ARZA Canada (the Association of Reform Zionists of America – Canada) is affiliated with the Reform Jewish Community of Canada and the Union for Reform Judaism North America.
With over thousands of members, our mandate is to connect with Reform communities throughout Canada, foster connections with and strengthen our ties to the Reform Movement in Israel, and work to realize the vision of Reform Zionism.
Ever wondered what you can actually do right now to help Israel?
The State of Israel is now governed by religious and ultra-nationalist extremists. They’re undermining equality for women and minorities, and spending millions to subsidize Haredim and settlements. Israel needs more Reform Judaism.
Can you do anything to help?
Yes, you can. There is a “Parliament of the Jewish People”that has significant decision-making and financial power. It’s called the World Zionist Congress (WZC). This year, for the first time in many, many decades,the Canadian branch of the WZC is changing its method for appointing delegates.In past years, the Canadian delegates have been assigned proportionally to the various Canadian Zionist organizations. This year, there is going to be a vote.The WZC controls billions of dollars, funds that can either support liberal Jewish life in Israel or fuel an extremist and fundamentalist agenda. Your vote determines where those resources go. Voting Reform means investing in pluralism and against extremism. This opportunity arises once every 5 years – and this year we will be voting from June 5-15 online.
Liberal Jews in the Diaspora have no influence on the Knesset, but we do have strong representation in the WZC thanks to the efforts of the Reform movement in Canada and around the world. But in recent years extremist groups have been increasing their influence in the WZC, to roll back the progress we’ve made, and steer the country on a path towards gender segregation, discrimination and annexation of the West Bank.
Please plan to vote in the upcoming election in Canada.
Here are the details:
- Voting in Canada will take place from June 5 to 15 online.
- Pre-registration will begin around mid-May
- All Canadians (and permanent residents) who self-identify as Jews, are 18 years of age or more, are eligible to vote.
- Everyone must register to vote. Membership in ARZA alone does not qualify as registration.
- There is a minimal $2 fee to cover election expenses.
WATCH FOR A LINK OR QR Code to register. Tell your friends and family. Remember, you do not have to be a member of Temple Sholom or any synagogue to vote Reform – ARZA Canada.
Thank you for helping to shape the future of Judaism and democracy in Israel.
Jeff Denaburg, Judith Wiley, Co-Chairs ARZA Canada
Shirley Hyman, Vice-Chair ARZA Canada
Contact us: chair@arzacanada.org
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