What is the WZO?
The World Zionist Organisation (WZO) is one of the most powerful organizations in the Jewish world, yet many are unaware of its influence. WZO controls 100% of Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (KKL), which owns most of the inhabited land in Israel, and has a 50% stake in the Jewish Agency, making it a major force in Israel-Diaspora relations.
Diaspora Jewry collectively controls 60% of the WZO, yet UK Jews make up just 4% of the total vote. Increasing our representation ensures that our community’s values are reflected in global Jewish policy and funding decisions.
What is the World Zionist Congress (WZC)?
The World Zionist Congress (WZC) is the global decision-making body of the World Zionist Organization (WZO). Established in 1897 by Theodor Herzl, it serves as the parliament of the Jewish people, where Jewish communities worldwide can influence major Zionist and Jewish policies. The Congress meets every five years and determines how the WZO’s vast resources—including control over major Zionist institutions and billions in funding—are allocated to Jewish and Zionist initiatives.
Through the WZC, delegates elected from different Zionist movements and organisations have the power to shape the future of Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora, ensuring that Jewish education, identity, and Zionist values remain strong.
The World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections are a rare opportunity for UK Jewry to have a direct say in shaping the Jewish future. This is your chance to ensure that the voice of Modern Orthodox and Religious Zionism is heard loud and clear.
What’s Really at Stake?
The WZO oversees over £1 billion per year in spending. This includes:
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Educational Initiatives: KKL alone allocates 250 million NIS annually to Jewish education.
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Positions of Influence: Decision-making roles in WZO, KKL, and the Jewish Agency, affecting the ideological direction of global Jewish initiatives.
Why is the Mizrachi UK Slate Called the Orthodox Israel Coalition – Mizrachi UK?
OIC-Mizrachi UK is a coalition of leading national and international Modern Orthodox and Religious Zionist organisations. We work to ensure that funding is directed toward key initiatives, including Jewish education, leadership development, and campus engagement.
What Have We Achieved in the Last Five Years?
Since the last WZO Congress, OIC-Mizrachi has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for:
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Education: Funding yeshivot, seminaries, MASA gap year programs, campus initiatives, and global Jewish education.
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Leadership Development: Dispatching 600 shlichim annually to Jewish communities, schools, and youth movements worldwide.
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Post-October 7th Rebuilding: Supporting affected communities in Israel’s North and South.
Why Vote OIC-Mizrachi UK?
There have not been WZO elections in the UK for over 20 years, and now more slates than ever are competing for influence. OIC-Mizrachi UK is the only slate dedicated to upholding the values of Modern Orthodoxy and Religious Zionism. We advocate for:
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Jewish Unity: Strengthening the bonds between Israel and the Diaspora.
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Torah and Zionism: Integrating Torah learning with army service and higher education.
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Funding for Jewish Life: Securing resources for Jewish education, campus chaplaincy, and youth movements.
Proudly supported by our International Partners:
