Proposal submitted by Rabbi Sergio Bergman
On behalf of The World Union for Progressive Judaism
Whereas the State of Israel, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, was able to sign at the time of its establishment a solemn document that clearly defines its character as a Jewish and democratic state;
And whereas some of the foundations of Zionism, as defined in the World Zionist Organization constitution, are the unity of the Jewish people:
"In the fortification of Israel as a Zionist and democratic Jewish state, with unique spiritual values based on mutual respect for the versatility of the Jewish people, a model society that strives for peace and contributes to the correction of the world."
And whereas Zionism is a movement that defends the basic principles of justice, equality and democracy and rejects discrimination on the grounds of origin, nationality or race or gender or sexual orientation, and committed to the founding document of the State of Israel, the Declaration of Independence;
Therefore, in honor of Israel's 75th jubilee, the Zionist Congress resolves:
1. The Declaration of Independence is one of the central, founding documents of the Zionist movement.
2. In each of the offices of the World Zionist Organization, in Israel and abroad, the Declaration of Independence will be displayed, alongside the Jerusalem Program.
3. The World Zionist Organization and its departments will not carry out activities that contradict the values of the Declaration of Independence.
4. The World Zionist Organization will not cooperate with organizations whose values contradict the values of the Declaration of Independence.
Proposal submitted by Chaya Cohen
On behalf of Brit Etz-Avoda
In the current situation in the State of Israel, where there is sense of great concern, tempers are flaring and divisions are growing, the World Zionist Organization is an important, essential entity that unites within it the representatives of the entire Zionist spectrum in the Jewish world out of an obligation to fulfill the central mission of the World Zionist Organization in the Jewish world as a platform for unity, cooperation and dialogue;
Whereas Section 3 of the Jerusalem Program states: “..Strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist and democratic state and shaping it as an exemplary society with a unique moral and spiritual character, marked by mutual respect for the multi-faceted Jewish people, rooted in the vision of the prophets, striving for peace and contributing to the betterment of the world.”;
Whereas the World Zionist Organization requires every member of the Zionist movement to accept the Jerusalem Program;
Whereas the World Zionist Organization brings together all the ideological groupings, religious streams and Zionist organizations active among the Jewish people in Israel and in the Diaspora;
Whereas the Declaration of Independence was accepted and signed by all political streams represented within the Jewish people.
Therefore, the Zionist Congress resolves:
1. To adopt the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel as a source document for the Jerusalem Program.
2. That the principles of the Declaration of Independence will guide the operation of the World Zionist Organization and will be a central source of inspiration in the Zionist vision.
3. To encourage all departments of the World Zionist Organization to hold activities and events around the values of the Declaration of Independence and its status as a founding document in the 75th year of Israel's independence.
4. To turn to the Zionist Executive to examine as to the hanging of a large banner with the Declaration of Independence in its center, on the building of the World Zionist Organization in Tel Aviv on the side where Zionist banners are hung from time to time in order to gain public visibility and exposure, as part of the 75th year celebration.
Proposal submitted by Nerya Meir
On behalf of World Likud
After Voting and Approval by the Presidium of the Zionist Congress
Whereas the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people by virtue of their historical, religious and moral right to it, namely the State of Israel; and
Whereas, by virtue of this right, the First Zionist Congress was convened and founded an activist Zionist identity, through which Zionist leaders acted and formed modern political Zionism leading to the foundation of the State of Israel; and
Whereas today, on the 75th birthday to the State of Israel, it is necessary to strengthen Zionist activism;
Therefore, the Zionist Congress calls for:
1. Strengthening of the Zionist identity in Israel and in the Diaspora based on the values of settlement, Aliyah and education, as determined in the Jerusalem program.
By virtue of the historical and Zionist right, the Zionist Congress will act:
2. To strengthen settlement in Israel, promoting Aliyah and reinforcing a Jewish majority: The Zionist Congress calls upon the World Zionist Organization to act to increase the Jewish majority by dedicating additional resources for programs to promote Aliyah among Jews in the Diaspora and in action vis-à-vis the State of Israel to strengthen Aliyah absorption within Israel.
In addition, The Zionist Congress calls upon The World Zionist Organization:
3. To act to strengthen the education system in Israel and the Diaspora so that it emphasizes Zionist studies, Jewish identity, the heritage of the Jewish people, and Israel being a Jewish and democratic state in which there exists the right to pray freely.
