The Most Important Election You May Have Never Heard Of
From Anna Herman: Today, I have a quick, easy, and powerful way for you to have a big impact on our Israeli Camp Staff! This article from our very own Rabbi Lindsey Danziger explains how you can VOTE REFORM in the World Zionist Congress election right now to support our Summer Shlichim program and stand up for your Reform Jewish values.
Right now, through May 4th, the World Zionist Congress (WZC) election is open to all Jews who live in the US, and we need you to VOTE REFORM #3 on the ballot today!
The WZC is the democratically elected body that meets every five years in Jerusalem to set policies that affect Jews in the US and around the world and controls a $5 billion budget. This election is a remarkable and singular way for you to have a voice and stand up for your values in Israel. Each of us has a right and a Jewish civic duty to cast our vote before May 4th.
For families with children, especially those involved in Reform Jewish life and camp, it’s absolutely crucial to vote in these elections. Our ultra-Orthodox opponents in the election are mobilizing to make sure that only their version of Judaism is recognized. They want an Israel where our children are not recognized as Jewish. This has important implications for our children, their Jewish future, and our summer camps.
We host Israeli staff at our camp every summer – which builds lifelong connections between our families. If we don’t secure VOTE REFORM representation in the WZC, the Summer Shlichim program may only include Ultra Orthodox counselors, which eliminates our camp from participation because of observance, dietary laws, and their belief that we aren’t Jewish enough.
Every summer, our Israeli campers and counselors bring Israel and Judaism to life at camp, creating friendships that last a lifetime. But if we don’t vote, our camps will lose the opportunity to host Israeli delegations, and the next generation could lose this powerful link to Israel.
As Reform Jewish parents and interfaith families, we must stand up for inclusivity and against those who would declare us and our children not Jewish and without a voice or place in Israel.
You can vote right now at www.ZionistElection.org. It only takes a few minutes and there is a $5 fee which covers the cost of administering the election. If you want to learn more about the WZC, please visit vote4reform.org.
The World Zionist Congress election will have a deep impact on how we continue to foster and welcome Israel and Israelis at Jacobs each summer. It’s urgent that we all participate. Please take a few minutes today to support our camp and VOTE REFORM at www.ZionistElection.org.
Thank you,
Rabbi Lindsey Danziger
About the Author
Rabbi Lindsey Danziger
Lindsey is a Jacobs Faculty Member, Former Talmidim Unit Head, and proud parent of an Olimer and Gariner at Jacobs. She lives in Nashville, TN and is the Vote Reform Campaign Manager for the World Zionist Congress.
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