Guest Article - Vote Eretz Hakodesh (WZO Elections)

(The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the blog.)

Why Voting in the WZO Elections Matters: A Call to Action for Torah Values

The ongoing World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections present a unique and critical opportunity for the Jewish community to make its voice heard. These elections are not just about political representation; they are about safeguarding the values and traditions that have sustained our people for generations. By voting for the Eretz Hakodesh slate, we can ensure that significant resources are directed toward authentic Torah institutions and prevent those who oppose Torah values from using these funds to further their agendas.

The Stakes Are High

The WZO controls a budget of over $1 billion, which has been used in recent decades by Reform and Conservative movements to fund initiatives that undermine Torah values. These movements have actively worked to undermine traditional Torah values. Their efforts are not just ideological; they are well-funded campaigns that aim to reshape Jewish life in Israel.

This is where Eretz Hakodesh comes in. By voting for this slate, we can ensure that critical funding is used to strengthen Torah institutions, support yeshivos, kollels, and religious infrastructure, and maintain the integrity of Yiddishkeit in Eretz Yisroel. More importantly, we can prevent those who seek to harm Torah values from gaining control of these resources.

Rabbinic Endorsements: A Call from Our Gedolim

The importance of participating in these elections has been underscored by leading rabbinic figures:

• Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l: He issued a clear directive that voting in the WZO elections is “k'dai meod lehatzbia” (definitely worthy to vote) to protect Torah values (source).
• Rav Shmuel Kaminetsky shlit"a: He has consistently encouraged participation in these elections as a means of preserving Torah life in Israel (source).
• Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l: He supported the Eretz Hakodesh initiative as a way to ensure Torah-observant Jews have a voice in decisions affecting Eretz Yisroel (source).
• Rav Dovid Feinstein zt”l: He personally directed involvement in Eretz Hakodesh, viewing it as a vital effort to protect Torah values (source).
• Rav Avrohom Gurwicz shlit"a: The Rosh Yeshiva of Gateshead described voting as a “chiyuv” (obligation) for Shomrei Torah u’Mitzvos (source, source).

Eretz Hakodesh Accomplishments

• These are some of Eretz Hakodesh's many accomplishments.
• Eretz Hakodesh mobilized 25 delegates at the 2020 World Zionist Congress, representing 16% of votes cast by American Jewry despite Haredim making up only 5% of U.S. Jews (source).
• Their efforts helped double voter turnout in the U.S. WZO elections from 56,000 in 2015 to over 123,000 in 2020 (source).
• The organization assisted over 200 mosdos, yeshivos, seminaries, kollelim, and other groups with grants and logistical support (source).
• Eretz Hakodesh facilitated entry for 40,000 yeshiva and seminary students into Israel during COVID-19 restrictions (source).

The Reform Movement's Reaction

The Reform movement has expressed strong opposition to the growing influence of Eretz Hakodesh within the WZO. Reform leaders have described their opponents as "religious fundamentalists" who aim to undermine democracy, roll back gains for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, and block pluralistic practices in Israel (source). They have specifically criticized Eretz Hakodesh's success in securing funding for traditional religious infrastructure while limiting resources for progressive Jewish initiatives. They point to Eretz Hakodesh using the power gained through the election to advance their agenda, including (source):

• Allowing the ultra-Orthodox to keep the core curriculum out of their schools, and to advance additional gender segregation in Israeli society.
• Rolling back gains for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equity, and religious pluralism.
• Stripping Israeli Reform clergy and communities of their rights and funding.
• Advancing policies to weaken the influence of Reform Jews by rejecting their conversions and questioning the authenticity of their children's Jewish identity.
• Ensuring ultra-Orthodox Israelis will not serve in the IDF.

 This tension underscores the high stakes of these elections.

A Call to Action

This is a moment when we can come together as a community to protect what matters most. By voting in the WZO elections and supporting Eretz Hakodesh, we take an active role in ensuring that the values of Torah and halacha remain at the forefront of Jewish life in Israel.

Let us seize this opportunity to make a difference—for ourselves, for our children, and for generations to come.