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RESOLUTIONS
ZIONIST CONGRESS XXXVII
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 The Declaration of Independence as a Zionist Tool
2 Non-Stop Zionism
3 WZO Involvement in Israeli Society
4 The Unity of the Jewish People
5 The Restitution of Jewish Refugees' Property
6 Recognition of the Jewish People as Indigenous to the Land of Israel
7 Preserving a Healthy Climate for Israel's Future
8 Protecting Israel's Water Supply from Pollution
9 Appropriate Zionist Response
10 The Intensification of Zionist Advocacy (Hasbara)
11 National and International Issues
12 The State of Israel's Relations with USA Jewry
13 Deepening the Connection between Israeli Society and Communities of Israeli Yordim
14 Israeli Government Initiative with the International Jewish Community
15 Zionist Movement Activity in Light of Escalating Antisemitism
16 Aliyah Promotion and Countering Antisemitism
17 Withholding Funds from Entities Hostile to Israel
18 Development of Young Zionist Leadership
19 Establishment of an Institute for Zionist Education
20 Prevention of Assimilation
21 Young Leadership
22 Ingathering of the Exiles (1)
23 Ingathering of the Exiles (2)
24 Ingathering of the Exiles (3)
25 Enhancement of Activity to Promote Aliyah
26 Hebrew Language #2
27 Aliyah
28 Absorption of Ethiopian Jews
29 Establishment of an Egalitarian Prayer Space at the Western Wall
30 The Druze Zionist Movement
31 Opposition to Hate Crimes
32 Refining Israel's Existence as a Jewish and Democratic State
33 Democracy in Israel
34 Separation of Religion and State
35 Recognition of Support for the LGBT Community
36 The National Institutions in the Mirror of Time
37 Effective Communication for Conveying the Zionist Idea
38 Establishment of a Zionist Appeal Fund for WZO Activities
39 Enabling Budget and Governance of the WZO
40 Implementation of Congress Resolutions
41 Transparency and Regulations for Freedom of Information in the National Institutions
42 Financial Transparency in the National Institutions
43 The Employment of Contract Agency Workers in the National Institutions
44 Transferring Resolution Proposals which were not Finalized to the Zionist General Council
45 Authorization of the Zionist General Council to Amend the Constitution
RESOLUTIONS OF THE ZIONIS T CONGRESS XXXVII
1. The Declaration of Independence as a Zionist Tool
Whereas the Declaration of Independence is the charter for the redemption of the Jewish people
through the creation of an inclusive and democratic Jewish State; and
Whereas the Declaration of Independence states that the State will be based on freedom, justice
and peace as envisaged by the Prophets of Israel; will ensure complete equality of social and
political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race, or sex; will guarantee freedom of
religion, conscience, language, education and culture; and will safeguard the Holy Places of all
Whereas there is clear evidence that these objectives toward which we continue to aspire have
not yet been fully realized,
Therefore the Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves that:
1. The World Zionist Organization implement programs intended to teach and educate Israelis
and Jews around the world about the fundamental principles embedded in the Declaration of
Independence and to fulfill the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, specifically with
regard to ensuring complete equality of social and political rights to all of its inhabitants
irrespective of religion, race, gender, or sexual orientation.
2. The World Zionist Organization is mandated to implement programs to fulfill the ideals of the
Declaration of Independence with specific attention to those that guarantee religious freedom
and equal treatment for all streams of Judaism.
3. The World Zionist Organization is mandated to implement policies to ensure that all National
Institutions operate in accordance with these goals and ideals.
4. The World Zionist Organization is mandated to implement programs that ensure that all Zionist
federations operate in accordance with these goals and ideals; and
5. To insure that any Zionist federation not complying with these guidelines receive no funding
or support from the World Zionist Organization and that all penalties approved in February
2015 by the Zionist General Council are applied.
6. The World Zionist Organization calls upon the Government of Israel to support the WZO in the
above initiatives by allocating appropriate funds for these projects to be implemented
2. Non-Stop Zionism
Whereas in recent years there has been a growth of post-Zionist voices from within sections of
Israeli society and the Diaspora; and
Whereas the challenges confronting the Jewish people continue to increase, including virulent
Anti-Semitism and the delegitimization of the State of Israel; and
Whereas there is a state of crisis in Diaspora Jewry, involving escalating assimilation and
alienation from Jewish identity,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
1. To establish Aliyah to the State of Israel and the continued ingathering of the exiles as the
Zionist movement's ultimate value.
2. That Jewish-Zionist education shall be at the center of Zionist activity in the Diaspora and in
Israel, with an expansion of Hebrew language study, as the national language of the Jewish
3. To strengthen the different communities and to foster activity different age groups. To
enhance the activities of the Magshimim youth movements and the expansion of activity
among students on campus.
4. To empower and extend those programs building a connection between Israel and the
5. To call upon the young generation in Israel and the Diaspora to participate in the Zionist act of
settling the Galilee, the Negev and the development of development towns in the North and
6. To enhance the recognition that there are varied streams of Judaism, religious and cultural,
within the Jewish people and that it is imperative to work to raise the level of mutual
recognition and tolerance, and within the Jewish people in the Diaspora and Israel.
7. The Zionist Congress XXXVII addresses the Israel Government, the Jewish Agency, Keren
Kayemeth LeIsrael, Keren Hayesod and the leadership of Diaspora Jewish communities to
mobilize in cooperation, in order to contend with the aforementioned challenges.
