Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- Jewish advocates are engaging with the new Congress to focus on Israel, combating antisemitism, and security policies.
- The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism is a key point of discussion, emphasizing a whole-of-society approach.
- Upcoming World Zionist Congress elections will also influence Jewish community priorities and resource allocation.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
Jewish advocates are meeting with new and returning members of Congress to emphasize critical priorities. These include strengthening support for Israel, combating the rising tide of antisemitism, and enhancing security policies. The discussions are timely, given the recent release of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections.
Core Players
- American Jewish organizations (e.g., American Zionist Movement, American Jewish Committee, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations)
- U.S. Congress members (new and returning)
- The Biden Administration
- World Jewish Congress
Key Numbers
- $1 billion: Annual allocation by World Zionist Congress to support Israeli society and the Diaspora.
- 100+ meaningful actions: Included in the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
- 500 delegates: Representing the World Zionist Congress, convening every five years.
- 152 delegates: U.S. representation in the World Zionist Congress, with 39% from the Reform Movement.
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The Catalyst
The recent release of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism has galvanized Jewish advocates to engage more actively with Congress. This comprehensive strategy outlines over 100 meaningful actions to combat antisemitism, protect Jewish institutions, and foster cross-community solidarity.
As President Biden stated, “Protecting the Jewish community from antisemitism is essential to our broader fight against all forms of hate, bigotry, and bias—and to our broader vision of a thriving, inclusive, and diverse democracy.”
Inside Forces
Internal dynamics within Jewish organizations are driving the advocacy efforts. The American Zionist Movement, for example, is preparing for the 39th World Zionist Congress elections, scheduled from March 10 to May 4, 2025. These elections will determine the composition of delegations that will meet in Jerusalem in October 2025 and will significantly influence Israeli policies and resource allocation.
The focus on combating antisemitism is also highlighted by the establishment of a Task Force on Islamic Extremism by the World Jewish Congress, addressing threats from Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism and global networks of violence.
Power Dynamics
The power dynamics between Jewish organizations and the U.S. government are shifting. The Biden Administration’s endorsement of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and its comprehensive national strategy have been welcomed by Jewish groups. This alignment is crucial as anti-Zionism is increasingly recognized as a form of antisemitism.
Jewish advocates are leveraging this support to push for stronger policies against antisemitism, including increased homeland security funding and streamlined hate crimes reporting and enforcement standards.
Outside Impact
The broader implications of these efforts extend beyond the Jewish community. The fight against antisemitism is seen as part of a larger battle against hate, bigotry, and bias. Educational initiatives and diversity trainings are being emphasized to raise awareness about antisemitism and its threat to American democracy.
The tech sector is also under scrutiny, with calls for social media companies to be held accountable for algorithms that amplify antisemitism.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the outcomes of the World Zionist Congress elections will be pivotal. Higher voter turnout among North American Jews, especially within the Reform Movement, will ensure sustained financial resources and leadership positions in national institutions like the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Jewish National Fund.
The ongoing battle against antisemitism on college campuses, highlighted by a recent House-wide investigation, will continue to be a pressing issue. Recommendations from this investigation aim to protect Jewish students and ensure that universities receiving federal funding do not tolerate antisemitic activities.
Data Points
- May 2025: The next World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly will convene in Jerusalem, Israel.
- March 10 – May 4, 2025: Voting period for the 39th World Zionist Congress elections.
- October 2025: The 39th World Zionist Congress will convene in Jerusalem.
- Over 175 Jewish community organizations worldwide: Have endorsed the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
- 100+ actionable measures: Included in the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
The coordinated efforts of Jewish advocates with the new Congress and the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections underscore a critical moment in addressing antisemitism, supporting Israel, and enhancing security. As these initiatives unfold, they will shape not only the Jewish community’s future but also contribute to a broader, more inclusive American society.
