ALBANY, N.Y., December 3, 2024 — 2,500 proud Zionists, including a delegation from the Capital Region, attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel in Dallas from November 14-17, 2024, fueling torches of light that continue to shine brightly even in these darkest of times.

The delegation included philanthropists, pro-Israel community members of all faiths and from 10 different countries, long-time Jewish National Fund-USA partners (donors), rabbis, clergy, and cantors who attended the conference’s Rabbinical Summit, and teenagers and young adults who participated in the conference’s High School and College Summits.

“How incredible to see so many committed Zionists, people from all backgrounds, with different perspectives, coming together for a common goal — to ensure a strong Israel for all,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Chairman, Dr. Sol Lizerbram.

The spirit of “Am Israel Chai,” “the people of Israel live,” resounded throughout the Hilton Anatole as attendees bonded over a commitment to uphold and honor the shared values that supporters of America and Israel so dearly value, sharing sentiments of solidarity, a celebration of Israeli resilience, and a desire to reimagine a bright future for residents living in and currently evacuated from, Israel’s North and South. They were also united by their collective determination to bring the remaining hostages back home and to rebuild the communities that experienced widespread devastation on October 7.

“As survivors of what has become the largest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust — and as witnesses to the most devastating tragedy since Israel’s founding — we carry an immense weight,” said Michal Uziyahu, mayor of the Eshkol region on the border with Gaza. “When confronted with such darkness, we face a crucial choice: we can passively watch as history unfolds around us, or we can actively choose to shape it.”

Scores of Israelis attended the event, including displaced residents of hard-hit communities like Kibbutz Re’im and Kibbutz Be’eri, civil defense officers who fought Hamas terrorists, American lone soldiers who moved to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), residents from northern Israel, and others including Olympian Peter Paltchik, who represent Israel on the global stage.

“Together, we’re building a future that will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” said National Conference Co-Chair Michael Miller.

Featured speakers at the multi-day summit included the former commander of British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Col. Richard Kemp; Co-Founder and CEO of Boundless and author of the newly-released book Stand-Up Nation, Aviva Klompas; Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Rabbi David Wolpe; Assistant Professor of Management, Columbia University Business School, Shai Davidai; Actor & Comedian, Michael Rapaport; and Israeli leaders including several mayors.

The presenters addressed a wide range of topics that are deeply meaningful to the global Jewish and Zionist communities, including efforts to rebuild the southern Israeli communities on the border with Gaza; campuses on the frontlines; ethics of war as it relates to the IDF; the safety and security of Jewish communities; and other themes connected to Israel’s security, technology, resilience, and culture.

“Being together with 2,500 people who love and support Israel is enriching for my soul,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s Capital Region Board of Directors & National Major Gifts Chair, Mara Ginsberg. “For me, being together with our community of Zionists is the best way to emotionally fend off the rampant antisemitism we read about and experience around the globe.”

“Though we all continue to grieve the continuing losses of life and the hostages are still held captive, we came together with 2,500 Zionists to hear stories of hope and resilience,” added Jewish National Fund-USA’s Capital Region Board of Directors President & Women for Israel Chair, Lauren Iselin. “We must look to the future and continue to be there for our brothers and sisters in Israel.”

Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2025 Global Conference for Israel will take place on October 23-26, 2025, in Hollywood, Fla. Early Bird Registration closes February 28, 2025. For more information, visit jnf.org/global2025 or contact [email protected].

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About Jewish National Fund-USA

Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.