ABOUT Mike Silverman

Mike Silverman – Candidate for the 2025 World Zionist Congress.

Representing Habonim Dror Aotearoa (“Habonim”) and Parents & Friends of Habonim NZ (“PnF”).

Endorsed by HaAvoda/Labour Zionist Movement & Brit Etz.

 

Shalom, my name is Mike Silverman. I am proud to stand as a delegate candidate for the 2025 World Zionist Congress, representing Habonim and PnF under the banner of HaAvoda and Brit Etz in Israel.

 

A little about me. I am a 3rd generation NZ Jew, born in Auckland, and apart from a few years in Israel and a couple in England, I have grown up here in NZ.

I am a member of the AHC, have served on the Goldwater Trust Board, work with the Auckland Chevra Kadisha, co-run the Parents & Friends of Habonim group and grew up with Habonim from a very young age.

I am married to Shari (nee Clements from Wellington) and we have 2 sons, Jono & Ben, who are both active in Habonim today.

 

So, why am I running for the NZ delegate position.

We are a small Jewish community in the South Pacific, with a significant geographical distance from Israel. However, maintaining a strong connection to Israel is crucial, and it must be balanced with the needs and strengths of our local communities to ensure our continued vitality.

 

Your vote is essential in helping us achieve this balance and strengthen our ties both locally and internationally.

 

Who am I representing?

Well, I am representing Brit Etz Olami under the HaAvoda platform and they have pledged their support to Habonim and Parents & Friends of Habo which will empower our leaders to continue the outstanding work they do with our youth.


Who is Brit Etz? They are a space of union, action, and hope. They unite Jews of all lifestyles, and visions under a common goal: to strengthen Jewish-Zionist identity, and build a shared future between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.

For more than five years, they have responsibly led key areas in the World Zionist Organization, promoting high-impact projects in the daily lives of thousands in fields of: education, leadership, inclusion, and community development.


Brit Etz VALUES AND PILLARS include:

  • Unity of the Jewish people: working to unite all currents and expressions of Judaism under the umbrella of Zionism, respecting diversity and valuing each unique contribution.
  • Pluralism, democracy, and inclusion: belief in building bridges to Jews who are not always under the traditional institutional umbrella, because every Jew counts and every voice matters.
  • Education for Jewish life: supporting and build Jewish and Zionist educational and leadership frameworks that promote human values, solidarity, and pluralism.
  • Transformative Zionism: to work and promote initiatives that generate a clear and direct impact on daily life in Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
  • Transforming challenges into opportunities: Construction and growth of a solid and proud Jewish-Zionist identity, with education and leadership.

 

Examples of what they have achieved in Israel include:

  • More rights and support for minorities in Israel, especially Druze with whom they have created a tight bond
  • More rights for LGBTQ movements who have received rights in the WZO statutes
  • More representation for Women and young people in the congress
  • Getting the World Zionist Organization and the JNF involved in reestablishing the north of Israel
  • Getting the World Zionist Organization to stand firmly for the democratic values of the State of Israel and against those who want to tear it down

 

Recently, their department of Zionist Enterprises has:

  • Sent community shlichim for the chagim and a shlicha for the last NZ Habonim summer camp
  • They assist in arranging Shlichim which is currently underway for Habonim this year
  • Created educational content for our youth leaders

 

What can Brit Etz do further for us in NZ:

  • They have pledged to assist in organizing seminars for young leadership in New Zealand
  • Financial support for educational programs in NZ

 

This support will enable our madrichim to travel more frequently to our smaller centres, extending their reach beyond Auckland and Wellington to run impactful programs. Additionally, it will provide greater assistance with resources and initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational materials available to our Jewish youth, ensuring that they receive the best possible support and opportunities.

 

For the past decade, I have co-led PnF with my wife Shari, working closely with Habonim Mazkirut, Madrichim, and wider parent community to ensure our Youth Movement thrives. Watching our young leaders grow and contribute so meaningfully to Jewish life in Aotearoa has been a true privilege.

My two sons - Jono, who went on Shnat in 2023 and is a Madrich in Auckland, and Ben, who is a junior Madrich - have been involved with Habonim from a very young age.

For over 75 years, graduates of Habonim have shaped Jewish communities in New Zealand and beyond—and continue to be powerful advocates for Israel. I believe passionately in the potential of this movement and ask for your vote to help strengthen its impact.


👉 Register to vote at https://nz.eventmagix.com
(Yes, it costs $3—but it’s a small price to help sustain and support our Jewish future.)
🗳️ Voting opens 15 June and runs through 30 June 2025.


Make your voice count. Vote Mike Silverman, Parents & Friends of Habonim NZ and Habonim Dror Aotearoa.



The World Zionist Organisation (WZO) is the connection between Israel and the Jewish communities in the diaspora that support Eretz Israel.

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