World Emunah celebrates a significant milestone with the election of Adv. Elisheva Ansbacher as Chair of the Zionist General Council at the first meeting after the 39th World Zionist Congress. Her appointment, which places a representative of the global religious-Zionist women’s organization at the helm of one of the most influential bodies within the national institutions, has generated excitement throughout Emunah chapters worldwide.
Meira Lerner, Director of World Emunah, describes the response within the organization as overwhelmingly positive. “Everybody is incredibly excited. It’s such a huge honor, for Elisheva, of course, but also for Emunah,” Lerner said. “To have one of our representatives in this role, and someone as capable and respected as Elisheva, is truly meaningful.”
Lerner notes that congratulatory messages have flooded in not only from Emunah members around the world but also from partner organizations within the World Zionist Organization (WZO). “It’s wonderful to have such a warm response. It shows how respected she is, and how respected Emunah is.”
Lerner emphasized that Ansbacher’s election is more than just symbolic. As Chair of the Zionist General Council, she will lead one of the most significant governing bodies of the national institutions between congresses. “Having a woman, and a woman representing a religious-Zionist organization, leading this forum is an inspiration for many,” Lerner said. “She is the only woman currently holding such a top leadership position in this structure. That makes her appointment incredibly important. It’s another step forward, and certainly not the last.”
This milestone also underscores the growing influence of Emunah within the Zionist movement. Lerner pointed to the organization’s strong presence at the recent World Zionist Congress, where World Emunah successfully passed two resolutions focused on women’s leadership and increased female representation within national institutions. “We had a diverse and dynamic delegation,” she noted, adding that passing these resolutions required collaboration across party and organizational lines. “It shows that Emunah is viewed as a leading and respected voice.”
Lerner hopes Ansbacher’s leadership will help foster unity within the Jewish world. After two years of war and significant internal tension both in Israel and the Diaspora, she believes the Zionist institutions must play a critical role. “I think we would all like to see a much more unified Israel moving forward,” she said. “Anything the WZO can do to develop programs that build unity, within Israel, in the Diaspora, and between the two, would be a great blessing. That’s what I hope to see.”
Ansabacher herself expressed this message of unity in a statement included for this article: “The national institutions play a significant role in creating connections among all parts of the Jewish people and serving as a bridge between the State of Israel and Jews in the Diaspora. At a time when the challenges are so great, the Zionist institutions, where all segments of the nation are represented, are more relevant than ever. I am pleased with the broad representation of women in the Congress and the Executive, including from organizations that previously did not send women representatives. The recent Congress proved that if we wish to achieve meaningful results, we must set aside sectoral politics and act for the good of the entire Jewish people.”
For World Emunah Ansabacher’s new role is both a moment of pride and a call to further action. “She’s a strong leader,” Lerner said. “We stand behind her completely, and I know she will help break down more barriers for women, for religious-Zionist voices, and for unity across Am Yisrael.”