As World Zionist Congress elections open, the newly appointed President of the Bukharian Jewish Congress of North America seeks to raise awareness about her community.
In a historic development for the Bukharian Jewish community in North America, Chagit Sofiev Leviev, 38, has been appointed as the President of the Bukharian Jewish Congress of North America, taking over from Boris Kandov who led the organization for 25 years. The mother of five is now making another groundbreaking move as she runs for a position in the World Zionist Congress (WZO), which allegedly no Bukharian Jewish person has held before.
The First Woman To Lead the Bukharian Jewish Congress of North America
«We are not like in the olden days,» Leviev explains with conviction. «Today, Bukharians speak English, attend colleges, and work as lawyers, doctors, and nurses. We have progressed tremendously in the last 30 years, blending into the American workforce. We need to be represented and taken seriously.»
Leviev’s appointment marks a significant shift in community leadership. As a younger leader, she brings fresh perspective while maintaining deep connections to Bukharian traditions. «Some people may view me as too young,» she acknowledges, «but I can feel what young parents in our community experience.»
The Bukharian Jewish population in North America is estimated at approximately 90,000 people, with the majority concentrated in New York. Despite their significant numbers and growing influence, Bukharians have historically lacked representation in major Jewish organizations like the World Zionist Congress.
The World Zionist Congress: A Critical Opportunity
The World Zionist Congress, often referred to as the «parliament of the Jewish people,» traces its roots back to 1897 when Theodor Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress. This historic gathering laid the foundation for the modern Zionist movement and the eventual establishment of the State of Israel.
Today, the Congress continues to play a crucial role in shaping Jewish affairs globally. Elections for the 39th World Zionist Congress opened on March 10, 2025, and will continue until May 4, 2025. The Congress itself will convene in Jerusalem from October 28-30, 2025.
«The World Zionist Congress is basically in charge of the largest Jewish organizations,» Leviev explains. «It has an annual budget of approximately $1.5 billion that is dispersed to Jewish causes around the world.»
These organizations include the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the Jewish National Fund-Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (KKL-JNF), The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and Keren Hayesod. Together, they allocate over $1 billion annually to support pressing needs across Israeli society and the Jewish diaspora.
Why This Election Matters
For Leviev, this election represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. «This only happens every five years,» she emphasizes. «Whoever gets the most votes gets the most power” — similar to a parliamentary system.
The United States will send 152 delegates to the Congress, representing approximately one-third of the total 525 delegates. The larger the voter turnout, the stronger the American Jewish voice becomes in this global Jewish forum.
Leviev is running on Slate #15, the ZOA Coalition, which includes over 30 leading organizations with a proven record of fighting for Israel, Jewish students, and the Jewish people. The ZOA Coalition is the largest slate in the elections and has a 127-year history of leadership in the World Zionist Congress.
«The only reason I decided to do this is that Bukharians weren’t represented,» Leviev states. «If people understood the magnitude of this, they would definitely vote.»
A Platform for Bukharian Jewish Concerns
Leviev sees her candidacy as a way to «put Bukharians on the map» and ensure their voices are heard in decisions affecting global Jewish communities. She notes that Bukharians have often been viewed as «overlooked» despite being a strong, successful community with significant numbers in the United States
«We have power,» she asserts. «We are a very strong, successful community.»
Beyond representation, Leviev is focused on issues that directly impact the Bukharian community, including Jewish education, community security, and cultural preservation. She has already established herself as a leader in Jewish education as president of the Jewish Institute of Queens (JIQ), which serves approximately 1,000 students.
«We really believe in Jewish education from a young age,» she says. «We’re looking for more schools, more locations to help any Jew that needs help with education.»
How to Vote
Voting in the World Zionist Congress election is open to all Jewish U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 18 or older by June 30, 2025, and who accept the Jerusalem Program, the foundational platform of the Zionist movement.
The process is simple: voters can cast their ballots online or via mobile devices at ZionistElection.org through May 4, 2025. Paper ballots are also available upon request. The registration fee is $5, which covers the administrative costs of the election.
«People’s investment is $5, but the return is much higher,» Leviev explains. «Once we get elected, we can make sure funding goes to the right organizations and causes.»
Building a Team for the Future
As she takes on these new leadership roles, Leviev is looking to build a strong team around her. «This is not just about me,» she emphasizes. «This is the work of everyone—supporters, volunteers. It’s not just a one-person operation.»
She has already begun recruiting passionate volunteers and supporters—and is actively seeking a righthand person to help manage responsibilities. “If you think you’re a right fit please reach out,» Leviev says, extending an invitation to community members who share her vision. She has also launched an Instagram account to document the work of the Bukharian Congress and is developing a website to further engage the community.
While she is still a full-time CEO of the Leviev Group USA, and sits on the boards of many non-for-profits, she still took this job upon herself. «It’s because I’m able to help,» says Leviev.
For the Bukharian Jewish community, this election represents a historic opportunity to gain representation in one of the most influential Jewish organizations globally. By voting for Slate #15 before May 4, community members can help ensure that Bukharian voices are heard in decisions that will shape the future of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
Erin Levi