At the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, Tal Shuster calls on Israeli-Americans to rise against antisemitism, defend Jewish education, and vote decisively in upcoming U.S. elections.
For the first time ever, the Israeli-American Council (IAC) joined the World Zionist Congress as an official party, representing the vibrant community of Israeli-Americans in the United States. Speaking to Arutz Sheva – Israel National News, Tal Shuster, the IAC’s Co-Chairwoman, described the moment as “amazing” and deeply symbolic of the unity between Israel and its diaspora community.
“It’s the first time that the IAC is here as a party,” Shuster said proudly. “A party that represents the community of Israeli-Americans in the United States.”
🤝 Unity Beyond Denominations
Shuster marveled at the Congress’s diverse makeup—150 representatives spanning Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jews, all standing together “for the same mission: for the State of Israel.”
“It’s beautiful,” she said, emphasizing that the IAC’s goal is not political maneuvering but the future of Jewish identity and solidarity.
🛡️ Fighting Antisemitism in the U.S.
“The IAC is focused on one thing—protecting the next generation,” Shuster declared. “We ask: how can we help the rising antisemitism in the United States? How can we strengthen our students and our community?”
She made it clear: “We are staying away from the politics. We are here to act—to empower, educate, and defend.”
🗳️ Mobilizing the Jewish Vote
Turning to the November 4th U.S. elections, Shuster issued a rallying cry to Israeli-Americans:
“On election day, we all need to go out and vote. Every one of us. We must make a difference.”
She warned that complacency is dangerous and that every position—from Board of Education to City Council, from mayoral to gubernatorial races—matters for Jewish safety and representation. “It starts locally,” she said, “and that’s where influence begins.”
📚 Protecting Jewish Values in Education
Citing her own daughter’s school experience, Shuster shared a shocking example:
“My daughter came home with a book titled ‘We Are Palestine.’ That’s when I realized she was being exposed to political narratives without our knowledge.”
Her message to parents was crystal clear: “Be involved. Once we are involved, we make a difference.” She noted that many community members are now running for local school boards to counter biased content and protect truthful, value-based education.
💪 “We Are Not Afraid”
Asked if Jews in New York feel fear amid growing antisemitism, Shuster’s response was resolute:
“There’s no fear. We are a proud, strong, Jewish, Israeli-American community in New York—and we are not afraid.”
Even if hostile political figures like Zohran Mamdani gain ground, Shuster insists the community must respond not with fear but with activism: “We will be patient, we will stay safe, and next time, we will be more active.”
🌍 A Global Jewish Call to Action
Shuster’s message stretched beyond New York: “Election is everywhere on November 4th. It’s our responsibility—as Jews, as Israelis, as parents—to act. To vote. To protect our children’s future.”
Her words at the World Zionist Congress carried both urgency and hope: that Jewish unity, active citizenship, and steadfast pride will ensure that neither antisemitism nor apathy will dictate the destiny of the Jewish people.
