Please join us for a festive reception featuring a special exhibition alongside drinks and desserts, marking 30 years of partnerships. This is an opportunity to connect with our dedicated volunteer and professional leadership who are committed to promoting the partnerships that strengthen and enhance our global Jewish community. We look forward to an evening of meaningful conversation and connections as we Nosh2Gether!

Speakers:
Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency
Mr. Yehuda Setton, CEO of The Jewish Agency
Mr. Haim Bibas, Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel
Modi’in-Maccabim-Re'ut Mayor
Ms. Lori Klinghoffer, Co-Chair, Partnerships Global Council

Come together as a Jewish Changemakers community for our own kickoff to the General Assembly. Meet your fellow Changemakers and be welcomed by Changemakers and Jewish Federations leadership.

Open to: Jewish Changemakers participants only

The Executive Accelerator Dessert and Drinks Reception is to raise a glass to the Jewish Federations’ Executive Accelerator Cohort I as they near completion of their experience. This event is to celebrate Cohort I, surrounded by their supervisors, CEOs and champions, and to provide a space for others to meet this cohort of high-potential Federations leaders as they grow m'chayil el chayil- from strength to strength as leaders in the Federation system.

This event is by invitation only to those who have supported the Executive Accelerators through supervision, leadership, mentorship and Site Visits.

Experience the impact of Jewish volunteering, powered by Repair the World. Join the fight to end homelessness. Pack a care kit for Friendship Place, a DC service partner providing compassionate support for nearly 4,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness each year.

On behalf of Jewish Federations’ Center for Jewish Belonging, we invite you to join us for an evening of celebrating the leaders and organizations who have worked for decades to ensure all Jews and our loved ones belong. During this Jewish Belonging Reception, we will hear inspiring messages about Jewish communal belonging and highlight the many efforts in our communities focused on advancing justice and equity in Jewish life. We will also honor individuals who have distinguished careers in advancing Jewish communal belonging.

Open to: All GA attendees

Join your Chevre as National Young Leadership Cabinet Members and Alumni come together to connect, network, and share in the inspiration of Cabinet’s leadership and philanthropic impact.  

Open to: Cabinet Members and Cabinet Alumni

Following over a year of captivity, this briefing will focus on the current experiences and efforts of hostage families to get their families members released in a panel moderated by Sarah Hurwitz (former chief speechwriter to Michelle Obama) and featuring hostage family members including Jonathan Dekel-Chen (father of Sagui Dekel-Chen), Dalia Cusnir (sister-in-law of Eitan and Yair Horn), Orna Neutra (mother of Omer Neutra), and Lihi Moskow (cousin of Arbel Yahud)

The panel will be followed by a fireside chat between Gil Preuss, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Washington DC and Barak Ravid, political reporter, White House Correspondents' Award winner, and Middle East expert for Axios, on the current state of play in the Middle East and how the evolving conflict and new political developments affect the possibility of any potential negotiated outcome. 

 The discussions will touch on practical ways for the American Jewish community to stay involved and support efforts to bring the hostages home. 

Over breakfast, Executive Accelerators will meet in small groups to discuss their Capstone Projects, ask probing questions and provide peer feedback as Cohort I prepares to present their Capstone Project visions in January.

Open to Executive Accelerator Cohort 1 participants only

Join us for a breakfast discussion on Pitch Perfect, strategies to engage and inspire your donors through meaningful and thoughtful conversations.   

Last spring, Jewish students faced a growing threat on campuses as anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments surged, endangering their safety and well-being. Amidst this challenging environment, Jewish students must navigate the difficult decision of whether to attend schools where harassment and antagonism are prevalent or to seek out non-traditionally attended universities that may offer a safer experience. This session will explore strategies for protecting Jewish students, strengthening their presence on campus, and ensuring they thrive in a supportive academic environment.

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Black and Jewish communities in the U.S. share a rich history of both partnership and tension. In the aftermath of October 7th, new challenges and opportunities arise for these relationships. This session will explore a 21st-century approach to Black-Jewish Relations and address the difficult conversations needed to advance solidarity, trust, and mutual understanding. Learn from leaders who are at the forefront of strengthening these vital connections.

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This session features the trailblazing organizations shaping Israel's emergency response landscape. Discover how these innovators identified critical needs and took bold steps to address them, creating impactful and effective programs and services. Through firsthand accounts of our partners on the ground in Israel, participants will gain insights into the inspiring work supported by our communities' emergency campaign.

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Across North America, 20% of Jews face financial challenges, and many who deeply desire a connection to Jewish life remain unaware of the resources and community that could support them. New research has uncovered key moments when financial vulnerability leads to individuals or families becoming untethered from Jewish life. This session will explore these findings and highlight inspiring examples of how Jewish Federations, organizations, and philanthropists work together to ensure everyone can thrive in our Jewish community. Join us for an engaging discussion that invites participants from all disciplines to help build a more inclusive and supportive Jewish future.