The Zionist Congress calls upon the National Institutions:
4. To increase the number of participants in Jewish educational institutions in the Diaspora to promote the Hebrew language and involvement in the Zionist movement, to create new bridges to connect with Israel, and to develop programs to strengthen the national Jewish identity of the Jewish people and the education for contributing to society through a meaningful military service in the IDF.
In the face of division among the Jewish nation and given the uniting nature of Zionism - The Zionist Congress calls upon The World Zionist Organization:
5. To act within Israeli society to strengthen the unity between the various parts of the nation, while encouraging Zionist dialogue, which works to maintain the Jewish and democratic identity of the country through a deep connection to heritage of the Jewish people and its values.
Proposal submitted by Bella Lvovich
on behalf of World Israel Beytenu
And by Rabbi Mauricio Balter
on behalf of Brit MERCAZ OLAMI
Whereas the Law of Return is one of the most paramount laws of the State of Israel, a law that is the bedrock of Zionism, which anchors one of the most distinct principles of the Zionist movement from time immemorial; and
Whereas in the 75th anniversary of Israel's independence the fact that, thanks to the Law of Return, the State of Israel has been blessed with the Aliyah of millions of immigrants over the years - from both Eastern and Western countries, is particularly notable; and
Whereas over the years the Law of Return has become a symbol, a festive symbol of Jewish peoplehood at its best, a glamorous, Zionist symbol like no other which defines the collective borders of the Jewish people - As far as Aliyah to Israel is concerned (eligibility to the Law of Return); and
Whereas from the dawn of Zionism to the present day, the Zionist movement has advocated an open worldview, which notes the diversity of the people of Israel, without discrimination or bias, with its different views and beliefs; and
Whereas voices are now being heard calling for the Law of Return to be amended and minimized; and
Whereas such an amendment to the Law of Return will alienate hundreds of thousands of people of Jewish descent and have a disastrous impact on Aliyah to the State of Israel.
Therefore, in the 75th year of the State of Israel and out of a deep sense of historical responsibility, the Zionist Congress resolves that:
1. The Zionist Congress calls not to amend the Law of Return and not to try to minimize its content.
2. The World Zionist Organization will work to protect the Law of Return as a bedrock of Zionism.
3. The Zionist Congress, as per the letter sent on 1 January 2023 by the Chairman of the Jewish Agency and the World Zionist Organization to the Prime Minister, seeks to strengthen all those involved in bringing immigrants to Israel in accordance with the Law of Return.
Submitted by Tema Klausner
on behalf of the World Emunah
Whereas exactly 50 years following the vision of Benjamin Ze’ev Herzl, who foresaw the creation of the state, and exactly 75 years ago the Jewish nation was fortunate to actualize the divine promise and the vision of Israel’s prophets, and returned to become a free nation in its homeland; and
Whereas after 2000 years, the historical Jewish nation has returned, merited independence, and established the State of Israel in its promised land; and
Whereas the Jewish People are a unique entity in the world, an entity with qualities that are impossible to categorize in words or conventional ways; an entity that is at the same time a nation, a religion, a family, a people that survived for many years without political independence; and
Whereas the Jewish people is brilliantly and proudly in the midst of a return to the land of our fathers;
Therefore, the Extraordinary Zionist Congress calls upon:
The World Zionist Organization to increase its efforts and activities to encourage those members of the Jewish nation living in the Diaspora to return home.
Submitted by Roi Abecassis
On behalf of World Mizrahi and World Herut
Whereas we are on the verge of celebrating 75 years of the State of Israel’s independence, symbolizing the return of the Jewish People to Zion and the establishment of a Jewish state founded on Jewish values; and,
Whereas the Declaration of Independence determines that the State of Israel shall be founded upon freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; and,
Whereas in recent months we have witnessed a deep rift within Israeli society and the State of Israel and parts of the Jewish People over the issue of amending the grandchild clause that touches upon the State of Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state; and,
Whereas the integrity of the Jewish People in Israel and the Diaspora, its strength and power are founded upon the Jewish People’s unity, from which the Jewish People have derived its strength and resilience for many a generation; and,
Whereas the World Zionist Organization strongly and traditionally believes in collaboration in the spirit of “shevet achim gam yachad – people dwelling in unity” when settling difficult disagreements out of mutual respect and dialogue that is considerate and understanding of the different opinions.
Therefore, the Zionist Congress calls upon the World Zionist Organization:
1. To appoint a special task force that represents the range of opinions in the Jewish People represented in the World Zionist Organization in an effort to draft a proposal following a discussion and agreement over the grandchild clause in light of the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.