3. WZO Involvement in Israeli Society
Whereas the nature of Israeli society, and the integration of olim into it, are major concerns of
the Zionist movement, as stipulated in the Jerusalem Program adopted by the ZGC 34/2, and
Whereas numerous resolutions regarding these areas have been passed by Zionist Congresses
and the Zionist General Council but have not been acted upon, and
Whereas the World Zionist Organization currently has no mechanism for furthering the objectives
of such resolutions, particularly those dealing with legislation in the Knesset,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
That the Zionist Executive and the Presidium of the ZGC jointly establish a
Forum on the Character
of Israeli Society and its Relationship with the Diaspora that will, among other things, serve as
the lobby of the WZO to advance legislation and cooperation with the Government of Israel in
order to actualize the platform of The Jerusalem Program, including the preservation of Israel as
a Jewish and Democratic State, the recognition of the multi-faceted nature of the Jewish people,
and the fashioning of Israel as an exemplary society.
Be it further resolved that the Executive examine the feasibility and efficacy of retaining a
professional lobbyist to advance the objectives of the Zionist movement.
4. Unity of the Jewish People
Whereas we find ourselves in a difficult era for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, with
escalating Anti-Semitism worldwide and the growth of delegitimization targeted against the
Jewish people and the State of Israel; and
Whereas cracks have recently appeared on important issues within the communities of the world,
and between them and the State of Israel; and
Whereas past experience as proven that it is only possible to attain achievements and preserve
the Jewish people and the State through unity of the Jewish people, reciprocal respect and unity
Whereas the situation in the Middle East has deteriorated over recent years and threats against
the State of Israel are being heard, and whereas the support of world Jewry is vital at this time,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. A joint forum shall be established between the World Zionist Organization and the Israel
Government to coordinate activity, support Israeli Hasbara (advocacy) and the mobilization
of world Jewry to help the Israel Government and the State of Israel.
2. The Congress is aware of the state of emergency in which the State of Israel finds itself, and
it is therefore incumbent upon us to express support for the People of Israel in its fight on
behalf of the people and its security.
5. The Restitution of Jewish Refugees' Property
Whereas 850,000 Jews were expelled by force and with cruelty, and uprooted from their homes
in Arab lands, North Africa and the Persian Gulf, and dispossessed of their property, which was
stolen from them; and
Whereas the question of the expulsion of Jews has been neglected and ignored for decades, in
Israel and around the world, and as a result of which the issue of the rights and compensation of
hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from Arab lands and North Africa has also been
neglected and ignored; and
Whereas at every international dialogue about human rights and agreement between Arabs and
Jews it is imperative to assign precedence to this distressing international issue, viz., of human
rights' violations against Jewish refugees from Arab countries,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves as follows:
1. The Congress calls upon the Zionist Executive to appeal to all countries in the world to support
It recognizes the rights of Jewish refugees from Arab lands and North Africa,
and emphasizes concern over: human rights' violations, expulsion by force, dispossession and
property confiscation of Jews who were uprooted from their homes.
2. The Congress calls upon the Zionist Executive to promote activities for the restoration of
property to Jewish refugees from Arab lands and North Africa, and to act to prevent the
neglect and suppression heretofore on the issue of the Jewish refugees from Arab lands.
6. Recognition of the Jewish People as Indigenous to the Land of Israel
Whereas the Jewish people constitute an "indigenous nation" in accordance with the definition
of "indigenous communities, people and nations" as declared in the official document of the
United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs (PFII/2004/WS.1/3); and
Whereas the Land of Israel is the site of the initial development of Jewish culture, and the place
the Jewish people struggled to return to since being displaced by Roman imperialism; and
Whereas, in accordance with the U.N. definition if indigenous people, Jewish historical continuity
in the Land of Israel has consisted of
1. Inhabiting of ancestral lands, or at least of parts of them;
2. Common ancestry with the historical inhabitants of these lands;
3. Culture in general, or in specific manifestations (such as religion, living under a tribal system,
membership of an indigenous community, dress, means of livelihood, lifestyle, etc.);
4. Language (whether used as the only language, as mother-tongue, as the habitual means of
communication at home or in the family, or as the main, preferred, habitual, general or
normal language);
5. Residence in certain parts of the country, or in certain regions of the world; and
Whereas the Jewish People qualify as an indigenous people according to the Universal Declaration
on Human Rights and the UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS
PEOPLE - Adopted
by General Assembly Resolution 61/295 on 13 September 2007; and
Whereas this does not negate the indigenous status of any other people,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby declares:
That the Jewish people is a Semitic people, indigenous to the Land of Israel and seeking
international recognition of its indigenous status.
7. Preserving a Healthy Climate for Israel's Future
Whereas the recently completed Shmita year has inspired consideration in the Knesset for how
Jewish tradition promotes social, economic and environmental sustainability through a seven-
Whereas the Israel Union for Environmental Defense projects that climate change may cause
Israel to experience: an increase of heat waves and severe storms, an average increase in
temperature of 3.3 degrees Celsius (about six degrees Fahrenheit), an average precipitation drop
of about 25 percent, increased desertification, and an inundation of the coastal plain where most
Israelis live by a rising Mediterranean Sea; and
Whereas military experts believe that climate change increases the potential for instability,
violence, terrorism, and war, as tens of millions of hungry, thirsty, desperate refugees flee from
droughts, wildfires, storms, floods, and other effects of climate change,
Be It Hereby Resolved:
That the Zionist Congress XXXVII instructs that Zionist representatives in Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael,
the Jewish Agency, Keren HaYesod and the WZO seek to influence those agencies to:
1. Complete an analysis of their carbon footprints to determine the sources of greenhouse gas
emissions for which they are responsible.
2. Develop seven-year climate action plans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Issue an annual report describing their seven-year climate action plan and their progress in
implementation of the plan.
