Orthodox Rabbi Appointed Head of UK Zionist Federation
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Rabbi Yonatan Gutentag, representing Orthodox and Haredi movements, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Zionist Federation in Britain, replacing Leah Moolstein. The change follows a shift in the directorate's composition, with Orthodox-Haredi groups now holding a majority. This development is part of a broader effort to increase Haredi engagement with the World Zionist Organization, which began in 2021. Rabbi Gutentag, a descendant of Zionism's coiner, aims to promote unity within the organization.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yonatan Gutentag elected Chairman of the Zionist Federation in Britain.
- Orthodox and Haredi representatives now hold a majority on the directorate.
- The change signifies a shift from Reform-Progressive leadership to Orthodox-Haredi influence.
- Rabbi Gutentag is the great-grandson of Dr. Nathan Birnbaum, who coined the term "Zionism."
- The new leadership aims to foster collaboration among member organizations.
Rabbi Yonatan Gutentag has been elected as the new Chairman of the Zionist Federation in Britain, replacing Rabbi Leah Moolstein, who is associated with the Reform and Progressive movements. This leadership change follows a shift in the organization's directorate, moving the balance of power from Reform-aligned leadership to Orthodox and Haredi representatives.
The new directorate comprises four representatives from the 'Eretz HaKodesh' movement, four from the UK branch of World Shas, and four from Likud UK. Additional members include representatives from the Herut party, Meretz, and the progressive 'Artzenu' movement. The directorate, formed after the recent General Assembly, approved all 15 candidates for its seats.
The shift began in 2021 when Rabbi Pessach Lerner, founder of the 'Eretz HaKodesh' movement, asked Rabbi Gutentag to establish a UK branch. Following guidance from Rabbi Avraham Gurvitz, head of Gateshead Yeshiva, Rabbi Gutentag consulted with prominent rabbis in Israel. Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky gave his blessing for the Haredi public's participation in the World Zionist Organization.
In the 2025 World Zionist Congress elections, 'Eretz HaKodesh' secured five mandates and Shas added three. The current directorate composition includes eight joint representatives from 'Eretz HaKodesh' and Shas, four from Likud, and one each from Herut, Meretz, and Artzenu. Consequently, the three Orthodox-Haredi movements collectively hold 12 out of the 15 directorate seats.
Rabbi Gutentag previously served as the rabbi of the Whitefield community in Manchester and co-founded the British branch of 'Eretz HaKodesh.' He is also the great-grandson of Dr. Nathan Birnbaum, who coined the term "Zionism." Upon his election, Gutentag expressed respect for the trust placed in him and emphasized his desire to foster collaboration among all member organizations.