UPDATE: Rabbi Doron Perez, executive chair of the Mizrachi World Movement, has issued an urgent call for all Australian Jews to participate in the upcoming World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections, a historic opportunity to vote that ends this Sunday.
During a poignant five-day speaking tour across Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, Perez shared his personal grief over the loss of his son, Daniel, who was killed while serving in the IDF on October 7. He emphasized the importance of participation in these elections, which represent “the most important election that many of you may never have heard of.”
For the first time in decades, Australian Jews can cast votes in the WZC elections, which feature five choices, including the Orthodox Israel Coalition Mizrachi. “This time there are open elections everywhere in the Diaspora and I think that’s a very positive thing,” Perez stated, advocating for the Mizrachi ticket’s vision that “Zionism and Judaism go together.”
Perez passionately urged attendees to vote for “the ideology you believe in,” declaring, “If you are a Zionist, join in, because I’d rather have you inside the tent than outside.” His message resonated deeply, especially in light of the rising tide of anti-Zionism, which he described as “the greatest challenge we have today.”
The Rabbi lamented how antisemitism has transformed since October 7, stating, “All they’ve done is swap the word Jews for Zionists and Jew hatred for Jewish state hatred.” He stressed that the response to anti-Zionism must be a robust affirmation of Zionism itself.
Reflecting on October 7 as one of the darkest days in Jewish history, Perez highlighted the heroism demonstrated by thousands of Israelis who risked their lives for others. He recounted the harrowing experiences of his sons that day: while his son Yonatan survived being shot in the leg, Daniel, aged 22, was tragically killed while defending Nahal Oz from attack, with his body still in Gaza.
“Nobody should ever be okay if they have lost a child,” Perez expressed. “But we need not be defined only by our pain and our challenges. We don’t have to ever get over it, but we have to get on with it.” This powerful message of resilience struck a chord with attendees, including Rabbi Daniel Rabin of Caulfield Shule, who praised Perez for exemplifying true leadership and courage.
As the deadline for voting approaches, Australian Jews are urged to make their voices heard in these pivotal elections, a chance to shape the future of the Jewish community worldwide. “Your vote matters,” Perez concluded, “and it’s time to stand together.”
For more information on how to vote, visit the official WZC website.