2. The task force will complete its drafting of the proposal one year before the 39th Congress.
3. The task force will submit its recommendations to the World Zionist Organization executive and ask that its recommendations be embraced.
Proposal submitted by Rabbi Lea Mühlstein
On behalf of ARZENU
Whereas we are proud to celebrate 75 years of Israel as the only democracy in the Middle East;
Whereas mature democracies are rightly measured not just by whether there are free elections but also by whether there are robust checks and balances in place to protect the democratic rights of all inhabitants;
Whereas the primary body with the capacity for checks and balances on Israeli democracy is the judiciary;
Whereas our Tradition teaches us to “Learn to do good, devote yourselves to justice..." (Isaiah 1:17);
Whereas Israel’s Declaration of Independence asserts that the State of Israel, “will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants …”; and
Whereas the reforms to weaken the judicial system, which have been pursued in haste and without regard for the effect that these changes will have on the relationship between Israel and Jews around the world, have been halted and are currently in deliberation under the aegis of the President of Israel;
The Extraordinary Congress 5783 marking the 75th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, therefore, resolves:
1. To remind the government of the State of Israel that Jews around the world are deeply committed to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, as well as the danger posed to this relationship stemming from the promotion of the government's plan to weaken the judiciary.
2. The Zionist Congress believes that change in the State of Israel's judicial structure can only happen through broad public agreement, as the outcome of true and open dialogue and as part of a process of healing social rifts across all of Israeli society.
3. The Zionist Congress calls upon the government to reach consensus agreements that will bolster the democratic nature of the State of Israel and the checks and balances in the structure of government, while providing protection for human rights, minorities and women.
4. The Zionist Congress instructs the Executive of the World Zionist Organization to publish this resolution through all its distribution lists via both social and traditional media.
Submitted by David Yaari
On behalf of World Confederation of United Zionists
Whereas at its early stages, the Zionist Movement was the most innovative initiative to occur in 2,000 years of Jewish history, since the Jewish exile in 70 CE; and
Whereas the Zionist Movement innovated and created the Zionist National Institutions and the necessary capacities to establish the State of Israel; and
Whereas today, as we near the 75th Independence Day, Israel has emerged and become globally recognized as the start-up nation and a source of innovation and inspiration in many fields and sectors,
Therefore, the Extraordinary Zionist Congress resolves that:
1. On the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, the World Zionist Organization will apply to Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael for assistance in budgeting for the establishment of an Office of Innovation that will work as an independent body to drive and inject innovation both as an organizational culture and practice throughout all of the Institutions' projects and initiatives. Following the approval of this resolution, a detailed plan will be presented within 60 days with the goal to establish this office will by Rosh Hashanah 5784.
2. The Office of Innovation will ensure that there will be clear rules for allocation of budgets as well as on equality, transparency and the absence of political considerations in the allocation of budgets in Israel and the Diaspora, with the exception of bodies that promote and support the BDS movement.
3. The Office of Innovation will begin by setting the innovation criteria and prioritizing the innovation areas based on an analysis of the existing significant gaps, urgent needs, and impactful opportunities for the member institutions.
4. The Office of Innovation will invite other players from both the private and Zionist world to bring forth new ideas for the National Institutions to promote and accelerate those ideas through a Zionist lens. These public and private sector leaders will serve on an advisory council.
The resolution includes the Votum Separatum - Deletion of words " from all streams of Judaism" in paragraph #3*
Submitted by Adi Samson
On behalf of World Organization of Orthodox Communities and Synagogues
Whereas the State of Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people and not just the state of its citizens, and after 75 years of existence in which diplomatic, technological, economic, and other capabilities have been accumulated in it, it is operating to strengthen the Jewish communities in the Diaspora and deepen its affinity with the State of Israel; and
Whereas it is the Jewish community that has preserved the Jewish people for thousands of years of exile in the Diaspora and constitutes an essential infrastructure for Jewish ethnic identity and beneficial social belonging, which fosters resilience and empowers mutual responsibility, in times of routine and crisis; and
Whereas the main impact on Jewish identity, future continuity, and vitality depends on a renewed community leadership who is relevant to the challenges of the day, on their ties to the State of Israel, and on the quality and activity of formal and informal social networks; and
Whereas the synagogue is a central and important institution in the life of Diaspora Jewry as a house of prayer, and as a place where Jewish customs and ceremonies are held that contribute to community cohesion, tighter social networks, and resilience; and
Whereas we are witnessing waves of anti-Semitism emerging around the world, in a way that undermines the natural sense of security and threatens the resilience of the Jewish community and its members, due to Aliya, emigration and/or distancing from Jewish identity;
The Extraordinary Zionist Congress resolves that:
1. To act to strengthen Jewish identity among Diaspora communities, by initiating Jewish encounters with each other and supporting activities relating to the Jewish calendar events - intra-community and inter-communal - and through the promotion of Aliyah and education, for members of varying circles of affiliation.
