Rabbi Doron Peretz Ascends to WZO Presidency in Dramatic Coalition Shift

In a riveting culmination to weeks of intense negotiations and fractured alliances, the World Zionist Organization (WZO) executive committee ratified a groundbreaking coalition agreement Monday night, propelling Rabbi Doron Peretz (also spelled Perez), CEO of the Mizrachi movement, into the presidency of one of Zionism's pivotal institutions. This move, amid a backdrop of political drama and personal resilience, signals a fresh era for the WZO as it navigates global Jewish challenges.

And honestly, there is no one more suited to the job. Rabbi Peretz brings years of experience as a charismatic, dynamic, influential, and beloved figure who served as a community rabbi in Johannesburg, South Africa, before making Aliyah to Israel.

He did his job with passion, kindness and immense talent, and he won the hearts of everyone he encountered.

His journey from South African roots to Zionist leadership has been marked by profound personal loss: His son, Capt. Daniel Perez (Peretz), a platoon commander in the 7th Armored Brigade's 77th Battalion, was killed on October 7, 2023, defending Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the Hamas attack.

Initially believed kidnapped, his body dragged into Gaza and held hostage, Daniel's death was confirmed months later by the IDF, a revelation that thrust Rabbi Perez into the public eye. Handling this horrific tragedy with remarkable wisdom, bravery, and dignity, Rabbi Peretz has shared his story in interviews, events, and writings, inspiring many while advocating for unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Under the new pact, the fourth attempt since the World Zionist Congress (WZC) convened in late October, incumbent WZO Chairman Yaakov Hagoel, head of World Likud, retains his position for the initial term, set to rotate with a Liberal Zionist bloc representative in the second half, to be elected later. Dr. Yizhar Hess, vice chairman from the MERCAZ slate, also continues in his role, providing stability.

The path to this agreement was fraught with turmoil: The first deal imploded over a controversial proposal to include Yair Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister's son, as an executive member. a red line for slates like Yesh Atid. Delegates extended negotiations by two weeks, but subsequent pacts unraveled amid demands to revert to earlier terms. Yesh Atid's dramatic exit on November 5, decrying the institutions as "corrupt, nepotistic, and clientelist," paved the way for right-leaning factions to forge ahead without them, announcing the breakthrough just a day later.

As WZO president, Rabbi Peretz steps into a role at the heart of Zionist endeavors, overseeing programs that connect Jewish communities worldwide. His ascent, forged in the fires of personal grief and public service, underscores a narrative of endurance, echoing the broader Zionist spirit amid ongoing regional conflicts. With this leadership solidified, the WZO aims to bridge divides, bolster Diaspora ties, and advance initiatives in an increasingly polarized world. Under his capable leadership, there is no end to the incredible things WZO can achieve.