8. Protecting Israel's Water Supply from Pollution
Whereas, since its establishment in 1901, the mandate of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) has been
to be a caretaker of the Land of Israel, committed to its preservation and protection for future
generations, and KKL has always adapted its priorities and programs to the evolving needs of
Israel's people and dedicated its resources to building their future; and
Whereas KKL is a major builder of water infrastructure in Israel, including construction of 200
dams and reservoirs such as in the Arava Valley, Reshafim in the Beit She'arim Valley, Kedma near
Kiryat Gat, and the artificial lake at the Timna Park in the southern Negev; and
Whereas KKL recently issued a report that highlighted the risks of water pollution from fracking
and subterranean heating (in-situ retorting) used in drilling for shale oil, and recommended the
application of the precautionary principle and the principle of inter-generational justice to the
decision of whether to proceed with an oil-shale pilot in the Elah Valley / Adullam region, which
was eventually disapproved by the Jerusalem District Committee for Planning and Building; and
Whereas the Israeli state government recently approved exploratory drilling for shale oil in the
Golan Heights; and
Whereas water pollution in the Golan Heights threatens the clean drinking water of the Sea of
Be It Hereby Resolved:
That the Zionist Congress XXXVII instructs that Zionist representatives in KKL seek to influence KKL
to prevent any fossil-fuel extraction projects on land owned by KKL, and to oppose any project in
another location, which has the potential to impact negatively on Israel's water resources.
9. Appropriate Zionist Response
Whereas the World Zionist Organization today relies mainly on external sources of budget that
are not under its control; and
Whereas in the WZO budget there is no allocation for activity for the young generation and the
intermediate generation; and
Whereas technologically gifted young people with an understanding of the social networks are
capable of assisting in furthering the goals of Congress at a relatively low cost in relation to
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
That out of the financial resources received, the World Zionist Organization will be required to
dedicate no less than 5% of its budget for the advancement of young people in Israel and the
10. The Intensification of Zionist Advocacy (Hasbara)
Whereas anti-semitic and anti-Israel propaganda has escalated, particularly in recent years; and
Whereas anti-semitic and anti-Israel propaganda exerts a tremendous influence on young Jewish,
especially on campus, and alienates them from Zionism and Israel,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves as follows:
1. The Congress determines that it is imperative to work to enhance Zionist Advocacy and calls
for the establishment of student cells in the Diaspora to combat Anti-Semitism, and also for
2. The Congress determines that it is imperative to allocate the necessary resources and tools
to enhance Hasbara.
3. The Congress calls for an increase in the number shlichim (emissaries) on advocacy
assignments and to train Israeli shlichim, advocates and Hasbara delegations, in coordination
with the Israel Government, and Jewish and Israeli organizations in the Diaspora.
11. National and International Issues
Whereas the State of Israel is threatened by regional and international processes, inter alia: the
escalation of terrorism conducted by extremist Islamist organizations, under Iranian auspices, one
which threatens the entire western world and which incorporates internal Arab conflicts – in Iraq,
Syria, Yemen – threatening all the Middle Eastern states; and
Whereas terrorism in proximity to the State of Israel's borders – with Hizbullah in the North,
Hamas and IS in the South-West – compels the State of Israel to act resolvedly and forcefully to
counter any attempt to harm Israel's inhabitants; and
Whereas there has been an escalation of terrorism against Jewish institutions in Europe and Anti-
Semitism has been rearing its head in western countries: all these should compel any Jew,
whoever he or she may be, to support the State of Israel and demand that western governments
protect Jewish institutions everywhere,
The XXXVII Zionist Congress hereby resolves:
1. That the WZO and its entities, together with the Israel Government and the Jewish
communities are obligated to work together to eradicate Anti-Semitism, and to engage with
sovereign governments in order to guarantee the Jewish communities' rights and quality of
2. To call upon the UN and the nations of the world comprising it to act in a resolute and
unbiased manner towards all populations of the world, without distinction of religion, race or
12. The State of Israel's Relationship with USA Jewry
Whereas we are witness to the ongoing deterioration of the relationship between the Israel
Government and the American Government; and
Whereas this deterioration embroils USA Jewry and creates a deep rift within it; and
Whereas American Jewish groups in the public are distancing themselves from community life
and from support for the State of Israel because of its government's policy in recent years; and
Whereas the deepening of the crisis in such relations might cause damage of unimaginable
proportions to the relationship between Israel and the American Jewish public,
The Zionist Congress hereby resolves:
1. The Zionist Congress calls upon the Israel Government to refrain from steps that might be
detrimental to the delicate fabric of the relationship with American Jewry.
2. The Congress calls upon the Israel Government to engage in dialogue with Jewish and Zionist
leadership in the USA, across the entire spectrum, on the subject of Israel-US relations.
13. Deepening the Connection between Israeli Society and
Communities of Israeli Yordim in the Diaspora
Whereas there are, communities of Israelis in the Diaspora; and
Whereas a large proportion of them sever the link with the State of Israel, and particularly their
Whereas it has been proven that Jewish education as conducted in the Diaspora, and particularly
in projects in the USA, helps preserve the connection of Israelis in the Diaspora with Jewish and
Israeli heritage in the State of Israel,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. To expand the "
Mit'habrim" project to additional countries.
2. To integrate shlichim and volunteers in this educational activity.
3. To increase informal education for enhancing Jewish education, integrating them into the
"
Mit'habrim" project.
14. Israeli Government Initiative with the International Jewish Community
Whereas, the Government of Israel Initiative was designed to serve as a joint partnership for
strategic dialogue and action between Jewish communities throughout the world and the State
of Israel to focus on the issue of strengthening Jewish Identity of the next generation and its
connection to Israel; and
Whereas, a great deal of effort was invested in this undertaking by the Government of Israel and
by a large number of leaders of World Jewry from across the globe and across the entire
ideological spectrum; and
Whereas, the current reality has been changed, in direct contradiction both to the spirit of the
Initiative and in direct conflict with the June 2014 Government of Israel Resolution establishing
the initiative. Any and all meaningful dialogue with the organized Jewish community, as
represented by the Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, the World Zionist
Organization and the Jewish Agency for Israel has been eliminated; and
Whereas this undertaking has transformed simply into a funding framework for programs to be
conducted by a single government ministry to, in their words, "
fight the weakening of the family
unit" and "
the significant critical discourse against Israel."
