The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia
Registered Charity No. 1053565

A Constituent of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues
Liberal Judaism -- Supporting the Leo Baeck College-Centre for Jewish Education

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2006 -

35TH ZIONIST CONGRESS – JUNE 2006 – JERUSALEM

The 35th World Zionist Congress will take place in Jerusalem this June, at which Zionists of every country including Israel will be represented. The elections for the last one were manipulated so that newer Zionist groupings, including Pro-Zion, had no delegates. The Election Court ruled that the election procedures were defective. As a result the whole of the UK was not represented at that Congress for the first time ever.

As we were determined that this must never happen again, we have ensured that this year, for the very first time, there will be direct elections with a secret ballot in this country for the 18 delegates representing the UK. The factions standing in this election represent the Anglo-Jewish religious groupings, of which we are one, and the Israeli political parties. This election is a very significant step for our Community both here and in Israel as it gives the Progressive Movements the opportunity to be properly represented. The election is open to every Jew over 18 by June 2006, who accepts the Jerusalem Platform, lives in this country or lives abroad with a UK Passport.

It is imperative that we get as many of our members as possible to register and then vote in the elections. On registration you will be asked to pay £3, half will go to an Israeli charity and half towards the cost of the election. This charge by card or cheque is necessary to verify that only individual applicants register. Voting will take place both on-line or by postal ballot according to individual choice although we will encourage people to vote on line as far as possible. The voting website is www.zionistelections.co.uk

We enclose our election poster, which we hope you will display in a prominent position in your Synagogue. We have set up a web site at www.prozion.org.uk. From there you can download campaign packs, posters, web banners and find out further information about Pro Zion and the election process. Should you require further posters or hard copies of information do not hesitate to contact us.

We hope that you will encourage your members to vote for the PRO-ZION slate which contains many Liberal Rabbis and congregants and that many more people will join PRO-ZION to enable us to carry on with our work.

MORE DELEGATES AT CONGRESS MEANS MORE POWER TO OUR MOVEMENT BOTH IN THIS COUNTRY AND IN ISRAEL

If you would like to talk to us about PRO-ZION and Congress or you have any questions whatsoever about the election procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Estelle Gilston – email prozion1@aol.com