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Following the horrific events on October 7th, Israel and the Jewish community have faced the silence of many human and women’s rights movements regarding the brutal acts of sexual violence committed by Hamas. This session includes an abbreviated screening of Screams Before Silence and a discussion on the powerful role of storytelling and advocacy in responding to such trauma. Discover how sharing survivors' experiences honors their legacy, strengthens community resilience, and underscores the need to speak out against sexual violence as a tool of terrorism. This session addresses why our community must break the silence around the use of sexual violence as a form of terrorism.

**Content Advisory: This session includes themes of gender-based and sexual violence that may be distressing. Viewer and participant discretion is advised.**

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Discover how service learning and volunteerism have reshaped Israel educational travel since 10/7. This featured session will explore innovative ways to integrate transformative volunteer experiences that deepen impact, foster empathy, and strengthen connections with Israelis. Gain strategic insights on embedding service into your travel programs to address local needs, build relationships, and leave lasting impressions on participants. Join us to elevate your programs with purposeful, impactful volunteer experiences

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From college campuses to city councils to the ICC, the battle over Israel's legitimacy is raging, fueled by media bubbles and social media algorithms. We’re seeing some of the implications in how younger people, in particular, relate to Israel. The way our community talks about Israel, Zionism, Jewish identity, and antisemitism can have profound implications for public opinion and policy alike. In this session, you'll learn what's working and what's not as our community combats the insidious efforts to marginalize the Jewish state.

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Join us to delve into the recent US presidential and congressional election results and their impact on the American Jewish community. This session will provide valuable insights into how changes in leadership and legislative priorities might influence Jewish communal life, advocacy efforts, and inter-communal relations across America. Engage in this critical discussion to understand the evolving political landscape and its relevance to our community.

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Since October 7, Jewish communal life in North America has changed rapidly, with renewed concerns about feelings on security, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism and a related surge in Jewish engagement. Join us in hearing how Jewish communal organizations are experiencing and responding to this surge nationally and in our local communities. Consider what we can do to build on this to strengthen the Jewish future.

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In an era of dynamic social change, understanding the modern Jewish family is more important than ever. This session delves into the findings from Jewish Federations’ recent research into noteworthy family engagement program models across North America and those from the Jewish Families Today Study to offer a comprehensive look at the shifting needs and aspirations of contemporary Jewish families. Together, we will explore the opportunities for innovation in the family engagement field and hear from leading experts and innovators on how to engage families in Jewish life. Join us for an enlightening conversation on how we can best support, inspire, connect, and empower Jewish families today.

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Join David Heller, National Campaign Chair for an engaging discussion about priorities and opportunities for fundraising in our communities.  Geared for Campaign Chairs and their professional partners, you will have an opportunity, with peers from across the continent, to share best practices and strategies for successful FRD growth. 

Invitation Only. 

Open to Campaign chairs and their professional partners - invitation only

This informal lunch is intended to provide Executive Accelerator Cohort I a time and place to conclude their in-person time together. Over lunch the Accelerators will continue to foster connections and exchange ideas. 

Open to Executive Accelerator Cohort 1 participants.

They have traveled to Israel together and make an annual Civil Rights pilgrimage. They support the NAACP’s largest chapter in Detroit and stand together at moments of crisis to ensure that Black and Jewish communities can rise together. Please join Gary Torgow and The Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony for a dialogue on the art of building friendship and allyship - and leveraging that relationship for the betterment of their communities.

This lunch session will take you through an interactive guided exercise to incorporate a financial inclusion lens in your community. We will discuss bright spots from local communities, provide a high-level roadmap for ensuring that low-income Jews are included in planning from day-one, and create space for collaborative dialogue for both professional and lay participants to plan for kicking off this work back home. While not required, we recommend pairing this session with the breakout session “We Can’t Afford to Lose Them: Why Millions of Low-Income Jews Disengage and What We Can Do”, scheduled directly prior to this lunch.

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The NAJL Luncheon at the GA will bring together Jewish legislators to connect, share ideas, and build relationships with each other and Federation staff and lay leaders. The luncheon will offer a chance to allow us to hear directly from Jewish legislators how we, the federation system, can best support them as they face increasing challenges in their legislatures back home. 

For questions, contact Eli Berne at Eli.Berne@JewishFederations.org 

On behalf of Jewish Federations’ Center for Jewish Belonging, we invite you to join us for the launch of the Jewish Belonging Coalition. The Jewish Belonging Coalition aims to mobilize a system-wide effort across all sectors of Jewish life to create a culture of belonging for all Jews and our loved ones. During this Luncheon, we will hear words of wisdom and inspiration, learn from unique presentations on Jewish belonging efforts taking place on a national and local level, and engage in networking opportunities to foster collaboration and partnership across all sectors of Jewish life.

