Yesh Atid Withdraws from World Zionist Organization
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid declared that his centrist party, Yesh Atid, is leaving the World Zionist Organization (WZO), accusing the 127-year-old quasi-governmental body of corruption and political favoritism. Lapid criticized the institution for prioritizing political interests over public welfare, which he believes alienates Jews in the Diaspora.
Criticism of Corruption and Nepotism
Lapid specifically condemned the WZO for practices he described as nepotistic, including an alleged offer of a senior position to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu. He called this move "a system to arrange jobs for the Netanyahu family."
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said the WZO was "mired in corruption and political patronage."
Impact on the World Zionist Congress and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael
The announcement disrupted delicate coalition negotiations at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, a global assembly held every five years involving Israeli political parties and major Diaspora Jewish organizations. Plans collapsed for Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen to chair the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, KKL-JNF), which manages more than 13% of Israel's land.
Lapid promised to push for nationalizing the Jewish National Fund, which he argued should serve the public good rather than political interests.
He also stated that his party would reject all positions and funding linked to Zionist institutions associated with the corruption allegations.
Summary
This move signals a significant challenge to the established Zionist institutions and highlights growing concerns over governance and transparency within these bodies.
"Corruption was pushing Diaspora Jews away from Israel," Lapid said, emphasizing the need for reform.
Author's Summary
Yesh Atid’s withdrawal exposes alleged corruption and nepotism within Zionist institutions, advocating for the nationalization of the Jewish National Fund to prioritize public interest over political cronyism.