2. To cultivate male and female young community leaders as a critical resource for continuity and resilience, and for the ability of communities to be afflicted with anti-Semitism, by organizing dedicated professional conferences on topics relevant to their formal and informal roles, and to strengthen their ties to their Judaism, to the Jewish world in general, and to the State of Israel and to Zionism in particular.
3. To call upon the National Institutions operating community and educational programs among Diaspora Jewry – the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Kayemet L'Israel– to broaden and expand activity within synagogues and Jewish communities from all streams of Judaism, and activities with male and female community leaders, educators and additional relevant officers in the communities; to develop programs with a view to the empowerment of these communities and officers; and to provide substantial professional response to their challenges.
Submitted by Adi Samson
On behalf of World Organization of Orthodox Communities and Synagogues
Whereas the State of Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people and not just the state of its citizens, and after 75 years of existence in which diplomatic, technological, economic, and other capabilities have been accumulated in it, it is operating to strengthen the Jewish communities in the Diaspora and deepen its affinity with the State of Israel; and
Whereas it is the Jewish community that has preserved the Jewish people for thousands of years of exile in the Diaspora and constitutes an essential infrastructure for Jewish ethnic identity and beneficial social belonging, which fosters resilience and empowers mutual responsibility, in times of routine and crisis; and
Whereas the main impact on Jewish identity, future continuity, and vitality depends on a renewed community leadership who is relevant to the challenges of the day, on their ties to the State of Israel, and on the quality and activity of formal and informal social networks; and
Whereas the synagogue is a central and important institution in the life of Diaspora Jewry as a house of prayer, and as a place where Jewish customs and ceremonies are held that contribute to community cohesion, tighter social networks, and resilience; and
Whereas we are witnessing waves of anti-Semitism emerging around the world, in a way that undermines the natural sense of security and threatens the resilience of the Jewish community and its members, due to Aliya, emigration and/or distancing from Jewish identity;
The Extraordinary Zionist Congress resolves that:
1. To act to strengthen Jewish identity among Diaspora communities, by initiating Jewish encounters with each other and supporting activities relating to the Jewish calendar events - intra-community and inter-communal - and through the promotion of Aliyah and education, for members of varying circles of affiliation.
2. To cultivate male and female young community leaders as a critical resource for continuity and resilience, and for the ability of communities to be afflicted with anti-Semitism, by organizing dedicated professional conferences on topics relevant to their formal and informal roles, and to strengthen their ties to their Judaism, to the Jewish world in general, and to the State of Israel and to Zionism in particular.
3. To call upon the National Institutions operating community and educational programs among Diaspora Jewry – the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Kayemet L'Israel– to broaden and expand activity within synagogues and Jewish communities from all streams of Judaism, and activities with male and female community leaders, educators and additional relevant officers in the communities; to develop programs with a view to the empowerment of these communities and officers; and to provide substantial professional response to their challenges.
Proposal submitted by Dario Teitelbaum
on behalf of World Union of Meretz
Whereas the World Zionist Organization's mission is to ensure the State of Israel remains a national home for all Jews, regardless of belief and/or religious affiliation, ideological tendency, origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
And whereas the World Zionist Organization can serve as a bridge between the Jewish LGBTQIA communities and the State of Israel by promoting greater understanding, cooperation, and mutual support.
And whereas the State of Israel, celebrating 75 years of independence, is known throughout the world as a place that knows how to respect, accommodate, and even celebrate the existence of the LGBTQIA community.
The Zionist Congress resolves that:
1. The Zionist movement and the national institutions will be a home for every Jew, from all over the world, regardless of belief and/or religious affiliation, ideological tendency, origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
2. The Congress calls for increased activity of education and awareness and inclusion: deepening the awareness and educational activity related to the inclusion of the LGBTQIA community, within the Zionist activity in the State of Israel and in the Diaspora, through workshops, seminars, and other educational initiatives.