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
That the World Zionist Organization will have no involvement with said initiative, until agreement
is reached with the government ministry to ensure that the initiative includes serious partnerships
with Diaspora organizations and that the initiative represents religious, ideological and political
pluralistic values.
15. Zionist Movement Activity in Light of Escalating Anti-Semitism
Whereas we are witnessing the increase of Anti-Semitism that occasionally borders on the life-
threatening; and
Whereas the rule that ‘All of Israel is Responsible for One Another' is surely valid in these times,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. To work together with the Israel Government and communities the world over to encourage
governments to take action against this phenomenon and explain the gravity of the situation
2. To take advantage of this situation to enhance Jewish identity and mutual responsibility.
3. To promote Aliyah and take measures to be prepared for its Absorption.
16. Aliyah Promotion and Countering Anti-Semitism
Whereas the phenomenon of Anti-Semitism and delegitimization of Israel is on the rise in most
countries in the world; and
Whereas there is an expectation of Aliyah to Israel from the Diaspora,
to work in cooperation with all the Jewish Federations and Jewish student groups at universities
around the world, in order to curb the phenomenon of Anti-Semitism and delegitimization of
The Zionist Congress XXXVII:
1. Resolves to do everything in its power to promote Aliyah to Israel.
2. Calls upon the Israel Government to be prepared in every field of life for the Absorption of the
anticipated massive Aliyah that is expected to arrive in Israel, and to take action particularly
in the spheres of education, housing and employment.
17. Withholding Funds from Entities Hostile to Israel
Whereas acts of corruption within the Palestinian Authority are being exposed; and
Whereas it has been disclosed that entities and foundations operating inside Israel have been
receiving financial support from countries and international agencies calling for the destruction
of Israel and working against it; and
Whereas it is inconceivable that the State of Israel should grant funding to someone who
tarnishes its image and impairs its security,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves as follows:
1. The Congress calls upon the Israel Government to take action against any foundation or entity
in receipt of funding from sources hostile to Israel or from any such foreign governmental
2. The Congress calls upon the Israel Knesset and the government to withhold payments to
Members of Knesset in the present or the past, who have impaired Israel's security and from
anyone who has cooperated and supports terrorist organizations, and/or countries calling for
the destruction of the State of Israel.
18. Development of Young Zionist Leadership
Whereas we are witnessing distancing and erosion among young people in the Diaspora in terms
of identification with the State of Israel, and many of them do not feel a commitment or
connection to Israel; and
Whereas it is imperative to initiate activity to enhance their commitment and connection to Israel;
Whereas a large proportion of anti-Israeli activity is conducted at universities in the Diaspora that
serve as hotbeds of anti-Israel activity,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. To bring hundreds of young leaders from the Diaspora to Israel each year for a seminar, in
order to train a young leadership and to nurture within it a commitment and connection to
the people and to Israel, so that they will act as ambassadors for the Zionist idea.
2. That the Congress will appeal to the President of the State of Israel and suggest that for every
Israel Independence Day prominent young leaders should be invited from the Diaspora, noted
for their contribution to strengthening their community and the connection with Israel. These
leaders will receive the President's Award for Young Leaders.
3. Centers for Zionist Activity will be established at universities in the Diaspora and scholarships
will also be awarded to Jewish student activists who will act as a counter-weight against anti-
Jewish activity on campus. A coordinating office will be established to communicate with
Jewish students at universities.
19. Establishment of an Institute for Zionist Education
Whereas Zionist education is the fundamental building block of the Zionist movement and
essential to securing its future and furthering its objectives, and
Whereas numerous studies point to an ever increasing distancing from Israel on the part of the
next generation, and
Whereas our own young people find themselves ill-equipped to rebut the vicious campaign of
delegitimization and BDS being waged against Israel, and
Whereas these campaigns are exposing a serious lack of grounding in the Zionist idea even among
our natural constituency, and
Whereas Jewish educators are increasingly noting the growing challenges in Israel education with
which they are contending, and
Whereas there is presently no established address within the National Institutions for addressing
the real and urgent needs in the field of Zionist education, including professional development,
curriculum development, professional support and research,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
That the WZO establish an Institute for Zionist Education to be placed under the responsibility of
a member of the Zionist Executive.
Be it further resolved that this Institute be built on the foundations of and encompass the Herzl
Museum and Educational Center.
20. Prevention of Assimilation
Whereas the major problem within the Jewish people today is the ongoing escalation of
assimilation, and given that, according to research, the Jewish people has lost 20 million Jews
since the Shoah through assimilation; and
Whereas it is imperative that there be immediate action, including the allocation of resources, in
order to curb this phenomenon; and
Whereas the Israel Government is also aware of the gravity of the situation, and is prepared to
allocate resources to enhance Jewish identity and absorb Aliyah,
The Zionist Congress XVII resolves:
1. The WZO will allocate top priority to this issue.
2. The requisite resources will be allocated to curb this phenomenon.
3. A joint task force will be established with the various Federations, in order to discuss, decide
and find ways to address it.
21. Young Leadership
Whereas the WZO has recognized the need for young participation in the Zionist movement, and
Whereas at least 25% of delegates to the Zionist Congress and Zionist General Council are young
people under the age of 35,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
That a standing committee of Young Leadership be established, wherein the youth will elect their
chair and other leaders;
And be it further resolved, that at all future Zionist Congress and General Council sessions, the
Young Leadership will be responsible for the development, implementation, and delivery of at
least one plenary session.
