Resolution Proposed and Debated at the 2023 Extraordinary Congress. | Photo by Eric M. Leiderman
By Eric M. Leiderman, Secretary, MERCAZ USA
Rabbi Eric Leiderman is a Chicago-based educator and community builder. He is a dedicated advocate for vibrant, inclusive Jewish life, working to inspire the next generation through education, activism, and leadership.
In October 2025, delegates from around the world will gather in Jerusalem for the 39th World Zionist Congress (WZC), the international parliament of the Jewish people. This body, initially convened by Theodor Herzl in 1897, is responsible for allocating over $1 billion annually to support Jewish education, religious institutions, and Zionist initiatives worldwide. It is the Jewish world’s most significant yet least understood representative body.
These elections are not about politicians or political parties but about what kind of Israel we want to build and what role American Jews should play in shaping it. The decisions made at the WZC have a direct impact on funding for Jewish education, religious services, and community-building programs in both Israel and the Diaspora. Yet, many American Jews remain unaware of their power to shape these decisions by voting in the WZC elections.
As someone who has been actively involved in the WZC for nearly a decade, I have witnessed firsthand how crucial participation is. In 2015, I served as an alternate delegate to the 37th WZC. In 2020, I was a voting delegate to the 38th WZC, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, in 2023, I was privileged to serve as a delegate to the Extraordinary Congress in Jerusalem. These experiences have only strengthened my belief that American Jews must play an active role in shaping the Zionist movement, and this is why I am running for a third time on the MERCAZ USA slate. I believe that centrist, pluralistic Zionism offers the most inclusive and sustainable vision for Israel’s future.
The WZC determines how funds are distributed through major Zionist institutions—including the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Keren Kayemet LeYisrael (KKL-JNF), and Keren HaYesod—which influence aliyah, Jewish education, and settlement policies. These funds shape not only Israel but also Jewish life worldwide. The question before us in 2025 is clear: Will Zionism remain inclusive and democratic, or will it be dominated by exclusivist, right-wing religious forces? The answer depends on who votes—and who wins seats.
In this election, three major ideological camps are competing for influence. Right-wing religious slates seek to expand Orthodox control over Israeli religious life, opposing religious pluralism and prioritizing settlement expansion. Progressive Zionist slates focus on social justice and human rights but, at times, struggle to connect with the broader Jewish communal agenda. The strongest and most balanced choice is found in Centrist & Pluralistic Zionist slates, including MERCAZ USA, Dorshei Torah V’Tzion (DTT), ANU, and Kol Israel. These slates advocate for an Israel that is both Jewish and democratic, where religious pluralism, civil rights, and Jewish unity are upheld.
The values of MERCAZ USA, the Zionist Organization of the American Conservative/Masorti Movement, reflect a vision of Zionism that is inclusive, democratic, and deeply connected to Jewish tradition. In the aftermath of October 7, as Israel rebuilds, and with antisemitism on the rise worldwide, our work is more vital than ever.
At the core of MERCAZ USA’s mission is a commitment to a strong and secure Israel that reflects the prophetic vision of justice, compassion, and equality. This means ensuring that all streams of Judaism are respected and recognized, that democracy and civil rights are upheld for all Israeli citizens, and that American Jews have a meaningful role in shaping Zionist policy.
One of the most pressing issues facing the Jewish world today is the rise of extremist forces that seek to control and dictate religious practice in Israel. We reject the notion that Judaism belongs exclusively to any one group. Instead, we advocate for a pluralistic and inclusive Jewish society where all Jews—regardless of denomination or gender identity—can practice their faith freely.
MERCAZ USA is committed to rebuilding the communities devastated by the October 7 attacks, supporting the families of hostages, and ensuring that the institutions of Zionism direct resources toward recovery efforts. Additionally, we believe that combating antisemitism and misinformation about Zionism must be a top priority. The spread of anti-Zionist rhetoric, both within Jewish spaces and in the broader public sphere, threatens not just the legitimacy of Israel but also the safety of Jews worldwide. MERCAZ USA is dedicated to educating communities on the true meaning of Zionism, countering false narratives, and ensuring that Zionism remains a source of pride and strength.
Beyond these immediate challenges, MERCAZ USA fights for the fair allocation of resources within the Zionist movement. We demand equal funding for Masorti synagogues, schools, and youth programs like USY and Ramah. We advocate for the implementation of the Kotel Agreement, which secures an egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall. We also oppose attempts to restrict the Law of Return, ensuring that Israel remains a homeland for all Jews, regardless of their background or religious observance.
Finally, MERCAZ USA stands firmly behind regional peace and stability. We recognize the importance of an Israel that is integrated within the Middle East, and that seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors, including the Palestinians. Our vision is for a Zionism that is strong yet just, secure yet open, and grounded in Jewish values while embracing modernity and progress.
The WZC elections may not receive the same media attention as Israeli Knesset elections, but their impact is profound. Many American Jews remain unaware of these elections. Yet, the WZC controls vast resources that affect how Judaism is practiced in Israel and how Zionist programs are funded around the world.
A high turnout from American Jews ensures that our values and priorities are reflected in Zionist leadership. In 2020, over 120,000 American Jews voted, helping centrist and pluralistic Zionist slates secure crucial seats. In 2025, we must do even better. If we don’t vote, others will—and they may not share our commitment to an inclusive, democratic, and pluralistic Israel.
Voting is simple and accessible to all eligible American Jews. The election runs from March 10 to May 4, 2025, and votes can be cast online at azm.org/elections. Paper ballots are also available upon request. The $5 registration fee helps cover election administration costs.
To vote, you must:
If you meet these criteria, you have the right—and the responsibility—to vote.
The 2025 World Zionist Congress elections will determine the future of Zionist funding, Jewish pluralism, and the role of American Jews in shaping Israel’s policies. If we want an Israel that reflects the full diversity of the Jewish people, we must show up and vote. MERCAZ USA is committed to defending the values of inclusion, democracy, and religious pluralism.
I am running for a third time because I believe in a Zionism that welcomes all Jews, respects diverse traditions, and upholds Israel’s democratic character. If you share this vision, I urge you to cast your vote in the 2025 World Zionist Congress elections for MERCAZ USA—Slate 17!
Am Yisrael Chai.
