NYC Gazette

At this pivotal juncture for Jewish life in Israel and globally, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, and Rav Hershel Schachter, YU Rosh Yeshiva, are spearheading the Orthodox Israel Coalition–Mizrachi (OIC-Mizrachi) Slate #5 in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections. They aim to reinforce the centrality of Torah values in Jewish communal priorities.

President Berman emphasized, "Yeshiva University has long stood at the forefront of Religious Zionism. And today in Israel, we need to support Mizrachi, we need to support the Religious Zionists, and specifically under the leadership of Rabbi Doron Perez. He is a gibor yisrael and an ish emunah, a true hero and a leader who embodies our values. It is our zechut to stand behind him and this effort to get out the vote."

Rav Schachter underlined the necessity of voting for the OIC-Mizrachi coalition, stating, "It is very important for Orthodox Jews to vote for the OIC-Mizrachi coalition because millions of dollars are at stake. The Orthodox have many institutions in Israel that need support—yeshivot, mikvaot, batei knesset. We send our children to learn there, our children move there. The more representation we have, the more funding will go to support religious institutions in Eretz Yisrael."

The WZO holds significant power in prioritizing Israel’s national interests, allocating resources for aliyah, education, security, and global Jewish projects. The election presents a unique opportunity to ensure Torah values persistently influence these areas.

Over the past five years, OIC-Mizrachi has allocated substantial funds to bolster Religious Zionist institutions. The coalition has secured backing for yeshivot and seminaries, expanded MASA gap-year programs, and strengthened Jewish campus life. They have also been instrumental in community growth in Yehuda, Shomron, and Jerusalem.

More slates are participating in this election than ever before, heightening the importance of a high turnout. The coalition seeks extensive backing to sustain and amplify its influence on Jewish education and religious infrastructure in Israel.

The election is open to all Jewish American citizens and permanent residents over 18. Voting is conducted online, requires only five minutes, and costs $5. The impact of each vote will resonate for the next five years.

Rabbi Berman concluded, "This is about ensuring that Torah values remain central to Jewish life in Israel and around the world. Now is the time to step up, be counted, and make a difference."

Votes can be cast for Slate 5 at voteoic.org/yu.