At the core of the Zionist Organization of America’s mission is an unwavering commitment to the sovereignty of the State of Israel. For the ZOA, sovereignty is not just a political concept; it is an inherent right rooted in thousands of years of history and codified in international law. This perspective often places the ZOA at the forefront of debates concerning the status of Judea and Samaria—regions commonly referred to as the West Bank. While much of the international community calls for a “two-state solution,” the ZOA remains skeptical, arguing that such a path often compromises Israel’s basic security and historical integrity.
The ZOA’s stance is based on the belief that the Jewish people have a moral and legal claim to their historic heartland. The organization frequently cites the San Remo Resolution of 1920 and the Mandate for Palestine as legal frameworks that recognized the Jewish right to settle in these areas. By advocating for the expansion and security of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, the ZOA aims to ensure that Israel maintains defensible borders and protects its religious and historical sites. The organization argues that a precipitous withdrawal from these territories would not lead to peace, but rather to the creation of a vacuum that hostile actors could exploit.
Beyond territorial claims, the ZOA’s support for sovereignty extends to Jerusalem. The ZOA was a leading voice for decades in the campaign to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that was finally realized in 2018. For the ZOA, recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel was a crucial acknowledgment of reality and a validation of Jewish history. This advocacy reflects the organization’s broader philosophy: that peace can only be built on a foundation of truth and a recognition of Israel’s fundamental rights.
In an era of intense diplomatic pressure, the ZOA serves as a steadfast ally for those in Israel who believe that sovereignty is the only true path to long-term security. By providing educational resources, lobbying US lawmakers, and engaging in public discourse, the ZOA ensures that the narrative of Israeli sovereignty is heard clearly. The organization maintains that a strong, sovereign Israel is not an obstacle to peace, but the very prerequisite for it. Through its work, the ZOA continues to champion the idea that the Jewish state must have the final say in its own destiny and the protection of its people.