22. Ingathering of the Exiles (1)
Whereas the Jewish Agency for Israel no longer maintains the Department for Aliyah and
Absorption and the Authority for Jewish Education in the Diaspora; and
Whereas the Word Zionist Organization is not directly involved with Aliyah to Israel and immigrant
Whereas the Government of Israel maintains the Ministry for Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption;
Whereas the Jewish Agency, with the Government of Israel's consent, is encouraging public
bodies, such as "
Nefesh BeNefesh" to engage directly in Aliyah and Absorption,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. That the World Zionist Organization addresses great importance to public involvement and
activism of public bodies in the Aliyah and absorption of new immigrants;
2. The World Zionist Organization shall coordinate its activity to promote and strengthen Zionist
awareness and commitment among the formal and informal Jewish education systems in the
23. Ingathering of the Exiles (2)
Whereas the National Institutions are no longer involved in Aliyah and Absorption; and
Whereas Aliyah to Israel is the most elevated form of fulfillment of the Zionist vision in practice,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. To assist the Zionist youth movements educating towards Aliyah and Hagshama;
2. To encourage the non-profit and voluntary organizations, and assist them in broadening their
activity into additional countries and regions around the world which promote and contribute
24. Ingathering of the Exiles (3)
Whereas we are fortunate to be witnessing an ongoing rise in the growth of Aliyah from France;
Whereas cultural and community absorption of new immigrants forms a very important
component in the successful absorption of olim,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
To encourage and to train male and female students from France studying at educational
institutions, yeshivot, youth movements and universities in Israel as social and community
absorption activists for French olim;
25. Enhancement of Activity to Promote Aliyah
Whereas the number of olim has been dropping annually in recent years; and
Whereas the Zionist movement's very right to existence depends on the promotion of Aliyah; and
Whereas Aliyah must be restored to its place as the central issue in Zionist activity; and
Whereas Aliyah must be restored on the public agenda; and
Whereas there is a Jewish majority in the State of Israel and it is imperative to reinforce this trend,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves as follows:
1. The Congress calls to set the bringing of Jews on Aliyah from all the countries of the Diaspora
as a primary task.
2. The Congress calls upon the Zionist Executive to redouble its efforts in every sphere of Aliyah
promotion, with an emphasis on the education and absorption of olim (new immigrants).
3. The Congress determines that Aliyah promotion must become a central issue in WZO
4. The Congress calls upon the Zionist Executive to intensify its activities towards Aliyah
promotion, particularly on campus, and in cooperation with communities in the Diaspora.
5. The Congress calls upon the Zionist Executive and the Israel Government to encourage the
return of
yordim (returning residents) to Israel and to act to curb the brain drain of Israelis to
6. The Congress calls upon the Israel Government to establish an Aliyah and Absorption cabinet.
7. The Congress calls upon the Government of Israel to declare next year as Aliyah and
Absorption year.
8. The Congress calls upon the Israel government to establish an annual "Aliyah and Absorption
Day" in the calendar.
26. Hebrew Language #2
Whereas Hebrew is the living language of the Jewish people and the State of Israel;
Whereas the next generation of youth and youth leadership engage with Hebrew and Hebrew
culture in the context of relationships with role models, especially those individuals who enhance
the young person's capacity for identification; and
Whereas graduates of both long and short term programs to Israel are looking to continue their
engagement with Israel, Hebrew and Hebrew culture; and
Whereas the Zionist youth movements are both a historical and contemporary source for
leadership, peer-to-peer outreach, and Aliyah; and
Whereas we note the important role played by the World Zionist Organization in supporting
Shlichim to the Zionist youth movements and other frameworks that support Hebrew education
for children, youth and young adults;
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. The World Zionist Organization ensure that the framework of shlichim to youth movements
and otherwise, will remain active and will be a part of the Zionist Program in North America
and other regions; and
2. The World Zionist Organization direct its departments and partners to expand its outreach
towards immigrants to serve as shlichim to their prior communities to facilitate relationship
building, the identification of young people with the shlichim, and encourage Aliyah.
27. Aliyah
Whereas Aliyah is a historic and central tenet of Zionism and the Jerusalem Program;
Whereas Aliyah is often the result of a series of experiences and exposures to Israel, as well as
Hebrew and Hebrew Culture, and growing commitment to the Jewish People;
Whereas local leaders in schools, camps, congregations and communities are often a critical point
of contact for many considering deeper engagement with Israel or Aliyah;
Whereas this past year has been a historic year for Aliyah, with more than half of the new
immigrants coming from the West and the United States seeing an increase of 8% in the number
of new immigrants;
Whereas North American Jews are seeking to bring their talents and skills to further the building
of the Jewish State and seek purpose and meaning in their lives; and
Whereas many programs already exist to support individuals to increase their engagement with
Israel through long-term programs, study abroad, or work and internships in Israel that further
expose them to life in the Jewish State; and
Whereas various governmental and non-governmental programs already exist to support both
Aliyah and successful absorption,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. The World Zionist Organization develop a strategic plan to build partnerships and
collaborations with local, regional and national organizations in Jewish communities
worldwide to further the goal of Aliyah;
2. The World Zionist Organization provide sufficient funding to create marketing materials and
training for communal lay and professional leaders that bring the various programs and
benefits available to new immigrants to the grassroots level.
3. The World Zionist Organization develop marketing materials built on stories of a diverse group
of prior immigrants designed to inspire Jews and to teach them about the accomplishments
of
olim from their country of residence and highlight what they have to give to Israel and not
just the benefits they can receive.
