The First Jewish Congress
The First Zionist Congress — How It All Began
In August 1897, during the First Zionist Congress held in Basel, Switzerland, the World Zionist Organization was established with the goal of creating a homeland for the Jewish people and ensuring representation for Jewish communities worldwide. After the establishment of the State of Israel, the Zionist movement adapted to the reality of a sovereign state and focused on strengthening Jewish unity, emphasizing Israel’s central role in Jewish life, combating antisemitism, promoting Jewish values, encouraging aliyah, advancing Zionist advocacy, protecting Jewish rights, and more.
Present-Day Importance of the Jewish Congress
Today, more than 120 years after the First World Zionist Congress was held, it seems that the importance of its existence is only growing: repatriation, the fight against anti-Semitism, the preservation of Jewish communities in the Diaspora, the connection with the State of Israel, and the strengthening of Jewish identity are just a few of the important issues on the agenda of each such gathering.
The Zionist Congress convenes once every five years, and around 500 delegates from all over the world participate.
In most countries with Jewish populations, there are Zionist federations that unite various Zionist organizations and movements, representing different communities, streams, and ideologies within the federation itself. The delegates of the Congress are representatives of these organizations and movements. The greater the representation of both the Zionist federation and its organizations and movements at the Congress, the more effectively it can protect its interests and influence the policies of the relations between Israel and the Diaspora in national institutions such as the Jewish National Fund (JNF), the Jewish Agency, the World Zionist Organization, and others.
Participation of World Israel Beytenu in the Congress
World Israel Beytenu first participated in the Zionist Congress in 2000. Ever since it has continually worked to influence and expand. From 2015 to this day, World Israel Beytenu has been represented by 33 delegates from various countries worldwide such as the United States, Canada, Russia, Germany, Ukraine and the list continues to grow.
How can you join and make a difference?
You must be members of the Zionist Federation and you must be members in a movement representing World Israel Beytenu in your country. As movement members you can take part in all the activities and events. You also have the right to vote for the delegates who will be representing your community on behalf of World Israel Beytenu at the Congress.
The Zionist Congress XXXIX will take place in Jerusalem from Tuesday through Thursday 28-30 October 2025, 6-8 Heshvan 5786
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