Open to: All GA attendees

Conversation, analysis, and brainstorming related to the role of Israel education in Jewish education, among a closed list of stakeholders

Explore the evolution of Jewish influence at the White House, focusing on how Jewish advisors have shaped policy-making in recent administrations through their roles and contributions. We will also delve into the future of Jewish influence in American politics, highlighting emerging trends and challenges. Our discussion will emphasize the importance of Jewish events hosted at the White House, such as the annual Chanukah party and other Jewish heritage celebrations, and their significance to the Jewish community and the broader public.

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Join leading voices in Jewish education as we confront issues including Israel education, antisemitism, and Jewish pride in our post-10/7 world. This session will examine how Jewish education can leverage its deep-rooted strengths to evolve and meet the current needs of learners and communities. Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on innovative strategies to equip Jewish educators and organizations to build resilience, inspire pride, and promote meaningful engagement in challenging times.

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Investing in the safety and security of the Jewish community has become an integral part of fostering Jewish life. Today, our Jewish communities and institutions are more secure than ever before as we navigate the rise of antisemitism. As we continue to ensure that Jewish life is not threatened or limited by security concerns, we also have an opportunity to leverage our security infrastructure and expertise to support other religiously and cultural communities. As a result, we will continue to build bridges, strengthen civil society, and further protect the Jewish community. This session will delve into the challenges and opportunities in advancing this work and will include perspectives from interfaith allies, security experts, and Jewish communal leaders about best practices in collaborating across and beyond the Jewish community.

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Over the past year, North American Jewry has joined forces with on-the-ground partners in a powerful, sustained effort to support Israelis amid relentless challenges. As the conflict continues, our immediate and ongoing work is critical to Israel's recovery and future resilience. Jewish Federations are dedicated to helping Israelis return home, rebuild their communities, and strengthen their social fabric—even as new, urgent needs arise. In this session, you’ll hear from Israelis whose lives have been transformed by this remarkable support. Join us to explore the next steps in our collective journey to stand with Israel and to share your own thoughts and insights on the road ahead.

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The dynamics of the war in Ukraine are complex and continually evolving. This session explores its impact on the Jewish community, the continuing humanitarian crisis, and the broader implications of this conflict. Experts will discuss the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation with partners in addressing the war's challenges and how the North American Jewish community can continue to support the ongoing crisis.

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The events of 10/7 and the subsequent war have impacted Christian support for Israel, introducing new dynamics that call for thoughtful attention. This panel brings together prominent leaders from Evangelical Christianity and pro-Israel advocacy to strengthen and expand Christian alliances for Israel. The discussion will center on strategic approaches to engaging younger generations and broadening outreach to Hispanic, Asian, and Black Christian communities, ensuring a resilient and diverse support base for Israel's future.

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Jewish day schools have long been important incubators for leaders who have strong relationships with Israel, are equipped to stand up to antisemitism and strengthen their Jewish communities.  Jewish Federations' recent data also demonstrates a surge of engagement in Jewish life, placing day schools at a pivotal moment to welcome new families. This featured session will highlight the latest trends shaping the future of Jewish education and showcase innovative approaches to factors influencing enrollment, such as affordability, academic excellence, strategic marketing and the role of philanthropy, as communal leaders and the Government of Israel look to lead an unprecedented effort to grow enrollment. 

**Session in celebration of the launch of Project Aleph Bet, a partnership of Jewish Federations of North America, The Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, UnitED. 

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At a time of unprecedented challenges facing Israel and Israelis, it is more critical than ever that Israel is best positioned to achieve maximum success in all of its endeavors. This featured session will focus on the challenges and opportunities of ensuring that Israel benefits from and integrates women into Israeli government and society, as well as how Diaspora Jewry can support these efforts. Hear from women on the frontlines of strengthening and supporting Israel while working to change these dynamics in both the near and long term.

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Midlife Jewish adults, age 55 and older, make up a quarter and the most significant surge of Jews who were previously not engaging with Jewish life before October 7th, but who are now showing up in unprecedented numbers. Furthermore, a considerable percentage of donors who heeded the call to support Israel in the aftermath of October 7th fall in this demographic (69% of all donors). How can we respond to this skyrocketing demand to meet the needs and desires of midlife adults to (re)engage with Jewish life and meet the moment? Explore successful program innovations, ranging from local programs to immersive travel experiences, focused on giving midlife Jewish adults ways to navigate their purpose, explore transitions into new identities (career shifts, caregiving, grandparenting, and more), create friendships, and discover new community with others at a similar life stage for long-term engagement with Jewish life. 

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The rise in antisemitism on social media platforms is a growing and urgent concern for the Jewish community. This session will delve into social media's unregulated nature, examine its societal impacts and prospects, and highlight the pressing need for robust federal regulations. Topics include social media's evolution and unchecked growth, the data-driven impact of antisemitism, and potential legislative actions Congress could take to address these issues.

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