AMIT proudly congratulates past president Sondra Sokal on being named a Virilist at the 2025 World Zionist Congress (WZC) in Israel—an honor reserved for a select few. A Virilist is an honorary fellow who may participate in meetings and committees, contributing insight and perspective without standing for election as an official delegate.
This unique role allows the Congress to draw on deep institutional knowledge while preserving coveted delegate seats for emerging leaders. Much like an emeritus position, the Virilist designation enables seasoned leaders to remain actively involved—just in a different capacity. “It’s a very good way to ensure participation from people with experience and institutional memory, while also making room for younger representatives to rise and assume leadership roles,” Sondra explained.
Currently, there are only two Virilists from the Religious Zionist movement in the United States—and both are past presidents of AMIT: Norma Holzer and Sondra Sokal. A third Virilist, also a past president of AMIT, Evelyn Blachor, z”l, recently passed away. “I think that says a lot about AMIT’s involvement in the Zionist world,” Sondra noted.
That involvement stretches back to the earliest days of the World Zionist Congress. AMIT, through the Mizrachi movement, participated in the second Congress (Religious Zionists were not part of the first). At a later Congress, AMIT founder Bessie Gotsfeld successfully advanced a motion to include Religious Zionist education in the curriculum for refugees arriving in Israel after World War II—a motion that was adopted and remains reflected today in Israel’s religious education department. It is a lasting testament to AMIT’s influence on the Zionist movement.
With two Virilists among its ranks, AMIT continues to leverage experience to drive meaningful growth. In her new role, Sondra may attend select meetings without formal invitation. “I don’t have to be a committee chair to have a voice,” she shared—an arrangement that ensures continuity while welcoming fresh perspectives.
Virilists are selected through a nomination process, with the designation taking effect at the subsequent Congress. In addition to her WZC involvement, Sondra currently serves as co-chair of the Budget and Finance Committee of The Jewish Agency for Israel, a role she will continue through the conclusion of her term in June.
AMIT extends heartfelt thanks to Sondra for her many years of leadership and dedication. Consistently a force for positive change, may this new distinction enable her to further increase her impact on behalf of AMIT and the people of Israel.
