Religious Zionists of America
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The Religious Zionists of America (Hebrew official name: Mizrachi-Hapoel Hamizrachi, also referred to in general terms as Mizrahi) is an American-based organization that serves as the official body for those, mostly Modern Orthodox Jews who identify with Religious Zionism and support the goals of the general Mizrachi movement in America, Europe and Israel.
Most rabbis affiliated with Modern Orthodoxy's Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), who are mostly alumni of Yeshiva University's (YU) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) are active members and leaders in the RZA so that there is a strong correlation of leadership between YU, the RCA, Mizrachi in general, and the RZA.
The RCA works on common Zionist agendas with similar non-Orthodox and non-religious organizations, such as the Zionist Organization of America, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, B'nai B'rith, United Jewish Appeal, the Jewish National Fund, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and others.
The President of the RZA is Rabbi Yosef Blau,[1] who also serves in the key position of mashgiach ruchani ("spiritual advisor") of students at Yeshiva University. RZA’s Executive Vice President that serves as chief executive for day-to-day operations is Alan A. Mond. His immediate predecessor was the late Israel Friedman[2] who is also the Executive Vice President Emeritus.[3]
See also
- Bnei Akiva
- Meimad
- Mizrachi (political party)
- Mizrachi (Religious Zionism)
- Hapoel HaMizrachi
- Modern Orthodox Judaism
- National Religious Party
- Religious Zionism
- Renewed Religious National Zionist Party
- Yeshiva University
- Abderhakhman Benhaim