28. Absorption of Ethiopian Jews
Whereas serious deficiencies were recently revealed in the absorption of Ethiopian Jews and their
integration into Israeli society; and
Whereas the Zionist movement advocates unity of all the people of Israel in equality and justice,
in the spirit of Jewish tradition,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. To develop special programs and activities for the integration of Ethiopian Jews into Israeli
society, also with the assistance of projects that will act to enhance Zionist awareness among
Ethiopian Jews and enhance Ethiopian Jewish heritage in Israeli society.
2. To train activists from the Ethiopian community on the Zionist Council in Israel.
3. To establish special programs and activities to promote understanding and respect for
Ethiopian Jewish culture in Israeli society, and to work in Israel with the organizations
engaging in this area.
29.
Establishment of an Egalitarian Prayer Space at the Western Wall
Whereas the Western Wall, the enduring symbol of dreams and yearning of Jewish women and
men for two thousand years, should likewise be the symbol of Jewish unity in Jerusalem; and
Whereas in recent years the Western Wall has become a flashpoint of bitter divisions between
different styles of authentic Jewish worship; and
Whereas Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky worked diligently to establish an initial
compromise wherein all Jewish worshippers would have access to the Western Wall by securing
an egalitarian prayer space at Robinson's Arch; and,
Whereas JAFI Chairman Sharansky and Government Secretary Avichai Mandelblit have worked
faithfully and extensively to create a more expansive and permanent solution adjacent to and
equal in size and height to the traditional prayer spaces that currently exist at the Western Wall
plaza, but their efforts have not yet yielded the results hoped for; and
Whereas promoting Jewish unity is essential to Israel's well-being and national security; and
Whereas inequality in worship at the Western Wall undermines the vision that the Wall belongs
to all Jews everywhere and tarnishes the image of Israel in the eyes of millions of Jews around the
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves that:
It recommends to the Israeli government that it should commit to creating a third section in the
Western Wall site that will be equal in size, funding and visibility and that will offer a dignified
space of worship for the Conservative and Reform streams and to Women of the Wall. Nothing in
this resolution will alter or impact upon the existing sections under the aegis of the Rav Hakotel
and where services are conducted according to Halacha and the Orthodox tradition.
30. The Druze Zionist Movement
Whereas the Zionist Congress is aware of the Druze Zionist movement's extensive activities to
enhance the identification of young Druze to the State of Israel and its value as a democratic
Jewish state, promote IDF and National Service and strengthen the Jewish-Druze "Covenant of
Life" in Israel; and
Whereas "Covenant of Life" activity has expanded and moreover, the first contingent of female
recruits from the Druze community have completed National Service,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
To support the Druze Zionist movement and its activities on a permanent basis through the Zionist
Council in Israel's budget.
31. Opposition to Hate Crimes
Whereas Zionism is a movement which advocates the principles of justice, equality and
democracy, as detailed in the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization; and
Whereas terrorist crimes on the basis of nationalism, hate, racism and discrimination are
contradictory to the human spirit, the right to human existence, and the founding principles of
Judaism, and are detrimental to human rights and all of mankind; and
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
Any group or movement that promotes in their platform any principles or activities that directly
or indirectly promote hate on the basis of national origin, racism and discrimination, shall not
receive funding from the World Zionist Organization, or any of its affiliated federations.
32. Refining Israel's Existence as a Jewish and Democratic State
Whereas anti-democratic tendencies are developing within Israeli society and Diaspora Jewry,
which trends pose an existential danger to the future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state;
Whereas we are witnesses to the fact that Zionism without democratic values and without affinity
to universal, humanistic values acts to weaken Zionist identity and the status of Jews in Israel and
the Diaspora; and
Whereas Zionism is a movement which advocates the principles of justice, equality and
democracy, as detailed in the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization; and
Whereas we are witnessing anti-democratic and anti-humanist phenomena among public figures
and figures in education in the State of Israel,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
1. That the World Zionist Organization shall foster and allocate budget for Advocacy initiatives
and programs to combat racism in all parts of Israeli society and the Diaspora, primarily
among teenagers, in order to promote education towards the universal values of justice,
equality, and tolerance, alongside Jewish-Zionist values.
2. It will place Israel's
Declaration of the Independence at the center of Jewish-Zionist education
and develop a program in this spirit for the 70th anniversary of Israel's independence.
33. Democracy in Israel
Whereas one of the foundations of Zionism, as expressed in the Jerusalem Program of the World
Zionist Organization, is:
"Strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist and democratic state and shaping it as an exemplary society with
a unique moral and spiritual character. Marked by mutual respect for the multi-faceted Jewish people,
rooted in the vision of the prophets, striving for peace and contributing to the betterment of the world;"
Whereas the Israeli Declaration of Independence reads in part that the State of Israel will "
be
based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete
equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will
guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language education and culture; it will safeguard the
Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United
Nations;" and
Whereas the delegates to the Zionist Congress wish to affirm the significance and powerful
relevance of the values reflected in these central texts; and
Whereas The Zionist Congress is a representative body of the entire Jewish people, for whom
Israel represents the fulfillment of national aspirations and continuity; and
Whereas we view with alarm the deterioration of democracy in Israel, reflected in increasing rates
of violence towards members of minority groups, attempts to stifle civic engagement by non-
governmental organizations perceived as critical of the government, and in lack of respect for
Jewish pluralism; and
Whereas this deterioration of democracy presents significant challenges to the maintenance of
strong ties between Diaspora communities and the State of Israel;
Be it resolved:
That the delegates of the 37th Zionist Congress call on the duly elected government of Israel to
reaffirm and reinforce the country's democratic institutions and traditions;
And be it further resolved:
That the delegates of the 37th Zionist Congress call on the World Zionist Organization to work
with the Government of Israel to establish a funded initiative to develop mechanisms that can
reinforce the country's democratic institutions and traditions;
And be it further resolved:
That the "Department for Zionist Activities in Israel" develop an educational program around the
country's democratic institutions and traditions, and implement it through the appropriate
frameworks in Israel.
