Winnipeg – On June 5, 2025, Canadian Jews began voting to elect delegates to the 39th World Zionist Congress (WZC), a significant event that shapes the leadership and funding of global Zionist programs. This election empowers Canadian Jews to have a direct say in how more than $1 billion annually is allocated to support Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
The World Zionist Congress, established in 1897 by Theodor Herzl, serves as the legislative body of the Zionist Organization and plays a crucial role in advancing Zionist values and initiatives. The Congress convenes every five years in Jerusalem, bringing together delegates from around the world to make key decisions affecting Jewish life, culture, and Israelโs future.
The Canadian Zionist Federation (CZF), through its MERCAZ-Canada arm, is overseeing the election of Canadian delegates. Voting opened at 12:01 a.m. Newfoundland Time on June 5 and will continue until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on June 15, 2025. Eligible voters must be Jewish and registered according to the Federationโs guidelines.
This election marks a critical opportunity for Canadian Jews to influence global Zionist policy, funding priorities, and programming. Voters choose from multiple slates representing a broad ideological, religious, and political spectrum, reflecting the diversity of Jewish life and thought.
The elected Canadian delegates will join representatives from other countries at the Congress in Jerusalem this October. Together, they will help determine how funds are distributed to support education, cultural activities, immigration to Israel (aliyah), social welfare, and religious pluralism.
The importance of voting in the WZC elections cannot be overstated. It is a direct way for diaspora Jews to engage with Israelโs democratic processes and ensure their values and priorities are represented on the global stage. The election also fosters unity and dialogue within the Jewish community by bringing together diverse voices committed to the future of Zionism.
In recent years, the World Zionist Congress has seen record voter turnout, with over 230,000 votes cast in the 2025 U.S. election alone, a significant increase from previous years. This surge reflects growing engagement and the urgent need for strong Jewish representation amid global challenges, including rising antisemitism and geopolitical tensions.
Canadian voters are encouraged to participate actively and make their voices heard in this historic election. Registration and voting are conducted online, with paper ballots available upon request. A nominal fee of $5 helps cover election costs and prevents fraud, continuing the tradition of the Zionist โShekelโ introduced by Herzl.
The 39th World Zionist Congress will convene in Jerusalem in October 2025, where Canadian delegates will join their global counterparts to chart the course of Zionist programs for the next five years.
This article is based on verified information from reputable sources, including the Canadian Zionist Federation (MERCAZ-Canada), the American Zionist Movement, the Union for Reform Judaism, Israel Policy Forum, JNS.org, the Times of Israel, and official World Zionist Organization election materials.