3. Out of a desire to deepen the connection between the LGBTQIA population and Zionism all over the world - the Zionist Congress calls on the national institutions in general, and the Jewish Agency and the World Zionist Organization in particular, to find a way to celebrate Pride Week.
Submitted by Rabbi Mauricio Balter
On behalf of MASORTI OLAMI Organization
Whereas the State of Israel, which is proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary to its establishment - is the nation state of the entire Jewish people; and
Whereas the people of Israel are endowed with different worldviews and diverse Jewish concepts; and
Whereas the Zionist movement pledged in its founding documents - both the Zionist constitution and the Jerusalem Program - to the commitment to the basic principles of justice, equality and democracy, while denying discrimination of any kind, and respect for the diversity of the people of Israel; and
Whereas the Supreme Court in Israel has long recognized Conservative and Reform conversions held in recognized Jewish communities - both for the purposes of registration in the Population Registry as Jews and/or for the purposes of the Law of Return - and that's how the Ministry of the Interior has been acting for many years; and
Whereas most Diaspora Jews belong to the non-orthodox streams of Judaism; and
Whereas there are voices in the Israeli government seeking to bypass the court's ruling and to promote conversion legislation that will exclude the non-orthodox streams of Judaism;
Therefore, the Zionist Congress resolves as follows:
1. The Zionist Congress calls on the Israeli government not to enact a conversion law that will exclude or discriminate, directly or indirectly, against Jews who were converted under the auspices of the Reform and Conservative streams of Judaism.
2. The Zionist Congress appreciates and respects all the women and men who enter the gates of Israel - who underwent orthodox, conservative or reform conversion - and wish them that they will be able to find their rightful place within the people of Israel and the State of Israel.
Submitted by Gil Segal
on behalf of the Yesh Atid faction
Whereas the World Zionist Organization's recognition of the Holocaust as a defining event in human history in general and the Jewish people in particular, and the importance of deepening historical knowledge about the Jewish communities that perished and raising awareness of the heroism of the Holocaust survivors; and
Whereas against the background of Holocaust denial in the world in view of the advanced age of the Holocaust survivors living today, it is mandatory to act urgently on the issue of documenting their testimonies and on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel and the Zionist enterprise.
The extraordinary Zionist Congress resolves that:
The World Zionist Organization, through its institutions, will work to promote Government Resolution No. 3474 of May 4, 2008 and Government Resolution No. 1016 of January 23, 2022 on the subject of visual documentation of Holocaust survivors from Israel and throughout the world.
Submitted by Haim Cohen
On behalf of World Sephardi Federation
Whereas in 2023, as we approach the 75th anniversary of Israel's independence, Antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and the exclusion of Jews in multicultural education and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become ongoing concerns that impact Jewish communities both in the Diaspora and in Israel; and
Whereas Jewish communities and individuals have a right to participate fully in multicultural education, DEI efforts, and similar initiatives, free from discrimination and prejudice based on their religious, ethnic, and cultural identity; and
Whereas education plays a vital role in combating antisemitism and promoting understanding, respect, and inclusion for all people, including Jews;
Therefore the Extraordinary Zionist Congress resolves that:
1. The World Zionist Organization will work to raise awareness to cases of antisemitism; anti-Zionism; and exclusion of Jews and Jewish identity via multi-cultural initiatives in educational institutions, universities and colleges as well as in work settings.
2. The World Zionist Organization will foster the move to hold a discussion at the Knesset in the course of 2023, which will present the Israel government's activities to reinforce public awareness around the world about the Jewish people, antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
Submitted by Alan Schneider
On behalf of B'nai B'rith International
Whereas scribes, scholars, archaeologists and scientists have documented Israel for 3,500 years of history, throughout tribes, kingdoms and dynasties in the Levant. They have sourced history through excavations, the Five Books of Moses and other texts; and
Whereas ancient and modern Jewish history have allowed a diverse and multicultural citizenry to flourish in the land of Israel across modern millennia, into the 21st Century; and
Whereas Theodor Herzl, in pursuit of re-establishing the Jewish homeland in the wake of persecutions, pogroms, excommunications, the Inquisition, and insurrections from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance through the 19th Century, built a network of support to create the Zionist movement and convene the first Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, in 1897; and
Whereas the Zionist movement survived and endured, even after the genocide by Nazi Germany from 1933 and 1945 in what became known as The Holocaust with the extermination of more than six million Jews and millions of others, and ultimately to United Nations recognition of the Partition Plan and the Declaration of the State of Israel in 1947 and 1949.
