From Arzenu & Michelle Wise…
The next chapter of Jewish and Israeli history is being written. Make sure your voice is heard.
The campaign is currently underway to elect a New Zealand representative to the World Zionist Congress (WZC). The WZC, often referred to as the “Parliament of the Jewish People,” convenes every five years to unite representatives from Jewish communities worldwide. These gatherings determine key issues affecting Jews both in Israel and globally.
The outcomes of these elections influence the leadership of major Jewish national institutions: World Zionist Organization, Keren Kayemet LeIsrael and The Jewish Agency.
Parties securing the most votes gain pivotal roles within these organizations, granting them significant sway over policies that impact the global Jewish community and access to substantial funding—approximately $1 billion annually—for programs in Israel and Jewish communities around the world. This funding supports initiatives such as Shlichut, Jewish education, leadership development, and efforts to foster an inclusive Israeli society that embraces all Jews and their diverse practices.
Your vote matters. Progressive and Reform Jews across the globe are coming together to protect democracy, pluralism, and human rights in Israel, by voting for ARZENU.
While ultra-Orthodox factions work to undo decades of progress — stripping away rights from women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and non-Orthodox Jews — your vote is how we push back.
When you vote ARZENU, you help fund and empower Progressive communities in Israel who
are living out these values every day:
A strong, secure, democratic and Jewish Israel, as envisioned in its Declaration of Independence;
Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and defend its people from terror. ARZENU opposes efforts to delegitimize this right;
Religious equality where all Jewish traditions and forms of observance are respected, with full recognition of liberal Movements and an end to the ultra-Orthodox monopoly as the recognised religious authority;
Regional security through peace and stability for Israel, Palestinians, and neighbours;
Full equality under the law for all Israelis, including minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ people; and
A secure Israel alongside a peaceful Palestinian state being vital for stability.
You can follow ARZENU on Instagram: arzenu_olami
And find out more about ARZENU at https://www.arzenu.org/issues/.
OUR CANDIDATE:
New Zealand’s proposed delegate for ARZENU is Dr Michelle Wise, Past-President of Beth Shalom Progressive synagogue in Auckland. She is also past-Chair of KiwiPJ, a network of Jewish communities around the country.
She recently completed the WUPJ Global Leadership Fellowship, including a seminar in Israel. This year Michelle organised the inaugural UPJ Shabbaton in Auckland and the inaugural KiwiPJ leadership program for 25 emerging leaders from communities all over the country. She has been to Israel seven times and has met with leaders in all the National Institutions and WUPJ.
Michelle has been instrumental in influencing all the relevant stakeholders in order to secure Shlichut for
New Zealand for 2025. Michelle attends Limmud NZ every year and will be leading her third
session this June.
She was previously the head of Parents and Friends of Habonim Dror Aotearoa New Zealand for five years, and the chanichim and madrichim may also know her as the ‘camp doctor.’ Michelle’s children went to Kadimah school, Habonim Dror, and both Maia and Jonah became B’nei Mitzvah at Beth Shalom.
Michelle grew up in a large Reform congregation in Toronto, participated in the Reform youth movement NFTY and spent summers at camp with Canadian Young Judea.
In her career, Michelle is a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Auckland Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Auckland. She moved with her husband Nic and their family to Auckland from Canada in 2010; they have just become ‘empty nesters.’
See this Instagram link to hear Michelle speak about ARZENU and what it stands
for: Michelle Wise
What to do to show your support for ARZENU: Vote for Michelle in the upcoming election!
It is imperative for New Zealand to elect a Progressive delegate to the WZC, who will vote on behalf of New Zealand Jewry at the Congress in October in Jerusalem.
Voting registration is open now: https://nz.eventmagix.com/
Please register now! Once you are registered, you will receive a link to vote when voting
opens. A few points:
Registration costs $3, which is a great investment in Israel’s future, but please reach out if this is a barrier for you – every vote counts!
Voting is a two-step process:
1. Register now until 30 May. Once registered, you’ll be sent a link to vote
2. Vote in the election (between 15 June and 30 June).
Eligibility to vote:
1. Jewish (self-defined)
2. Zionist
3. 18 years and older
4. Resident in NZ
5. If Israeli citizen, then did NOT vote in the Knesset elections in 2022
