By CJ Gossage
Assistant Editor
Between March 10 and May 4 of 2025, American Jews can vote for their delegates for the 39th World Zionist Congress set to convene in Jerusalem in October 2025. The World Zionist Congress (WZC) was founded to promote Zionism by Theodor Herzl in 1897. Today, the WZC strives to strengthen Jewish identity and connect the global Jewish population to the land of Israel through education, advocacy and community outreach. The WZC’s 456 global delegates — one-third from Israel, one-third from the U.S.A., and one-third from other countries — will unite to allocate over $1 billion to make an impact for Jews around the world, oversee their ownership in 15% of Israel’s land, and manage their thousands of employees around the world.
Each country controls the selection of their delegates. The United States’ delegates are selected via election. Much like the Israeli Knesset, votes are cast for slates of candidates. One particularly relevant slate is Aish Ha’am who is especially concerned with fighting antisemitism on university campuses, strengthening Jewish identity through education and meaningful experiences, uniting the Jewish people and supporting the state of Israel. According to Aish Ha’am, “At the heart of our platform lies the belief in the unbreakable bond that connects all Jews.” They want to see this bond manifest in support for Israel at home and abroad as “our timeless Jewish wisdom” proliferates. As antisemitism rages on in the United States, their statement continues, Aish Ha’am “stands at the forefront of the battle against all forms of Jew hatred,” their statement continues.
Aish Ha’am’s roster includes Steve Rosedale, a longtime friend of The American Israelite. Steve Rosedale is a Cincinnati native and a Vietnam veteran who, after receiving a purple heart, first became drawn to Israel during his initial visit in 1965. A philanthropist who founded CommuniCare Health Services and the Cincinnati Community Kollel, Steve was also the founding chairman of Nahal Haredi, the ultra-orthodox battalion in the IDF. Steve has served on various boards within the Jewish community, including Adath Israel Synagogue, Yavneh Day School, Cincinnati Hebrew Day School, Halom House and Jewish Family Services. He has five sons and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Anyone who is 18 years or older, Jewish, an American resident and did not vote in the Israeli Knesset election can vote. There is a one-time $5 registration fee to vote — a fee that Aish does not receive! Signing up to vote is easier than ever. Simply visit Aish’s website and register. Voting runs from March 10 to May 4.