Therefore, on the occasion of Israel’s 75th anniversary the Extraordinary Zionist Congress:
Reiterates its support for the Jerusalem Program; calls on constituent members to find common ground to promote the Zionist ideal.
Submitted by Sergio Edelstein
On behalf of Tnuat Hamerkaz Haliberalit Hanoar Hatzionם (Kol Israel Faction)
Whereas in the WZO Constitution it is declared that one of the Foundations of Zionism is:
"Strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist and Democratic state and shaping it as an exemplary society with a unique moral and spiritual character, marked by mutual respect for the multi-faceted Jewish people, rooted in the vision of the prophets, striving for peace and contributing to the betterment of the world"; and
Whereas in the WZO Constitution it is declared that:
“Zionism advocates the fundamental principles of justice, equality and democracy, and denounces discrimination on the grounds of origin, nationality, race, gender or sexual orientation. Zionism is committed to the State of Israel's landmark document: the Israel Declaration of Independence and to the State of Israel's fundamental values, as enshrined therein."; and
Whereas in the WZO Constitution it is declared that:
"Every Jew who has reached the age of eighteen and is willing to accept the Jerusalem Program and pay membership dues (“the Zionist Shekel”) in an amount to be determined as stipulated in the Regulations for the Implementation of the Constitution, may be an individual member of the World Zionist Organization"; and
Whereas, after 75 years of Independence, we are witnessing that factors in the State of Israel are expressing themselves in the direction of changing the basis of agreements regarding the definition of a "Jewish and Democratic State"; and
Whereas voices have been heard recently, advocating that recognized non-Zionists be able to take part in the decisions that take place in the WZO forums.
The Zionist Congress resolves that:
1. Out of the obligation to respect the WZO Constitution (e.g. endorsement of "the Jerusalem Program"), it will not be permitted to grant voting rights in Zionist Congress elections to an individual member or a body which is not an individual member, to those who have not fulfilled all the conditions for WZO membership.
2. Each member of the World Zionist Organization whether individual or body, must honor the State symbols as they are specified in the Basic Law: The Nation: the flag, the State symbol, and the national anthem.
3. The Organization (Irgun) Department must ensure the implementation of this decision as far as possible.
Submitted by Gil Segal
on behalf of the Yesh Atid faction
The values of Zionism, in accordance with the constitution of the World Zionist Organization, advocate basic principles of justice, equality and democracy. We believe that the World Zionist Organization, which unites all the Zionist organizations, factions and
bodies that represent the Jewish people, should strive for and bring equal representation of women in all of the institutions of the World Zionist Organization, including the Executive Committee, Congress representatives and all aspects of its management.
Whereas, in accordance with Article 2A of the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization (hereinafter: "the Constitution") it is declared that Zionism is a movement that advocates basic principles of justice, equality and democracy;
Whereas, the constitution states that the bodies, organizations and factions of the institutions of the World Zionist Organization must be comprised of at least thirty percent women;
Whereas, and despite the fact that women make up about fifty percent of the general population and despite the significant progress regarding gender equality in the 75 years of the State of Israel, women do not receive adequate and equal representation in the institutions of the World Zionist Organization;
Therefore, the extraordinary Zionist Congress resolves that:
The constitution of the World Zionist Organization will be amended as follows:
Wherever it is stipulated in this Constitution that 30% women must be appointed, it will be written, 40% women.
Submitted by the Secretary General to the Executive
on behalf of the Zionist Executive
According to Article 41, Section 2 A (3), the Outer Executive shall comprise, inter alia:
“One representative from each territorial or inter-territorial Zionist organization represented in the Executive”
and, in addition, under Article 41, Section 2 B (3):
“Each and every member of the Outer Executive from the group defined under sub-paragraph (A) (3) above, shall be a representative from the Diaspora and/or a representative of the Young Generation, as defined in Article 23 above”,
with this applying irrespective of whether said Member of the Executive’s capacity on the same body is that of a representative from the Diaspora and/or as a representative of the Young Generation.
It is hereby proposed to determine that the provisions of Article 41, Section 2 B (3) shall not apply when the representative of the same body to the Executive under Article 41, Section 1 (d) is a representative of the Diaspora and/or a representative of the Young Generation.
Therefore, it is proposed to amend the Constitution by inserting the following words in said point of Article 41, Section 2 B (3):
“Excepting where the representative of a particular body to the Executive, under Article 41, Section 1 (d), is a representative of the Diaspora and/or a representative of the aforesaid Young Generation”.
And that Article 41, Section 2 B (3) be reformulated to read as follows:
“Each and every member of the Outer Executive from the group defined under subparagraph (A) (3) above, shall be a representative from the Diaspora and/or a representative of the Young Generation, as defined in Article 23 above, excepting where the representative of a particular body to the Executive, under Article 41, Section 1 (d) is a representative of the Diaspora and/or a representative of the Young Generation as stated above”.
Submitted by the Secretary General to the Executive
on behalf of the Zionist Executive
Background information and clarification:
At the Zionist Congress XXXVIII, which convened in October 2020 – Heshvan 5781, the Zionist General Council was authorized to elect an Attorney.
During consultations prior to the process of electing an Attorney, a number of significant issues arose that were instrumental in the outcome that no proposal for such election was submitted to the Zionist General Council. Moreover, the role of Attorney extends across a wide range of fields while, over the past two years, we have primarily been called upon to address issues related to the representation of the World Zionist Organization before the Court.
Having passed the mid-point of the inter-Congress period since the Zionist Congress XXXVIII, a Draft Resolution Proposal for Constitutional Amendment is hereby submitted to the Extraordinary Zionist Congress (as a Pro Tem measure) in relation to the position of Attorney.
Once the Resolution passes, said Amendment shall remain in force until the Zionist Congress XXXIX, at which point said Pro Tem Provisions shall expire and the provisions of the Constitution in this matter shall resume validity.
Principles of the Amendment:
It is proposed to amend those sections in Articles and Regulations in the Constitution and the Regulations for its Implementation (henceforth – the Regulations) relating to the election and responsibilities of the Attorney to the World Zionist Organization, by means of a Pro Tem measure that will remain in force until the conclusion of the next Ordinary Congress.
It is proposed that in all instances in the Constitution where the words “Attorney of the World Zionist Organization” appear, including mention of “his/her Deputies”, they shall be deleted.
It is proposed that Article 53 of the Constitution, which defines the Attorney’s responsibilities concerning legal consultation and representation, shall be amended and that he be replaced by a Committee of the Executive, which shall determine who will appear before the Zionist Supreme Court on behalf of the Executive and which shall be authorized to instruct said person.
It is proposed that Article 60 A, relating to the “Obligations of the members of the governing bodies”, shall be amended so that the Committee of the Executive may assume the role of initiating steps before the Zionist Supreme Court, a task with which the Attorney is currently charged.
There are also additional, complementary amendment proposals for the Regulations, due to the proposal for temporary discontinuance of the position of Attorney.
Redrafting of the relevant Articles in the Constitution and Regulations,
which it is proposed to amend
1. Article 14, “Powers of the Congress”, sub-section (e1) shall be amended as follows:
“(e1) Elect, subject to the provisions of Art. 27, section 2, the President of the Zionist Supreme Court and the Comptroller. A single individual shall not serve in more than one of the positions listed in this Article.”
2. In Article 26, “Composition of the Congress”, the preface to Section 2 shall be amended as follows:
“The President of the Zionist Supreme Court or, in his or her absence, the representative nominated by them from amongst their Deputies, and the Comptroller shall participate in Congress and in its committees in an advisory capacity.”
3. In Article 32, “Composition of the Council”, Section 3 shall be amended as follows:
“The following members shall be entitled to participate in the Council in an advisory capacity:
(a) Members of the Executive;
(b) One representative each of the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and the Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal;
(c) The President of the Zionist Supreme Court;”
4. In Article 47, “Members of the Court – their Number”, Section 2 shall be amended as follows:
“The President of the WZO, the members of the Council entitled to vote, the members of the Executive, the Comptroller and the Deputy Comptroller, the officials of the World Zionist Organization and the Central Zionist Bodies shall not be eligible for membership of the Court.”
5. Article 49, “Powers of the Court”, shall be amended as follows:
“The Court shall be competent to hear and determine –
(A) As a Court Tribunal of First Instance
Section 1
(a) The interpretation of this Constitution;
(b) The legality of decisions of the Central Zionist Bodies, whether in connection with a dispute or upon the proposal of the Executive of the World Zionist Organization;
…
(g) Matters relative to acts allegedly infringing the Constitution or damaging the interests or prestige of the World Zionist Organization, which have been brought before it by the Committee appointed by the Executive under Article 53, by reason of their public Zionist importance.”
