Agudath Israel of America Issues Declaration Against Participation in WZO Elections

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

In a significant move that has sparked discussion within Jewish communities, Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America, the rabbinic leadership council of Agudath Israel of America, has released a formal declaration opposing participation in the upcoming World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections.

The declaration, titled “Kol Korei Regarding the Elections for the WZO,” emphasizes the organization’s position that it is “forbidden to vote for any party in the election for the WZO.” The statement is signed in teh name of Moetzes and was agreed upon at a gathering on Thursday, the 20th of Adar, 5785.

The document traces the historical context of WZO’s founding 125 years ago, describing it as an effort to “uproot the foundations of Judaism and redefining the Jewish people from ‘a kingdom of servants of Hashem and a holy people’ into a nation like all other nations.” According to the declaration, Agudath Israel was established specifically to counter those who sought to separate Torah from Jewish national identity.

The rabbinic leaders express particular concern about what they describe as theological contradictions in the WZO’s platform. The statement references the position of the Chofeitz Chaim zt”l, the Gerrer Rebbe zt”l, Rav Chaim of Brisk zt”l, and other prominent rabbinical figures who opposed participation in the Zionist Organization.

Of particular note is the declaration’s response to recent developments. It mentions that approximately five years ago, “a party of Chareidim was formed with the declared intention of joining the WZO,” claiming they would “rescue the holy sites of Israel from control by the Reform and that they would thereby direct monies of the WZO to the yeshivos.”

This appears to mark a shift from the position taken at the Agudah Convention five years ago, where the organization’s “unofficial” platform actually encouraged individuals to vote for the Orthodox slate of candidates in WZO elections. The current declaration takes a significantly more stringent stance, listing several religious concerns including what it terms “issurim” (prohibitions) involved in participation.

While this declaration represents the official position of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America, it is important to note that on matters of Jewish law and religious practice, individuals must consult with their own rabbis or poskim (halachic decisors) for personal guidance. The declaration itself represents a halachic ruling from this specific rabbinic body, and as with all matters of Jewish law, individuals may seek counsel from their own religious authorities.

The statement seems to reject the notion suggested by those who encouraged supporting the Chareidi slates of candidates that a voter when voting can define “Zionism” as the Torah’s definition of love of Zion rather than the secular definition of it and that National Service should be defined by the Torah’s definition of “national service” rather than the definition presented by secularists.

The statement concludes with a prayer for Jewish unity and return to traditional values, expressing hope that “the entire Jewish people return to their Father in Heaven and accept upon themselves the yoke of Torah.”

Agudath Israel of America, founded in 1922 as an American branch of the worldwide Agudath Israel movement, has long represented the interests of Torah-observant Jews in the United States, particularly those affiliated with the Haredi community.

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