Central theme

The Zionist Movement – Innovation and Revitalization

The WZO has taken a number of decisions over the past several years that give expression to a broadly felt need for self-examination. Following the 34th Zionist Congress in 2002 it engaged in a process of articulating the meaning of Zionism a century after its founding, culminating in the adoption of a new Jerusalem Program in 2004 as its official platform. The choice of the central theme for the 35th Zionist Congress conveys the widespread sentiment that there is still much to be done in terms of reinventing the WZO, and that we must approach this objective in fresh ways if it is to become a stronger and more relevant organization than it is at present.

Secondary theme 1

Ways of implementing the principles of the Zionist platform, the Jerusalem Program

In adopting the new Jerusalem Program, the WZO placed new and exciting challenges before the Zionist movement that are particularly relevant to the times in which we live and the circumstances in which Israel and the Jewish people find themselves. These challenges, however, are also complex, and demand thinking anew the ways in which we operate if we are to be successful in our work. How do we go about translating vision into reality?

Secondary theme 2

Examining the involvement of Jewish communities, organizations, and other movements in the Zionism Movement

There is a growing sense within the WZO that it might more effectively meet the challenges to which it has dedicated itself if it is able to enroll the support of, and enhance its cooperation with the broader Jewish community. The idea here is to explore ways of reaching out to those engaged in Jewish communal life in order to involve them in the Zionist cause.

Secondary theme 3

Sources for fundraising to strengthen the independence of the Zionist Movement

The budget of the WZO has shrunk dramatically over the years so that today those who are committed to implementing its platform find themselves without the minimum resources necessary to do so. And ironically, the WZO has become dependent on the very organizations it created in order to raise funds for Zionist activity in the first place (Keren Kayemeth Leisrael and Keren Hayesod). How might the WZO go about increasing its budget so that it might operate more effectively and with greater autonomy?

Secondary theme 4

Examining the structure and constitution of the Zionist Movement in the process of renewal

In June 2005, the Zionist General Council set in motion a process that was meant to result in a new constitution that would reflect an organizational structure suitable to the current state of the Zionist Movement. Following the adoption of the new Jerusalem Program, which gave expression to the meaning of Zionism today, the idea was to deal with such matters as membership, the democratic process, and the institutions of the WZO so as to transform it into an organization able to meet today’s challenges effectively. Those issues have not yet been addressed – and need to be.