New York, N.Y., June 5, 2025 — In an unprecedented show of unity and strategic participation, Orthodox Jewish communities across America mobilized in record numbers for the 39th World Zionist Congress elections, ensuring that a significant portion of the over $1 billion in annual funding will be directed toward Torah institutions rather than organizations promoting secular or anti-Torah agendas.
The election, which saw 230,257 total votes cast between March 10 and May 4, 2025, witnessed extraordinary participation from Torah-observant communities who recognized the critical importance of having a voice in how these substantial funds are allocated, even while maintaining principled positions regarding the secular Zionist enterprise.
Orthodox Slates Dominate Results
The preliminary results reveal the tremendous success of Torah-oriented slates:
Leading Orthodox Slates:
Eretz HaKodesh: Protecting the Kedusha and Mesorah of Eretz Yisrael – 29,159 votes This slate, dedicated to preserving the sanctity and tradition of the Holy Land according to Torah values, secured the third-highest vote total. Their platform emphasized directing funds to yeshivos, kollelim, and chesed organizations that strengthen authentic Jewish life in Eretz Yisrael. The advertising campaign was quite effective.
ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION (OIC) – MIZRACHI – 26,975 votes This slate garnered significant support due to teh fact that the OU pushed the vote backing its commitment to funding religious educational institutions and supporting the needs of Orthodox communities in Israel.
Other Torah-Aligned Slates:
Am Yisrael Chai: Investing in Jewish leadership, fulfilling our destiny – 31,765 votes While not exclusively Orthodox, this slate received substantial support from traditional communities for its emphasis on authentic Jewish leadership and destiny as defined by Torah.
SHAS – 2,658 votes Representing Sephardic Torah values, this slate focused on supporting Sephardic Torah institutions and communities both in Israel and worldwide.
Dorshei Torah V’Tzion: Torah and Israel for the Future of All Jews – 1,946 votes A slate explicitly combining Torah values with participation in the Congress system to ensure Torah voices are heard.
Achdut Israel – 1,592 votes Emphasizing Jewish unity under Torah principles.
Secular and Reform Movements Also Compete:
The results also show significant participation from non-Orthodox movements:
VOTE REFORM – 47,887 votes The Reform movement’s slate received the highest vote total, underscoring the critical importance of Orthodox participation to counterbalance their influence on funding decisions.
MERCAZ USA: The Voice of Conservative/Masorti Judaism – 27,893 votes The Conservative movement’s strong showing further highlighted the need for Orthodox strategic participation.
HATIKVAH: The Progressive Slate – 11,537 votes This explicitly progressive slate’s platform included support for movements and initiatives that Orthodox leaders view as contrary to Torah values.
The Stakes: Over $1 Billion in Annual Funding
The 152 U.S. delegates will join representatives from around the world to make decisions affecting more than $1 billion in annual allocations. Without strong Orthodox representation, these funds could be directed toward:
- Non-Orthodox religious movements that undermine traditional Jewish practice
- Secular educational programs that exclude Torah study
- Political initiatives that contradict Torah values
- Social causes that promote lifestyles antithetical to Jewish law
By participating strategically, Orthodox communities ensure that substantial portions of these funds support:
- Yeshivos and Bais Yaakov schools
- Kollelim and Torah study programs
- Kiruv organizations bringing Jews closer to Torah observance
- Chesed organizations operating according to halachic principles
- Protection of holy sites and Jewish burial grounds
Addressing Voting Irregularities
The election was marred by serious irregularities, with 18,948 fraudulent votes identified and canceled. Orthodox leaders expressed concern about attempts to manipulate the democratic process, emphasizing that such actions violate both secular law and Torah principles of honesty and integrity.
A Pragmatic Approach
While many Orthodox Jews maintain theological objections to secular Zionism and would prefer not to participate in such frameworks, rabbinic leaders recognized the pragmatic necessity of engagement. As one community leader explained, “When over a billion dollars annually is at stake—money that can either support Torah institutions or fund movements that work against Torah—we have an obligation to ensure these resources strengthen rather than weaken authentic Judaism.”
The participation should not be misconstrued as endorsement of secular Zionist ideology. Rather, it represents a strategic decision to work within existing systems to protect Torah interests and ensure that funds raised from Jewish communities worldwide support institutions and programs aligned with eternal Jewish values.
Looking Forward
The 39th World Zionist Congress will convene in Jerusalem from October 28-30, 2025. Orthodox delegates will work to form coalitions that prioritize:
- Funding for Torah educational institutions
- Support for Orthodox communities in Israel
- Protection of holy sites according to halachic requirements
- Opposition to funding for movements that contradict Torah law
- Ensuring religious freedom for Orthodox practice
The record turnout demonstrates that when Torah communities unite for a common purpose—even within frameworks they might philosophically oppose—they can effectively protect Jewish interests and ensure resources support rather than undermine authentic Torah life.
As we approach the Congress, Orthodox communities must remain vigilant and united, remembering that our participation is not an endorsement of secular nationalism but rather a fulfillment of our responsibility to protect and promote Torah values wherever Jewish communal funds are allocated.
As reported by VINnews