34. The Separation of Religion and State
Whereas the State of Israel is a Jewish and democratic state, and not a state based in Halachah
(Jewish religious law); and
Whereas the freedom of religion, conscience and the equality of rights for all citizens of Israel
irrespective of religion, race or gender, as promised in Israel's Declaration of Independence, are
consistent with Jewish tradition's enlightened outlook, founded in the equality of the value of
Man, freedom of choice and freedom of thought; and
Whereas these values represent an indivisible part of the Zionist movement's outlook; and
Whereas many of the State of Israel's citizens define themselves as secular or not of the Jewish
Whereas many Diaspora Jews perceive themselves as Jews by national community or culture, but
not by religion; and
Whereas religious coercion and the connection between religion and state is detrimental to the
routine of the lives of many citizens of Israel, as well as being detrimental to their choices on
various matters, including personal status laws,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
That the heritage of Israel and Jewish Law are a source of inspiration for the creativity and our
way of life, but not the source of authority or a compulsory norm in a Jewish and democratic state
and a world open to progress, creativity and research. The Congress will therefore support the
separation of religion and state and thus the freedom of religion, which will guarantee the rights
of all the citizens and inhabitants of the state, both Jewish and non-Jewish – to live their lives in
accordance with their customs, their outlook and beliefs, both in the private and the public
35. Recognition of Support for the LGBT Community
Whereas people around the world were horrified by the unprovoked murder of Shira Banki and
the injury of other participants in the Jerusalem march for Pride and Tolerance; and
Whereas Israel's Declaration of Independence calls for all citizens to be able to live in freedom
and security regardless of their religion, gender etc.; and
Whereas concern remains regarding continued attacks on LGBT and other vulnerable groups in
the public arena of Israel's society,
Whereas the Israel Supreme Court ruled that the legal right to equality prohibits discrimination
both on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identity; and
Therefore, the Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves that:
1. The Zionist Congress commends the action of Education Minister, Naftali Bennett, in
immediately announcing an increase support for the LGBT community. We call on Minister
Bennett to ensure adequate funding for LGBT organizations, to secure the role of members
of the LGBT community within Israeli society.
2. The Zionist Congress calls on Minister Bennett to ensure that all educational institutions in
Israel will create curricula and programming that promote respect for, and the civil rights of
all diverse communities, including the LGBT community.
3. That it supports equal rights for the GLTB community and will enforce complete equality of
their admission to Zionist entities, and will encourage their activities within the National
36. The National Institutions in the Mirror of Time
Whereas criticism has been leveled in recent years at the relevance of the National Institutions;
Whereas the structure of the Institutions has changed, creating gaps between the will to take
action and the capacity and remit de facto; and
Whereas comprehensive action is required in relation to Diaspora Jewry over a range of issues,
The promotion of Aliyah to Israel; Jewish-Zionist education; Hebrew language study; the
expansion of the Magshimim youth movement and student activity; bolstering the unity of the
Jewish people across its religious and spiritual streams; the prevention of assimilation;
comprehensive action against the mechanisms behind the delegitimization of the Jewish people
and the very existence of the State of Israel,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
1. To charge the new Zionist Executive to re-examine the structure of the National Institutions
at this time and the structure of the World Zionist Organization and its direct spheres of
2. To reinforce cooperation with the Israel Government and Diaspora Jewish communities and
recruit them for contemporary Zionist tasks under WZO leadership.
3. To re-examine the World Zionist Organization's modus operandi within the State of Israel
in: the education system, immigrant absorption, the enhancement of Jewish-Zionist
education and the preservation of Israel's unity as a society, through the induction of
values from the vision of Israel's prophets and the Zionist movement down the
37. Effective Communication for Conveying the Zionist Idea
Whereas many individuals who are involved as delegates or alternates to the Zionist Congress, or
as members of the Zionist General Council, or who are active in Zionist Federations and its
constituent members, have little understanding of the work undertaken by the World Zionist
Organization between each Congress, and the importance of such efforts, and are unable to
explain the role of the World Zionist Organization in Zionist education and awareness,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII resolves:
1. The World Zionist Organization shall develop and implement an ongoing effective program of
written communication to all members of the Zionist Executive, the Outer Executive, the
Zionist General Council and heads of Zionist Federations, as well as website and other media,
so that Zionist activists are fully and regularly apprised of the work of the World Zionist
Organization and initiatives being undertaken.
2. Such communications shall follow the principle that maximum transparency and
communication are essential to strengthen the connection between the World Zionist
Organization and individuals around the world who are not involved in the work of the World
Zionist Organization on a daily or monthly basis.
3. Such communications shall be at least once in each calendar quarter, and shall be provided
directly to the referenced individuals, and to Zionist Federations in a manner that enables the
Federation and its constituent organizations to expand the scope of the communication to all
members if constituent organizations.
38. The Establishment of a Zionist Appeal Fund for WZO Activities
The Zionist Congress XXXVII calls for:
Work towards the establishment of a Zionist Appeal Fund to raise monies, in order to allow the
WZO to enhance and leverage its Zionist activities, for the benefit of the Jewish people in its own
land and in the Diaspora.
