This past year has been one of the most difficult in recent memory for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. The ongoing war, the rise of global antisemitism and the mounting challenges our soldiers, families, and institutions face have underscored the importance of action. This election is more critical than ever because every vote is not just a vote for our community’s future—it’s a vote for our soldiers on the frontlines, our families in need, and the institutions that sustain our Jewish identity. In a time of unprecedented challenges, your vote has the power to make a real difference in securing the future of the Jewish people.

The World Zionist Congress election, taking place through May 4, will be the most pivotal yet for the Modern Orthodox/Dati Leumi community. With the ongoing war in Israel and the rising tide of global antisemitism, the Dati Leumi community’s support for our soldiers, families and institutions has never been more critical. Soldiers from within our community—disproportionately represented in the IDF’s elite units—have faced particularly high casualty rates, and both lone soldiers and the families of reserve soldiers need our support now more than ever. Our community, represented by the Orthodox Israel Coalition, needs your vote to stand on the front lines for our values.

In the United States, our community has consistently been on the front lines of supporting Israel and its defenders. Our vote in the upcoming World Zionist Congress election will help ensure that our efforts continue after the war ends. The OIC’s success in the last election secured hundreds of millions of dollars for vital projects, including the establishment of temporary housing for families evacuated from Gaza envelope settlements. Over the next five years, significant funding will be needed to support Israel’s communities in the Golan, Galilee, Negev, Judea and Samaria, as well as to rebuild areas devastated by the Oct. 7 attacks and subsequent Hamas and Hezbollah rocket fire. Additionally, millions will be needed to support Diaspora Jews, especially students facing BDS and pro-Hamas protests on campus and to strengthen their connection to Torah, Jewish heritage and the Jewish homeland.

The Orthodox Israel Coalition—Slate #5 (OIC) is made up of the leading institutions in our community, including the Religious Zionists of America-Mizrachi, AMIT, the Orthodox Union, Yeshiva University, the Rabbinical Council of America, the National Council of Young Israel, Touro College, Torah MiTzion, Bnei Akiva, Shvilim and others. For 120 years, the OIC and its aligned Global Mizrachi movement have been on the frontlines in achieving meaningful change within the World Zionist Congress framework and dedicated to reinforcing the connection between Israel, Torah values and the Jewish people.

The World Zionist Congress elections are critical because they determine the leadership and operations of Israel’s national institutions, which play a significant role in building, funding and strengthening both Israel and its relationship with Diaspora Jewry. It is essential that the OIC remains on the frontlines to ensure that our community’s voice is heard and its priorities are represented.

Thanks to the widespread support of our slate in the last election, significant investments have been allocated from the national institutions to fund essential programs and services for our community. OIC leaders have taken influential roles in the World Zionist Congress-controlled national institutions, using their positions to advance positive change and safeguard the soul of the Jewish people. Through our efforts, we’ve funded new communities, supported Jewish education abroad, sent emissaries to Jewish communities and organized solidarity missions to Israel during our homeland’s darkest hours.

While many slates are vying for votes in this election, only OIC-Mizrachi (Slate #5) has a 120-year track record of leadership and achievement for our community. We saw a 115% increase in American Jewish voter participation in the last election. This year, even more slates will compete for the attention of America’s Dati Leumi community, but a divided vote will weaken our negotiating power. Other groups may share some of our values, but they have their own priorities and agendas as well. The OIC remains the only Orthodox voice with a proven ability to secure the results our community needs.

As we face unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever for the Dati Leumi community to stand united and ensure our voice is heard. Your vote in the upcoming World Zionist Congress election will directly support our soldiers, families, and institutions, helping us secure vital resources for the future of Israel and the Jewish people. By voting for the Orthodox Israel Coalition, you are making a powerful statement in support of our values, our homeland, and our future. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real difference—every vote counts.

Mark Levenson is a campaign co-chair for the Orthodox Israel Coalition (Slate #5) and serves on the executive committee of the Religious Zionists of America.