Six St. Louis delegates to World Zionist Congress will head to Jerusalem later this month, stepping into what’s often called the “parliament of the Jewish people.” From Oct. 28–30, they’ll join hundreds of representatives from around the world to decide how more than $1 billion in annual support is spent on Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. It’s a global stage with some very local voices.
From St. Louis to Jerusalem
The local delegation includes Marc Jacob, Charles Deutsch, Jonathan Spetner, Emunah Weisman, Lyle Weisman and Rachel Deutsch. They’ll be among 155 U.S. representatives elected in a record-breaking contest that drew more than 224,000 voters — the highest turnout ever for a Zionist Congress in this country.
Five of the St. Louis delegates — Jacob, Charles Deutsch, Spetner and Emunah Weisman and Lyle Weisman — are part of the slate Eretz HaKodesh. Meaning “Holy Land,” the slate was founded to give Orthodox and Haredi Jews stronger influence in Zionist institutions. Its platform calls for protecting Torah values, defending Israel’s Jewish character and keeping tradition at the center of decision-making.
In 2023, Jacob wrote about his experiences at past Congresses for the Jewish Light, describing the frustration of divisive resolutions aimed at Orthodox delegates but also the need to stay at the table. “Jewish unity despite our differences. Isn’t that the whole point?” he wrote then. Today, that same determination carries him forward. “What keeps me motivated is the knowledge that participating in the Congress allows me to stand up for traditional Torah values in an arena that is not so used to taking them into account,” he said.
He acknowledges the friction his slate sometimes faces. “In truth, I believe that tension stems from the discomfort people feel that Orthodox/Haredi representation in the Congress is on the rise. I cannot force other people to be open-minded about incorporating respect for traditional Jewish values… I can only do my best to stand up for the truth in a way that shows I respect my fellow Jews as Jews, even if we have serious disagreements over what WZO priorities should be.”
Different slates, same table
Rachel Deutsch, the lone St. Louis delegate from the Aish Ha’am slate. Aish Ha’am emphasizes outreach, education and building Jewish identity. Its mission stretches from college campuses to family trips to Israel.
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“When I moved from the East Coast to St. Louis 12 years ago, I was determined to strengthen the Jewish community by creating events for Jews to get together,” she said. Through Aish she’s hosted speakers, organized trips and helped weave Jewish life into the city. “By Aish participating in the WZO congress, they’ll have a greater voice in how money from the elections is allotted and continue helping strengthen the Jewish nation.”
Rachel Deutsch also points out that even with ideological divides, collaboration happens. “During the elections back in May, a delegate from a different slate and I supported one another because at the end of the day, we want the people’s voices to be heard.”
For her, the work doesn’t stop when the Congress adjourns. “Our work certainly won’t stop after the final congress ends. With added funding, Aish will hopefully have a boost in their financial ability to further their mission.”
The big stage in Jerusalem
The 39th World Zionist Congress will take on familiar but pressing debates: where to send money, which initiatives to prioritize and how to balance competing visions of Jewish life. Jacob wants the WZO to “unabashedly support Israel, especially while it is at war,” and insists that respect for Shabbat, kashrut and Jewish holidays must remain part of the equation. Rachel Deutsch hopes Aish will gain the resources to expand its fight against antisemitism and strengthen Jewish connection through education and events.
National organizers say the turnout and diversity of slates show the strength of the movement. “Based on the final election results that have been certified, we can say without question that the Zionist movement in the United States is stronger than ever,” said Herbert Block, executive director of the American Zionist Movement. “American Jews’ record-breaking turnout means that the overall U.S. delegatiob is positioned to have a greater backing and prominence than ever in advancing a multitude of high-priority Jewish and Zionist causes.”
Different visions, same destination. Whether through Eretz HaKodesh’s push for Torah values or Aish Ha’am’s drive for outreach and identity, the six St. Louis delegates are preparing to add their voices to a global conversation that began in 1897 and still shapes Jewish life today.
As Rachel Deutsch put it, they’ll also be representing “the small but mighty Midwest.”
