The American Zionist Movement (AZM), the U.S. affiliate of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), announced on Monday that the 39th World Zionist Congress will convene October 28–30, 2025, in Jerusalem — bringing together Jewish leaders and delegates from more than 40 countries for the largest global Zionist gathering of its kind.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will address a luncheon hosted by the American Zionist Movement (AZM) ahead of the Congress’ opening, where he will speak to the enduring ties between the United States and Israel and the importance of American engagement in global Zionist affairs.
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A World Zionist Organization Shabbat dinner, Atlanta, Georgia
(Photo: Courtesy of the World Zionist Organization)
Known as the “Parliament of the Jewish People,” the Congress will unite representatives from every stream of Jewish religious, political, and cultural life to set global Zionist priorities and allocate more than $1 billion annually toward strengthening Israel and
Jewish communities worldwide. This year, the United States will send 155 delegates and approximately 100 alternates — the largest American representation in the Congress’s history.
The 39th Congress will be held 128 years after the first gathering convened by Theodor Herzl in Basel in 1897, which launched the modern Zionist movement. In an era often marked by polarization, the Congress stands as a living expression of Jewish democracy — demonstrating that diversity of thought and unity of purpose can coexist in pursuit of a shared future for Israel and the Jewish people.
As the only democratic global forum where Jews worldwide elect representatives to influence Israel’s national institutions, Jewish education, and peoplehood priorities, the Congress serves as the bridge between Israel and world Jewry.
The gathering follows record-breaking participation in the U.S. World Zionist Congress election earlier this year, in which more than 224,000 American Jews cast ballots — an 80% increase from 2020. The resulting 155 delegates (representing roughly one-third of the Congress) will join counterparts from across the globe to deliberate and decide on key priorities affecting global Jewish life.
The American delegation reflects the incredible diversity and vitality of U.S. Jewish life. Spanning ages from 18 to 87, the delegation represents 22 states across the country — including California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Maine and Arkansas.
Among the U.S. delegation are 75 rabbis representing diverse streams, alongside elected officials, educators, and community leaders whose civic engagement and leadership strengthen the global Zionist movement. Together, these representatives embody the spirit of American Jewish engagement — diverse in perspective, united in purpose.
“At a time when polarization dominates so much of global discourse, the World Zionist Congress stands as proof that unity does not mean uniformity,” said Herbert Block, Executive Director of AZM. “Jews representing every segment and viewpoint are gathering in
Jerusalem with one shared purpose: strengthening the future of Israel and the Jewish people. The Congress reminds us that diversity is our strength, and that our collective voice is truly powerful.”