Known as the “Parliament of the Jewish People,” the Congress serves as the only democratic global forum where Jews worldwide elect representatives to influence Israel’s national institutions, Jewish education, and priorities related to Jewish peoplehood. Delegates will set global Zionist policies and help guide the allocation of more than $1 billion annually toward strengthening Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

This year’s Congress, held in the Jerusalem International Conference Center, includes 543 delegates representing political factions and an overall total of 755 delegates, including representatives of international Zionist organizations that did not participate in the election process and therefore have limited voting rights. Delegates from Hadassah and WIZO retain full voting rights, reflecting their historic connection to the WZO. In all, nearly 2,500 delegates, alternates, and observers gathered to participate.

This WZC takes place 128 years after Theodor Herzl convened the first Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897. In today’s polarized world, organizers say, the Congress stands as a living expression of Jewish democracy, demonstrating that diversity of thought and unity of purpose can coexist in pursuit of a shared Jewish future.

Record American Participation

The United States delegation is the largest in WZCs’s history, with 155 delegates and about 100 alternates. This follows record-breaking participation in the U.S. World Zionist Congress election earlier this year, when more than 224,000 American Jews cast ballots, an 80% increase from 2020.

Representing 22 states across the country, from California to Maine, the U.S. delegation spans ages 18 to 87 and includes 75 rabbis from across the Jewish denominational spectrum, along with elected officials, educators, and community leaders. Together, they reflect the diversity and vitality of American Jewish life.

American Zionist Movement Luncheon

Ahead of the Congress opening, the American Zionist Movement (AZM)  hosted a luncheon that was to feature U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. However, due to the continued budget shutdown, he is not permitted to make official speeches. Dr. Gil Troy and Jerusalem Post Editor Zvika Klein spoke instead to the full room. 

A Platform for Unity and Dialogue Even

“At a time when polarization dominates so much of global discourse, the World Zionist Congress stands as proof that unity does not mean uniformity,” said Herbert Block, Executive Director of AZM. “Jews representing every segment and viewpoint are gathering in Jerusalem with one shared purpose: strengthening the future of Israel and the Jewish people. The Congress reminds us that diversity is our strength, and that our collective voice is truly powerful.”

 Evening Gala Opening Program

An impressive torch lighting ceremony launched the night program, as Rabbi Doron Perez walked into the International Conference Center with a torch and proceeded to the stage.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog was the featured speaker. 

Addressing the hundreds of delegates and participants from around the world, the President spoke about the need to stand strong in the face of an ongoing rise in antisemitism targeting Jewish communities and the Jewish State. He also stressed that Hamas must fulfill its obligation, return the fallen and murdered hostages, and lay down their weapons in accordance with the US-led, internationally backed agreement.

 President Herzog said: “Antisemitic and anti-Zionist hatred has returned, striking us once again with horrifying and violent force, in every corner of the globe and in every arena: public and private, legal and digital. We saw it unleashed in the horrific terror of October 7th. We see it on campuses that were supposed to be beacons of enlightenment. We see it on the streets of Manchester, Washington, Toronto, Melbourne, Paris, and many more.”

He added, “We all feel the immense challenges, we all witness the depth of antisemitism. We all see and hear the haters of Israel, the State of Israel, and the people of Israel, shouting 'from the river to the sea,' meaning: calling to erase our state, to erase Zionism.

"We all hear young people, ignorant and misled, brainwashed and full of hate, who have even coined a new slur for us: 'Zios.”Yes, those who once called us “Yids” or “kikes” now call us “Zios.” Let me tell you, as President of the Jewish, democratic State of Israel, from our eternal capital, Jerusalem, who these so-called “Zios” are, and what they are about: These “Zios” are the finest of human beings, who returned to their ancestral home land, their biblical, historic, promised land, after millenniums of persecution, after the devastation of the Holocaust, and built a Jewish, democratic, life-affirming and peace-seeking state! A nation of doing good. A nation of healers of the world in almost every field.”

He added, “These 'Zios' were brutalized, assaulted, taken hostage, and burned in their homes by their neighbors, with whom they tried to live peacefully. These 'Zios,' while deep underground, in the dungeons of hell in Gaza, fought to maintain their Israeli and Jewish identities, their humanity. These 'Zios' dropped everything, grabbed their uniforms, and risked their own lives to save their sisters and brothers. These 'Zios' came to Israel by the thousands and thousands from all corners of the globe, made Aliyah, built a life and a future. These 'Zios' in communities all over the world saw their sisters and brothers under attack in Israel, and showed up, no questions asked! These 'Zios' have the heart and soul, the invincible strength, and the eternal spirit of which you could only dream! These 'Zios' are us. The men and women in this hall, across Israel, and throughout the Jewish world.”

He stressed, “We are proud of our Zionism and we will never forsake it. We will fight for it and defend it. We will remember and we will proudly declare: the people of Israel live! Am Yisrael Chai!”

On the issue of Hamas’ breaches and violations of the ceasefire agreement, the President said, “We have seen again, last night, this morning, and even at this very hour, who Hamas is: a cynical, bitter, and cruel enemy, that will not hesitate to use any trick or manipulation. It is upon us, upon the family of nations as a whole, and certainly upon the states that signed the important accords initiated by President Trump, to use every lever and every pressure available to ensure that all the fallen hostages are brought to eternal rest without any further delay.”

The photo essay includes the AZM luncheon, scenes from throughout the day, and the President's talk.