World Zionist Congress

The World Zionist Congress is the governing body of the World Zionist Organization, established in 1897 by Theodor Herzl as the supreme organ of the Zionist Organization. Initially known as the Zionist Congress, it was renamed the World Zionist Congress in 1960, alongside the organization's name change to the World Zionist Organization. As the legislative authority, the Congress plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and direction of the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency.

The World Zionist Congress is composed of 500 elected delegates, with any Jew over 18 years old who belongs to a Zionist association eligible to vote. The delegates are allocated across different regions, with 38% representing Israel, 29% representing the United States of America, and 33% representing the remainder of the countries in the Diaspora. Additionally, around 100 delegates are appointed by international organizations affiliated with the World Zionist Organization. The Congress is responsible for electing officers and determining the allocation of funds, making it a key decision-making body in the organization. The first Congress was held in Basel, Switzerland in 1897, marking the beginning of the organization's efforts in promoting Zionist activism.