39th World Zionist Congress Kicks Off Today in Jerusalem with Record-Breaking U.S. Delegation

Today marks the grand opening of the 39th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, a pivotal gathering often dubbed the "parliament of the Jewish people." This historic event, hosted at the International Convention Center, brings together over 2,500 participants from 42 countries, including a record-setting 155 delegates from the United States, the largest American contingent ever assembled for the Congress.

As the supreme legislative body of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), founded by Theodor Herzl in 1897, the Congress convenes every five years to shape Zionist policies, elect leaders, and allocate resources for global Jewish initiatives. This year's session, running through October 31, is the first full in-person assembly in a decade, following a remote 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an extraordinary meeting in 2023.The timing couldn't be more poignant.

Held amid ongoing regional conflicts and a surge in global antisemitism, the Congress opens with tributes to victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and focuses on themes of resilience, unity, and post-war recovery. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to deliver a keynote address emphasizing these challenges, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opted not to speak.A Diverse Global Assembly

Delegates represent a broad spectrum of Jewish ideologies, with 543 voting members: 203 from Israel (mirroring Knesset proportions, led by Likud with 63 seats), 155 from the U.S., 21 from France, 19 each from the UK and Canada, and others from communities worldwide.

For the first time, representatives hail from nations like Uganda, Paraguay, Ecuador, Serbia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, underscoring the expanding reach of Zionist engagement.An additional 212 participants from international Jewish organizations, such as Hadassah and B'nai B'rith, join as observers. The agenda includes plenary sessions, committee debates on over two dozen resolutions, covering antisemitism, Jewish education, social justice, national policies, and calls for an October 7 inquiry, and constitutional amendments.

Voting on the final day will influence leadership elections for the WZO, Jewish National Fund-KKL, and Keren Hayesod, impacting over $1 billion in annual funding for Zionist causes.

Spotlight on the U.S. Delegation

The unprecedented U.S. presence, organized by the American Zionist Movement (AZM), includes delegates from 22 states, ranging in age from 18 to 87, with 75 rabbis across denominations. Reform Judaism leads with 33 seats, followed by Conservative (19), and Orthodox/right-wing slates like Am Yisrael Chai (21) and Eretz HaKodesh (19). Notable figures include social media influencer Lizzy Savetsky, activist Shabbos Kestenbaum, J Street's Jeremy Ben-Ami, and Union for Reform Judaism President Rick Jacobs.

This surge reflects heightened American Jewish involvement post-October 7, with over 224,000 U.S. ballots cast in delegate elections, an 80% increase from 2020. "This Congress is a testament to our unwavering commitment to Israel and Jewish unity in turbulent times," said AZM President Deborah Isaac in a statement.

Broader Implications for Zionism

The WZO, with its departments for Diaspora affairs, Aliyah promotion, and combating antisemitism, continues to evolve. Guided by the updated Jerusalem Program, which now stresses IDF and national service, the organization faces internal debates on issues like Judean and Samarian sovereignty and equal conscription. While resolutions are non-binding on Israel, they signal global Jewish priorities.

A side fair at the Congress highlights businesses owned by IDF reservists and their families, symbolizing support for those on the front lines. As the world watches, this gathering reaffirms Zionism's core mission: fostering a secure, democratic Jewish state while uniting Jews everywhere.

For live updates and more details, visit the WZO's official site. The 39th Congress promises to be a defining moment, blending tradition with urgent calls for action in an uncertain era.