in the World Zionist Organization
The "Confederation of General Zionists" faction has submitted a resolution to be voted on during the World Zionist Congress - which will convene for the first time in history virtually (between October 20 and 22, 2020) - to establish a committee to discuss joining new Zionist communities and federations to the World Zionist Organization (WZO).
The resolution states that since the Zionist movement can do more to include and represent the voices of Jews from the Eastern community, Ethiopians, Jews of the former Soviet Union and many other communities, it is proposed to establish a committee that will report on how the Zionist movement can improve the representation and inclusion of those Zionist communities. The Committee will also recommend concrete steps to achieve this goal. At the same time, the resolution proposes to invite Zionist organizations representing those Jewish communities to appoint a representative on their behalf to this committee.
The Confederation also submitted a resolution to deepen the connection between religious leaders in Israel and the Diaspora. This is in response to the worsening deterioration in relations between Diaspora Jews and the State of Israel. Such a dialogue, whether carried out in the digital arena during the coronavirus crisis or via physicals visit when the situation allows, will inspire the deepening of relations between the State of Israel and the Diaspora. The draft resolution states that Israeli rabbis and spiritual leaders, women and men alike, from all streams - should be invited to the United States to meet with Jewish leaders from all streams in Diaspora Jewry and various community frameworks. At the same time, American rabbis and spiritual leaders, women and men from all streams should be invited to meet with Jewish leaders in Israel from all streams and community frameworks.
The Congress will be held this year virtually for the first time since its inception in 1897 by Theodor Herzl. The World Zionist Congress is the only elected democratic body that represents Jews around the world and serves as the supreme institution for legislation and decision-making of the World Zionist Organization. The Congress outlines the policies and platforms of the World Zionist Organization and elects the leadership of Israel’s major national institutions, including Keren Kayemet, Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Agency, etc. The Zionist political parties in Israel and global Jewish organizations, which include the religious streams in the world, meet once every 5 years to elect the leadership of the world Zionist movement and set an agenda for the movement.
Several of the key figures in the "Confederation of General Zionists" include: Chairman Jesse Sultanik, whose grandfather Kalman Sultanik z”l previously served as Vice President of the World Jewish Congress; Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, David Yaari, Vice Chairman of the Confederation of General Zionists and former MK Dov Lipman.
Yaari, stated that "one of the great challenges of our generation that must be on the Congress’s agenda is how to strengthen the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. As we witness a growing gap within our people, we must ensure Zionism becomes relevant to Jews both in Israel and in the Diaspora and determine how to involve our natural partners in federations around the world in a significantly more meaningful way". Yaari added that the Corona crisis provides an opportunity of strengthening the connection between Israel and the Diaspora.
The "Confederation of General Zionists" is a faction in the World Zionist Congress that deals with Zionism on a macro scale with an emphasis on strengthening the connections and ties between the State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry. The Confederation faction has set its focus and goals to expand the connections between Israel and Diaspora Jewry, and is not affiliated with any political party or any religious sect. It puts Zionism at the center and connects with Zionist bodies in the Diaspora who believe in Israel as the home for the Jewish people. In the run-up to the upcoming congress, the Confederation faction submitted several proposals to the Congress to establish a special committee to combat anti-Semitism, strengthen ties with Diaspora Jewry and more.
Photo World Zionist Congress
