By Chana Holzer Shields
The World Zionist Congress (WZC) election is a critical opportunity where our votes as American Jews determine the policies, funding, and priorities that will impact the Jewish people for years to come.
A mirror of the Knesset, the World Zionist Organization operates on a parliamentary system where parties run slates of potential delegates and the final number of delegates from each party to the actual ‘Parliament of the Jewish People’ is awarded based on their overall share of the vote.
For over 120 years, the OIC-Mizrachi (Orthodox Israel Coalition-Slate #5) has been on the frontlines in advocating for Religious Zionist values within the WZC and our list of accomplishments is vast. From religious public-school education to the Rabbinate, from army service to building infrastructure throughout Israel, from supporting lone soldiers and miluim families to rebuilding communities in the north and the south, from fighting antisemitism across the globe to creating religious life on campus for students in the U.S. and Israel, our track record speaks for itself.
OIC-Mizrachi (Slate #5), is a large slate with a century of experience and deep relationships that have earned respect on all sides of the aisle, which means our slate carries significant weight and influence to bring about positive change, unity, and compromises that all factions can accept.
Our slate is a broad coalition of American Orthodox Zionist organizations with leaders and community stakeholders from across the United States. We represent a steadfast dedication to serving and building Israel, Torah values, and uniting Am Yisrael. While others may speak about what they plan to do if they earn enough votes, experience and results are crucial to ensuring those priorities are heard and turned into action.
AMIT (formerly Mizrachi Women) has been a lead organization in this coalition since our founding and has ensured a strong orthodox female representation in the WZC ever since. Through our schools and education centers across Israel, AMIT embodies the values that our slate promotes. Our now century-long involvement in the World Zionist Congress and its affiliated institutions has helped us in our mission to support children from all parts of Israeli society, including those from immigrant families, those facing socio-economic challenges and children from developing communities in Israel’s periphery.
AMIT’s holistic approach ensures that every student, regardless of their background, is enabled to become a contributing member of Israeli society through a strong education with the highest academic standards, infused with Jewish national values. This enables us to meet our mission of building Israel’s strength and Jewish unity.
The students we serve are a microcosm of Israeli society. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, including immigrants from Russia, Ethiopia, France, and Argentina, children from both secular and religious backgrounds. Our approach to education is rooted in the idea that every child deserves the chance to thrive and contribute to Israel’s future.
The success of our students is evident in their stories—often coming from disadvantaged homes but achieving scores that are far above the national average. But the statistic we are most proud of is the fact that 98 percent of AMIT graduates go on to serve in the IDF or perform national service after graduation, and many have gone on to become leaders in the military, government, and in other fields.
The price of this war has been immeasurably high for the Dati Leumi community and AMIT has not escaped unscathed. Despite our vast network of 83 schools and roughly 40,000 students only accounting for 3% of Israel’s total student population, more than 60 of our cherished alumni and educators have heroically given their lives in the defense of Am Yisrael since Oct. 7.
Our coalition ensures that the brave men and women defending Israel, along with their families, receive the support they need. From aiding miluim (reserve duty) families to rebuilding devastated communities in the wake of the October 7th attacks, OIC-Mizrachi stands with those who protect our homeland.
The ongoing election is an opportunity to invest in the Jewish people’s future—to support its children’s education, well-being, and unity. AMIT, as part of the Orthodox Israel Coalition (slate #5), is committed to making sure every child in Israel, regardless of their background, has the chance to succeed as our partners from across the OIC work to support communities in Israel and abroad.
Your vote for Slate #5 in this election is crucial. The World Zionist Congress is not just about funding and policy—it is about the values that guide Israel’s growth. By supporting the OIC-Mizrachi (slate #5), you are ensuring that Dati Leumi values remain at the heart of Israel’s development. You are helping to ensure that Israel’s children grow up with a deep connection to Torah, the Jewish people, and the land of Israel.
Your decision today will shape Israel’s future for generations to come. Join the Orthodox Israel Coalition (slate #5) on the frontlines for Israel’s children. Vote OIC-Mizrachi in the World Zionist Congress elections and be a part of building a stronger, more united Israel.
Chana Holzer Shields serves as the board chair of AMIT. She is co-chairing the Orthodox Israel Coalition’s campaign. Voting is open until May 4, 2025. Cast your vote today at VoteOIC.org.
