World Zionist Congress: Who is Anu and what do they stand for?

Who is ANU: A New Union?

ANU is a slate of candidates running for the WZC, comprising a wide range of Jewish leaders and activists. Their membership includes politicians, policy experts, tech professionals, filmmakers, journalists, rabbis, educators, lawyers, hostage advocates, and climate activists. This diversity extends to age, with half under 35, and gender, with over half being women. They also represent various ethnic backgrounds, such as Latina, Hindi, and Native American, and include members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and U.S.-born Jews. ANU describes itself as a "big tent," welcoming all, from the shomer Shabbat to the Jew who feels like an orange on a seder plate: a symbol of inclusivity.

Leading ANU is Roei Eisenberg, an Israeli-American educator and policy expert based in Los Angeles. As the founder and executive director of ANU, Eisenberg brings extensive experience, having founded Bayit Consulting to foster understanding between American and Israeli Jews and served on boards like the Israel Policy Forum and the Jewish Federation of LA. His background includes senior editorial roles at Ynetnews and Globes, and he holds an M.A. in Israel Education from George Washington University. The board includes figures like Steve Paletz (Treasurer), Amanda Bekkerman (Secretary), and others.

Why Vote for ANU?

ANU’s platform is built on fostering initiatives that bring American and Israeli Jews closer through "arevut hadadit" (mutual responsibility), inspired by the teaching that "kol yisrael arevim zeh lazeh" (all of Israel are responsible for one another). They propose creating a department to promote democratic values within the WZO and advocate for educational programs that emphasize "yedi'at yisrael" (knowing Israel) alongside "ahavat yisrael" (love of Israel). Their commitment to a two-state solution reflects a belief in regional peace, ensuring Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state, though this stance may spark debate among Zionist factions.

ANU’s grass-roots, independent nature, run by volunteers without external funding, ensures transparency and integrity, free from special interest influence. Their diverse membership and focus on discourse, encapsulated in the saying "two Jews, three opinions," position them as a slate that values dialogue and inclusivity. Roei Eisenberg states, "We believe that the strength of the Jewish people lies in our diversity. By bringing together Jews from all walks of life, we can create a more vibrant and resilient Zionist movement that truly represents all of us."

The board includes key figures like Steve Paletz (Treasurer), Amanda Bekkerman (Secretary), Beth Boroumand (Director), Shoshana Leon (Director), Tara Khoshbin (Director), Stacey Jasper (Director), and Alex Kanner (Director), among others.

Policy Platform and Ideological Stance

Education is a cornerstone, with ANU advocating for programs that foster not just "ahavat yisrael" (love of Israel) but "yedi'at yisrael" (knowledge of Israel). This could include exchange programs, Hebrew language instruction, and cultural immersion for young Jews, aiming to deepen understanding of Israel’s history, culture, and current affairs. Their educational focus aligns with efforts to strengthen Jewish-Zionist identity, especially post-October 7, 2023, amid rising antisemitism.

PLEASE NOTE that Anu are strong supporters of a two-state solution, which has become less and less viable and popular as the answer to Israel and The Middle East. But Anu doesn't see it like that. Rather, they still believe it is the only viable path for Israel to exist safely in the region while maintaining its Jewish and democratic character. They acknowledge this may not happen soon or with current leadership, but emphasize its necessity for long-term peace, aspiring for regional acceptance of Israel globally.

ANU’s beliefs extend to a broad definition of Zionism: "A Jew is a Jew is a Jew: And so is a Zionist." They define Zionism as both the belief in Jews’ right to their ancestral homeland and the vision of Israel as a place for all who work together for a shared future.

ANU’s leaders say that it is appealing for the following reasons:

1. Their diversity strengthens their representation, ensuring voices from various ages, genders, and backgrounds are heard, potentially resonating with younger and diverse Jewish voters.

2.Their grass-roots, independent nature, run entirely by volunteers without external funding, guarantees transparency and freedom from special interest influence, a critical factor in an election where over $5 billion in annual funding is at stake for institutions like the Jewish Agency and JNF.

As of March 30, 2025, the WZC elections are underway, with U.S. voting running until May 4, 2025, for 152 delegates. ANU believes that voting for them could help steer the WZO towards a future that embraces cooperation, understanding, and peace, especially appealing to those prioritizing inclusivity and progressive policies. Readers interested in supporting ANU can look for more information on their social media presence or through local Zionist organizations.