6. In Article 53, the title, “Attorney” shall be deleted and be replaced by: “Committee appointed by the Executive”, and the text in said Article shall be abrogated, to be replaced by:
“A Committee composed of the Chairman of the Executive, the Deputy and Acting Chairman of the Executive, two Deputy Chairmen and two female members of the Executive, upon whom the said four Committee members shall be in unanimous agreement, whose remit it shall be to determine who shall represent the Executive in proceedings at the Court and to instruct said person on the position to be presented in proceedings before said Court.”
7. Article 54, “Procedure of Election of President of Court, Attorney and deputy-Attorneys”, shall be amended as follows:
“Procedure of Election of President of Court
The Congress shall elect, upon the proposal of the Congress Presidium, the President of the Court, the Comptroller and the Deputy Comptroller. The Congress shall not elect any individual for more than one of the positions listed above in this Article.”
8. Article 55, “Filling of Vacancies”, shall be amended as follows:
“If, during the inter-Congress period, the place of the President of the Court or the post of the Comptroller, or the Deputy Comptroller becomes vacant, the Council may elect another individual to the vacant position. However, an individual serving in any of the positions listed above may not be elected to the vacant position, unless he or she resigns from his/her position.”
9. In Article 60 A, “Obligations of the Members of the Governing Bodies”, Section 2 shall be amended as follows:
“If a member of the governing bodies mentioned in Sec. 1 has not fulfilled his obligations towards the Funds, the Committee representing the Executive shall initiate steps before the Zionist Supreme Court, in accordance with Article 49 (A), Sec. 1 (g). The Executive is also entitled to suspend his membership of the body until the decision of the Zionist Supreme Court. The Executive shall immediately notify the Zionist Supreme Court of such suspension of membership. Details of procedure shall be determined in the Regulations for the Implementation of the Constitution.”
10. In Article 63, “Emergency Provision”, Section 1 shall be amended as follows:
“If, by reason of an unexpected and unusual situation, it is necessary to deviate from any of the provisions of this Constitution or of any other law of the World Zionist Organization or from the decisions of the Congress or the Council, the Executive may, after hearing the opinion of the President of the Court, propose to the Presidium of the Council that, in the particular case brought before it, a deviation be permitted from the Constitution or from some other law of the World Zionist Organization or from the decisions of the Congress or the Council. The proposal of the Executive shall be accompanied by the opinion of the President of the Court. A decision of the Presidium of the Council permitting the deviation shall be valid, if passed in the presence of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Presidium by a two-thirds' majority of those present. If the voting is in writing or by telegraph, the decision shall be valid, if two-thirds of all the members of the Presidium take part in the voting and the decision is adopted by a two-thirds' majority of those voting.”
11. Regulation 1A (i) of the Regulations shall be amended as follows:
“In the instance of a person registering via the World Zionist Organization website, said application shall be forwarded to the Zionist Federation in his place of permanent residence within a period of 30 days from the day of enrolment. If there is no objection by said Zionist Federation, those registering via the World Zionist Organization website automatically become members of said Federation, subject to the regulations stipulated in the Byelaws of said Zionist Federation (reasonable period of qualification, etc.). Said Federation shall decide upon the matter of such membership within 60 days of receipt of the request as forwarded. Any applicant penalized by a Zionist Federation’s decision to reject his application for membership in said Federation is entitled to appeal in that respect. Said appeal shall be deliberated at a specially constituted Committee established by the Executive, comprised relative to the strength of the groupings at the Zionist General Council. Said appellant is entitled to appear in person before the Committee or appoint a representative. The Committee’s decision may be appealed to the Zionist Supreme Court.”
12. Regulation 11, sub-sections (f) and (g) shall be amended as follows:
“(f) Should the member not fulfill his obligation in spite of the warning, the Central Office of the Fund shall notify the Executive in order to take steps against the member, in accordance with Article 49 (A) Section 1 (g) of the Constitution.
(g) Should the Executive be of the opinion that the member has not complied with his obligations towards the Funds, it shall file a Bill of Complaint with the Zionist Supreme Court, in accordance with Chapter F of the Rules of Procedure of the Zionist Supreme Court.”
13. Pro Tem Provisions – Said Amendments to the Constitution concerning “The Attorney of the World Zionist Organization”, as set down in sections 1 through 12 above, shall remain in force until the conclusion of the next Ordinary Zionist Congress.
