First Bukharian Jewish Woman Elected to World Zionist Congress
By Rafael Nektalov
Chagit Sofiev Leviev, President of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the United States and Canada, a well-known businesswoman, philanthropist, and community leader, has been elected as a US delegate to the World Zionist Congress (WZC) representing the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) coalition.
Additionally, Sofiev Leviev has been appointed to the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel, one of the most influential organizations shaping the future of the Jewish people.
The World Zionist Congress, often called the «parliament of the Jewish people,» brings together representatives from around the globe to set the policies and priorities for the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and other key institutions that affect Jewish life worldwide.
Chagit’s election and appointment reflect her unwavering dedication to strengthening Jewish identity, supporting Israel, and advancing Jewish education. As President of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the US and Canada and a leader of numerous charitable initiatives, including the Olga and Lev Leviev Foundation, she has worked tirelessly to unite communities and promote Jewish values.
“I am deeply honored to represent the US and the ZOA coalition at the World Zionist Congress and to join the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel,” said Sofiev Leviev. «These positions come with immense responsibility at a time when Jewish unity, security, and education are more important than ever. I am committed to working with my colleagues to strengthen both Israel and the global Jewish community.»
The ZOA coalition is known for its steadfast commitment to Zionist principles, Israel’s security, and the protection of Jewish rights in Israel and the diaspora. As part of the coalition and as a leader in the Jewish Agency, Sofiev Leviev will play a crucial role in shaping key initiatives covering areas such as Jewish repatriation to Israel, expanding educational opportunities, and combating global antisemitism.
The next World Zionist Congress will take place in Jerusalem, where Sofiev Leviev will join delegates from over 30 countries to discuss urgent issues and set priorities for the coming years.
Chagit Sofiev Leviev is the first Bukharian Jewish woman to be elected to such serious and influential organizations within the Jewish world, giving her the right to boost our community’s participation in the programs of the World Zionist Congress and the Jewish Agency.
In previous years, while still in the USSR, Ben Benyaminov and Rafael Nektalov were members of the World Zionist Organization and the World Jewish Congress.
In 2025, a group of activists from the «Emet ve Emuna» organization, Yuri Danielov and Slava Khanimov, also ran for the Board and the World Zionist Congress but did not receive a sufficient number of votes.
Boris Matatov, President of the Center of Bukharian Jews, and the editorial board member of The Bukharian Times newspaper congratulates Chagit Sofiev-Leviev on this victory and wishes her success in this honorable field.