39. Facilitating the Funding and Functioning of the WZO
Whereas, the National Institutions -- World Zionist Organization, The Jewish Agency for Israel,
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and
Keren Hayesod -- have been and are essential building blocks for
implementing the principles and goals of Zionism both within the State of Israel and around the
Whereas, the work of the National Institutions requires maximum flexibility in working together
in activities and financial issues,
The 37th Zionist Congress:
Calls upon the Government of Israel to take immediate and effective steps to enable the National
Institutions to function in a cooperative and coordinated manner, with appropriate flexibility,
including but not limited to the ability to make financial arrangements and provide financial
support within the operations of the National Institutions, in order to achieve their shared
objectives, making such activities subject to public oversight in a manner that reflects the unique
and significant position of the National Institutions in the life of the State and the future of
Am
40. Implementation of Congress Resolutions
Whereas the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization determines in Article 40, Section 1
"The Executive shall be the executive organ of the World Zionist Organization, charged with the
implementation of the decisions of Congress and Council, and shall be responsible to those bodies. It shall
have the power to acquire rights and undertake obligations on behalf of the World Zionist Organization,
and to represent it externally",
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
That a committee of the Executive shall set down a regulation for response to queries, the
response time for urgent queries, a regulation on the transmission of the regulation on progress
reports about the implementation of the decisions of the Zionist Congress or Zionist General
Council; and that should the relevant official not comply with the regulations, the issue shall be
transferred for the attention of the Chairman of the Zionist Executive, or a person on his behalf.
If the Zionist Executive does not implement the directive, it will be referred to the appropriate
41. Effecting Transparency and Regulations for Freedom of Information
in the National Institutions
"Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, brought about the establishment of the
State of Israel, and views a Jewish, Zionist, democratic and secure State of Israel to be the expression of
the common responsibility of the Jewish people for its continuity and future" (from the introduction to
the "Jerusalem Program"); and
Whereas the Zionist movement was established as a democratic movement in its essence and its
conduct, and thus became the Jewish people's first democratic mass movement after 2000 years
Whereas the State of Israel was the first historic state to be established from its day of inception
as a Jewish and democratic state; and
Whereas under the rules of due justice in a democratic state and the ‘Freedom of Information Act
1981 (5758)', all citizens of Israel or residents have the right to receive information from a public
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
1. On complete transparency for all the National Institutions in accordance with the provisions
in the ‘Freedom of Information Act 1981 (5758)'. The Congress directs the Comptroller of the
Institutions and the Legal Advisor to induct this resolution in all departments and at all levels
of management in all the National Institutions.
2. The WZO Executive shall report to the Outer Executive following the Congress on progress in
the process for the induction of this principle, in February 2016.
42. Financial Transparency in the National Institutions
Whereas the World Zionist Organization is the legitimate, internationally recognized
representative body of the Jewish people; and
Whereas the World Zionist Organization wields significant control over the three National
Institutions all of which have significant assets at their disposal: Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, the
Jewish Agency for Israel, and the World Zionist Organization itself -- which in turn manage a critical
mass of the international Jewish community's resources, particularly as they relate to activity in
Whereas the International Jewish community has an important stake in how its resources in Israel
are spent, but little way to exercise that oversight given that the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, the
Jewish Agency for Israel, and the World Zionist Organization current policies provide limited
transparency; and
Whereas transparency is a core tenant of the democratic society that the Zionist movement works
to actualize in the Jewish homeland,
Be it resolved that:
All bodies in which the World Zionist Organization participates in a governance role, including
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the World Zionist Organization
itself, must operate under generally accepted rules of transparency, and that the World Zionist
Organization and the communities it represents are provided with comprehensive and accurate
information on their budget, finance, and activities.
43. The Employment of Contract Agency Workers in the National Institutions
Whereas, in recent years, the custom of employing contract agency workers deprived of their
rights and security of employ has permeated the Israeli economy; and
Whereas the proportion of contract agency employees in the Israeli economy is one of the highest
in the western world, and this form of employment is detrimental primarily to the weaker groups
on the labor market – women, new immigrants, the social and geographical periphery; and
Whereas, also within the Israeli educational system which trains the future generation, teachers
are being employed under agency conditions, being dismissed at the end of the academic year
and thus not enjoying the recognition and rewards befitting their status and skills; and
Whereas the State of Israel was established by the Zionist movement in accordance with the
vision of Herzl – the father of the Zionist movement – as a just, egalitarian and exemplary society;
Whereas it is incumbent on the Zionist movement to set a shining example of this vision, both in
theory and practice,
The Zionist Congress XXXVII hereby resolves:
1. That the employment of contract agency workers is inconsistent with the values of the Zionist
2. The employment of contract agency workers in all WZO institutions, including the Zionist
Council in Israel, will cease and the employees will be transferred to direct employment.
3. The transfer process for employees to direct employment shall take no longer than one year
following the Zionist Congress XXXVII.
4. A progress report on the process will be submitted to the Outer Executive and the Zionist
General Council.
The WZO will exert its influence and ability of decision (shared ownership, influence of oversight)
upon the other National Institutions so that they should not employ agency workers.
44. Transferring Resolution Proposals which were not Finalized
to the Zionist General Council
In accordance with Section 16 (d) of the Standing Orders of the Zionist Congress,
It is resolved:
To transfer the resolution proposals, which were not finalized in the committees or in the
Resolutions Plenum of the Zionist Congress XXXVII, as proposals for discussion at next year's
Zionist General Council session.
45. Authorization of the Zionist General Council to Amend the Constitution
Whereas, Article 64 of the WZO Constitution provides for delegation of authority to the Zionist
General Council to amend the WZO Constitution; and
Whereas, the 37th Zionist Congress considers it necessary and expedient to delegate its powers
to amend the Constitution, to the Zionist General Council,
Therefore, be it resolved,
That the 37th Zionist Congress does and hereby delegates to the Zionist General Council the power
to amend the Constitution, pursuant to Article 64, such delegation to remain in effect until the
38th Zionist Congress.
Source: http://djc.com.ua/download?path=/public/files/23/21439/Plenary%20of%20the%20Zionist%20Congress%20XXXVII%20-%20Adopted%20Resolutions%20Final.pdf
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