Today, Raffy Boudjikanian at CBC News released a report that the World Zionist Organization was included on a draft list of sanctions but was ultimately removed. As part of the Global Sanctions Coalition, Just Peace Advocates, and others have been asking the government to impose sanctions on the WZO and the Jewish National Fund. The Canadian government left WZO off the sanction list, so Canadian taxpayers will continue to fund the Israeli government through the WZO and its associated organizations.
A brief background
Embedded within the State of Israel are four key organizations: the World Zionist Organization (WZO), Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Keren Hayesod, and the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF).
Together, the WZO, JAFI, Keren Hayesod, and the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) “comprise the four pillar national institutions of the State of Israel, all of which enjoy a special protected legal status.” These four “National Institutions” all share one headquarters in Jerusalem.
How are Canadians involved?
The CRA is currently allowing Canadian charities to fund these National Institutions with tax-subsidized funds. For instance:
United Israel Appeal of Canada (UIAC)
UIAC is a Canadian charity despite 96% of its charitable program expenses going to Israel.* UIAC funds Israeli municipalities, entities in illegal settlements, and recipients that support the Israeli military. Additionally, they fund at least two of the four National Institutions.
Between 2023 and 2024, UIAC sent $46,076,255 to JAFI and in 2024, $491,771 to Keren Hayesod.
World Zionist Congress (WZC)
The WZC is essentially the parliament of the WZO. Of the seats on the WZC, about a third are from Israel, a third from the United States, and the others from the rest of the world, with Canada being assigned 19 seats in 2025 (the first year Canadians could vote).The composition of the Israeli delegation reflects the breakdown of the parties in the Knesset at the time of the WZC election. The World Zionist Congress is political and therefore those running for Canadian representation are partisan, with ties to political parties in Israel.
At least four Canadian charities are connected to the WZC: Mizrachi, ARZA Canada, Canadian Forum for Russian Speaking Jewry/B’yachad Canada, and Canadian Young Judea (this does not include 2 already revoked charities). Between 2000 and 2024, Mizrachi sent $2,825,046 to the Jewish National Fund of Canada and $45,839,380 directly to Israel.
Take Action
These questions remain — why are Canadians tax-payers subsidizing the Israeli government’s settler colonial project? Why is the CRA allowing tax-subsidized funds to be sent to Israel’s National Institutions that are an integral and active part of Israel’s illegal settlement expansion? What will the Canadian government do to end support for Israel’s illegal occupation, apartheid regime, and ongoing genocide?
Tell the CRA to act now!
ACTION 1: Tell the CRA to Stop Funding Israel’s Illegal Occupation Through UIAC’s Tax-Subsidized Funds
ACTION 2: Why are Canadians subsidizing the World Zionist Congress elections? Demand answers now!
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