What Do We Do

The Zionist Central Council of Greater Manchester (ZCC) is the umbrella organisation responsible for co-ordination of the several bodies, which promote the cause of Israel in the region. It is an organisation which is working on behalf of Israel supporters in the region of Greater Manchester and which actively promotes the cause of Zionism.The ZCC was established in the 1920's at a time when Manchester was prominent in the international Zionist movement. Dr Chaim Weizmann, who was to become the first president of the State of Israel, lived in the city and conducted his research at the University of Manchester. He strongly influenced the local community. Since then Manchester has been at the forefront of the Zionist endeavour.The ZCC is affiliated to the Zionist Federation in London (“the ZF”). Essentially the ZCC performs the functions of the ZF in the North West of England.The ZCC’s functions today include each of the following:-

• Co-ordinating the activities of the many different Zionist groups, including the youth movements;
• Organising the annual public events which celebrate Israel’s Independence Day (Yom Ha’Atzmaut) and commemoration of Rememberance Day (Yom HaZikaron) and Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim);
• Holding talks and lectures including the prestigious annual Sir Sidney and Lady Gertrude Hamburger Memorial Lecture and the Sherman Community Lecture;
• Providing speakers for other organisations including church groups, rotary clubs, schools and colleges;
• Liaising with the Zionist Federation in London and the staff at the Embassy of Israel over the presentation of Middle East issues and matters which effect the security and welfare of Jews and Israelis in the region;
• Promoting the cause of Israel by forming links with sympathetic Christian groups;
• Monitoring and responding to media coverage and opinion by means of the ZCC’s Media Response Group;
• Providing Israel Advocacy training.