From
the Rabbi…
Winter
2006
YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE FOR ISRAEL
THE 35TH WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTIONS
What is the Zionist Congress?
In 1897, Theodore Herzl convened the First
Zionist Congress. Since then, the Jewish People have convened
successive Congresses of the World Zionist Organization,
the equivalent of an international Jewish Parliament. In
June 2006, the 35th Zionist Congress will take place in
Jerusalem.
How does the Election Effect Israel?
This election is not an Israeli election.
The vote does not effect internal Israeli Political affairs.
The World Zionist Organization Congress impacts on the fabric
of Israeli society in a non-political way. The election
is a world Jewish election where many issues are addresses.
The Congress of the WZO sets the agenda and gives orders
to the Jewish Agency, its executive branch. The Jewish Agency
determines where much of the donations to Israel go. Your
vote will influence how many delegates are assigned to the
party you choose, thereby giving it more influence in choosing
the resolutions of the Congress.
Why Should I Vote?
For those of us who live outside of Israel,
opportunities for significant attachment to Israel and its
people should be a sine qua non of our ongoing activities.
In order to understand our Judaism and the message of the
Jewish People we must have a constant attachment to the
land, its history and its destiny.
Who Should I vote For?
I ask you to vote for MERCAZ USA, the
representative of the Conservative Movement, of which we
are a part. If you vote for MERCAZ, more of OUR delegates
will be elected, and will thereby be in a position to influence
the Jewish Agency. Our delegates can help ensure that money
is directed to Conservative programs in Israel, such as
the conservtive Yeshiva, Conservative Movement Schools,
a special needs Bar/bat Mitzvah program and so on. Your
vote can mean that our movement will impact on the operations
and decisions of the Jewish Agency in terms of pluralism,
feminism, and commitment to Jewish values. By voting MERCAZ
you help to continue the work to strengthen Israel as a
Jewish democratic state.
How are Congress Delegates Chosen?
Elections are held throughout the world.
300 delegates represent Diaspora Jewry who join an Israeli
delegation of nearly 200. We in the United States send 145
delegates.
How do I vote?
Contact www.mercazusa.org and then click
on the box on the left which says "Register for WZO
Election". A Registration packet will be e-mailed to
you. When you receive it please vote "Slate #9, MERKAZ
USA". If you go to the website, you can find more details
of the MERCAZ platform. Please note that there is a $7 charge
($5 for students) to register. This amount helps defray
the cost of the election. I will reimburse anyone who registers
for the election, the full 7 ($5) charge. Please contact
me for reimbursement. Also, please have every adult in your
family register. Please contact your college student.
You have the opportunity to proudly stand
up for Israel in a way that reflects pride in our movement.
I hope that B’nai Torah members will stand up for
Israel, and take part in these vital elections where YOU
can impact upon Israeli society in a very positive way.
For more information, contact www.mercazusa.org
or contact me at 268-6940.
Happy New Year,
Rabbi Colin
(203) 268-6940
rabbi@bnaitorahct.org
