Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland


The Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland, also known as the British Zionist Federation or simply the Zionist Federation, is an umbrella organisation for the Zionist movement in the United Kingdom, representing more than 30 organisations and over 50,000 affiliated members. It was established in 1899 to campaign for a permanent homeland for the Jewish people.

History

The organisation was established in 1899 to campaign for a permanent homeland for the Jewish people.
In 1917, the British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour communicated the Balfour Declaration to the leader of United Kingdom's Jewish community Lord Rothschild for transmission to the Zionist Federation.
In 1920, the Zionist Federation founded Women's International Zionist Organization and Keren Hayesod. The ZF also founded a number of Zionist youth movements.

Aims and objectives

It describes itself as "the UK’s leading Israel advocacy and grassroots organisation" which "celebrates Israel and challenges our enemies."
Among its aims and objectives are to:
Activities include: training, campaigning, media engagement, lobbying, combatting the BDS movement, working with students and cultural events.

Structure and personnel

The Zionist Federation is an umbrella organisation encompassing most of the Zionist organizations and individuals in the country and, as such, represents the Zionist movement in the United Kingdom.
As of October 2012, the chairman is Paul Charney.