World Zionist Congress gets underway

The Australian Jewish community’s delegation is heading to Jerusalem next week for the 39th World Zionist Congress.

They are expected to play a significant role in shaping discussions on religious pluralism and diaspora-Israel relations.

Australia’s 14-member delegation, chosen through what Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organisation, described as “very democratic” elections, brings a uniquely balanced perspective to the 128-year-old Jewish parliament.

The Australian contingent comprises six progressive mandates, six Orthodox representatives, and two Likud supporters – a composition that remarkably mirrors the broader Congress’s even split between centre-left and centre-right factions.

“Australia has a history of having elections for the Zionist Congress. It’s not the case in many other places in the world,” Hess told The AJN, praising the Australian Jewish community’s democratic traditions and engagement.

He noted that when Australian delegates introduce themselves in Jerusalem, they are immediately recognised as “definitely very devoted Zionists, regardless of the party you represent.”

This recognition comes with influence.

Hess specifically highlighted how Australian Orthodox movements, particularly Mizrachi, demonstrate unusual openness to religious pluralism – understanding that “there is more than one way to be Jewish”.

He said this approach differs markedly from Israeli political discourse but resonates strongly in the Congress.

The Australian delegation arrives at a pivotal moment.

Despite global attempts to demonise Zionism following October 7, Hess observed that Australian Jews, like communities worldwide, have actually strengthened their connection to Israel and Jewish identity.

“We follow news about the incidents in Australia, what happened after October 7, with the rise of antisemitism,” he said, noting how the community has become “more united, more cohesive, more engaged.”

The WZC will debate resolutions on religious pluralism, including improvements to the egalitarian Western Wall section and equal funding for all Jewish religious streams.

These issues particularly resonate with diaspora communities like Australia’s, where non-Orthodox movements flourish unlike in Israel where they lack official recognition.

Addressing Australian Jewish youth facing campus pressures to abandon Zionism, Hess urged maintaining dialogue rather than “pushing people outside of the tent.”

He emphasised that Zionism transcends any Israeli government, representing “the idea of self-determination of the Jewish people in their land.”

The strong Australian participation reflects the community’s commitment to influencing Israel’s future direction, with Hess saying he’s optimistic that resolutions passed with Australian support could eventually influence Israeli policy toward greater religious inclusivity.