Now Is the Time”: Ilana Kozak Urges American Jews to Vote Slate #21 (American Forum for Israel) in World Zionist Congress Elections Before Sunday Night

This article has been sponsored by the American Forum for Israel.

Ilana Kozak, Israeli-born activist and Brookly resident is calling on American Jews to make their voices heard (and really make an impact on Israel) in the upcoming World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections by casting their vote for Slate #21 – the American Forum for Israel (AFI). In a passionate interview with the Israel Daily News, Kozak explained why this election matters and how her slate is driving impact on the ground — not just in Israel, but across the Jewish world.

“We’re a proud, unapologetically pro-Israel slate,” Kozak said. “We believe that we have to do everything in our power to protect, to guard Israel, and that’s our slogan — Guard Israel Now — because now more than ever, we cannot afford to be quiet.”

Kozak oversees one of the world’s largest free Hebrew-language initiatives through the World Zionist Organization’s Department for the Promotion of Aliyah. She has helped thousands of Diaspora Jews learn Hebrew, mentored students, and hosted cultural events aimed at deepening Jewish identity.

“It’s the first tool we can give people in the Diaspora to connect to our homeland,” she said. “And I was able to do that because of funds and budgets that have been secured through the slate in the past years.”

Fighting for Funding and Visibility

The World Zionist Congress determines how over $1 billion in global Jewish funds are allocated — toward educational programs, security infrastructure, aliyah efforts, and more. According to Kozak, most American Jews don’t realize just how much influence they can have by voting – or how big the budget is. 

“Over a billion dollars in funding is spent in the Jewish world. If you care about Israel, if you want to make Israel strong, if you want Jewish life in America to be, to continue being as good as we, we’ve had it… If you believe in a strong, proud Jewish state for us and for our children, this is the moment that people really have to act it,” Kozak said. “It takes just a few minutes. It’s a $5 processing fee and a vote.”

The American Forum for Israel, Slate #21 has helped fund bomb shelters at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, mobile shelters in southern Israel, and computers for schools in Sderot. Kozak says the slate is action-oriented and fills urgent gaps where other groups fall short.

“We don’t just talk. We deliver measurable, actual results,” she emphasized. “We shift our focus to where we lack resources… things like aliyah, land development, Jewish education in the Diaspora, and really bold pro-Israel advocacy.”

Bridging the Gap Between Israel and the Diaspora

Kozak, who now lives in Brooklyn, says her Israeli-American identity gives her a unique vantage point on the needs of both communities.

“I grew up in Israel knowing what it means to have a homeland,” she said. “Now living in the U.S., I see how Jews crave that connection. I work with college students in our local communities and they just want to belong to something. We give them that opportunity.”

Kozak’s vision is centered on inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the next generation.

“Every Jew, no matter where they live, deserves a strong relationship with Israel,” she said. “And this is why I chose to run for Slate #21.”

A Call to Young Jews: Show Up, Speak Out

Kozak expressed concern over rising antisemitism on American college campuses and a widespread lack of Zionist education.

“We have to be more active and push pro-Israel advocacy. We just cannot afford to be silent right now,” she said. “Mentorship, leadership, and more classes focused on Israel-centered initiatives — that’s what’s required.”

She described visiting college campuses where students are no longer afraid to speak up for Israel.

“Walking into a college campus and seeing unapologetic, bold statements from supporters of Israel really makes me proud,” she said. “Being part of that side, the side of pro-Israel — that’s what makes me take pride in my day-to-day tasks.”

“Never Again Is Now”

As Israel marks its 77th Independence Day amid war and global tension, Kozak says there’s no time to waste.

“Never again is now,” she said. 

Her closing message was a charge to American Jews to not just talk about Jewish values, but to act on them.

“We’ve gone through so much. Talking is not enough. It’s about delivering results,” she said. “If you’re interested in being part of history and not having a feeling of FOMO later, voting now is essential.”

Kozak says this Israel Independence day, it is fitting to move from the sad 24 hours of Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) to Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day). 

“That’s our true essence as Jewish people – the ability to cry and to laugh at the same time. I don’t know any other nation that is more resilient than the Jewish people. I think that we have to be able to recognize the sacrifices that were made, but at the same time look into a bright, strong future because we don’t have excuses. We can’t make apologies. We have to fight for what’s ours and celebrating Israel’s 77th birthday is one of our biggest achievements as a Jewish nation,” she said. 

How to Vote

Voting for the World Zionist Congress ends Sunday, May 4. To cast your vote for Slate #21 – American Forum for Israel, visit zionistelection.org. You must be 18 or older, identify as Jewish, and be a U.S. citizen.

“We’re given the opportunity. We’re given the tool. All we have to do is use it — now.”