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Zionist Organization of America

File:ZOA logo.png Logo of the Zionist Organization of America
Formation	1897
Type	Non-profit organization
Headquarters	New York City, New York, United States
President	Morton A. Klein
Website	zoa.org

The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is one of the oldest pro-Israel organizations in the United States, founded in 1897. It is dedicated to supporting the Jewish state of Israel and advocating for the interests of the Jewish people worldwide. The ZOA has played a significant role in American Jewish life and the broader Zionist movement.

History

The ZOA was established in 1897, the same year as the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, which was organized by Theodor Herzl. The organization was initially called the Federation of American Zionists and was instrumental in promoting the idea of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

In the early 20th century, the ZOA was a leading force in the American Zionist movement, advocating for Jewish immigration to Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish state. The organization supported the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

Mission and Activities

The ZOA's mission is to educate the public about the importance of Israel and to advocate for policies that support the security and prosperity of the Jewish state. The organization engages in a variety of activities, including:

• Advocacy: The ZOA lobbies the U.S. government to support Israel and to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias.
• Education: The organization provides educational resources and programs to inform the public about Israel and Zionism.
• Legal Action: The ZOA's Center for Law and Justice works to protect the civil rights of Jewish students and others facing discrimination.
• Community Engagement: The ZOA organizes events, conferences, and missions to Israel to strengthen the connection between American Jews and Israel.

Leadership

The ZOA has been led by several prominent figures in the American Jewish community. Its current president is Morton A. Klein, who has been in office since 1993. Under his leadership, the ZOA has taken strong stances on issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Iran nuclear deal.

Controversies

The ZOA has been involved in several controversies over the years, often related to its outspoken positions on Israeli security and U.S. foreign policy. Critics have sometimes accused the organization of being too hardline, while supporters argue that its positions are necessary to ensure Israel's safety.

Also see

• Zionism
• American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
• Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
• Jewish National Fund (JNF)
• World Zionist Organization

References

• Official ZOA Website
• "Zionism in America: The ZOA and the American Jewish Community," by Jonathan D. Sarna, in American Jewish History