Antisemitism has surged across society, impacting even mental health and social service spaces.  Some Jewish clients report being judged or dropped by therapists who view Zionism as a problem or a “mental illness” to be treated. Jewish providers have faced blacklists and harassment within their professional spaces.  This session will examine how such bias enters the helping professions, the legal and ethical duties to provide fair care, and what communities can do to ensure Jewish clients feel safe and respected.

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In the wake of a significant surge in Jewish communal engagement, our communities are presented with a pivotal opportunity to transform this momentum into lasting, inclusive connections. Yet, new data from the Jewish Federations of North America reveals that while the post-10/7 “Surge” initially sparked increased interest in Jewish community among for historically marginalized Jews—including LGBTQ+ Jews, Jews of Color, financially vulnerable Jews, and Jews with disabilities, their engagement has since declined more sharply, often due to uncomfortable experiences. This session will delve into data, lived experiences of different communities, and the evolving landscape of Jewish belonging in the 21st century, examining how intentional design and inclusive practices can foster deeper engagement across diverse demographics.

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Jewish education is the engine of communal vitality, yet too many families remain on the sidelines. How can we expand and sustain a thriving continuum of Jewish education, from preschool through day school? This session will spotlight bold, innovative strategies that communities are advancing across North America. From addressing the shortage of high-quality educators to launching large-scale enrollment campaigns, from reimagining affordability models to building powerful community partnerships, panelists will share actionable approaches that are reshaping the field. Join us to explore scalable models that are transforming access, strengthening enrollment, and ensuring more Jewish families are able to find their place in Jewish education.

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Since October 7, Israelis have undergone multiple and compounding traumatic experiences. Today, Israel faces a national crisis. A weak system before the war, Israel’s mental health system is undergoing significant changes to address the historic need.  How are the government, NGOs, and philanthropy looking to address short and long-term needs? How can technology be harnessed to serve individuals? How might we support concrete steps today to ameliorate deterioration in the future? This session will focus on exposing the magnitude of the issue and approaches for addressing needs as part of Israel’s rebuilding process. 

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For decades, Iran has positioned itself as the central challenger to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, a stark contrast from the wary alliance that existed between the two countries not so long ago. This session will unpack the ideological roots of that posture, examining how the regime’s worldview fuels both its regional ambitions and its hostility toward Jews across the globe. We will also look at how Iran projects power through its proxy networks, including Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias, which advance Tehran’s goals through terrorism, cyber operations, and covert activity. The discussion will also explore how threats translate into the most immediate security risks for Jewish communities outside Israel, and how strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement can help mitigate them. Just as important, we will ask what more communities should be doing now to prepare for the possibility of Iranian-linked threats closer to home, ensuring that Jewish institutions remain protected and resilient in the face of rising antisemitism.

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Throughout the Jewish community there is growing concern that news, social media, and other content-creating  organizations are either unable or unwilling to fairly cover antisemitism in America and the war in Israel. The problem is not limited to traditional outlets such as newspapers, TV, and radio, but also more modern parts of our media ecosystem such as podcasts, YouTube videos, Wikipedia, Artificial Intelligence, and the algorithm-defined pages of social media networks. This session will dig deep into the evolving media landscape and give you the real story about what's happening on the front lines and behind the scenes, and how our community is fighting back.

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While campuses have been a public flashpoint for antisemitic and anti-Israel protests, the true battle of ideas starts in elementary school. Antisemitic curricula, spread by extremist organizations, ideologues, and even teachers’ unions, preach antisemitic conspiracies in the language of justice to the youngest of children. Antisemitic bullying and intimidation can be found in schools nationwide. The Jewish community and our allies are standing up. Join us for a conversation on the emerging best practices that safeguard Jewish students and to understand how Jewish leaders can participate in building networks that ensure we combat the emergence of antisemitism in the next generation.

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Behind every Israeli reservist called to serve is a family, a business, a classroom, and a community left behind — strengthening them all must be part of our collective response. Join us to uncover how powerful partnerships are reimagining what it means to support those who serve. Hear expert insights gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing reservists and their families, and explore how holistic,

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This session will explore the critical role state and local governments plays in combating antisemitism, emphasizing the need for robust legislation, education initiatives, and community partnerships to address rising hate incidents. Presenters will discuss successful state and local-level strategies, including the establishment of task forces to combat antisemitism, legislative initiatives taken to push back on antisemitism and hate, and responses to antisemitic incidents and attacks that we have seen in recent years. Attendees will gain insights into how localized efforts can create meaningful impact, reinforce national commitments, strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, and ensure Jewish communities feel safe and supported across all regions.

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Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Yardena Schwartz joins the General Assembly for an in-depth conversation about her acclaimed book, Ghosts of a Holy War, which explores the lasting legacy of the 1929 Hebron Massacre and its haunting echoes today. Through vivid reporting, archival research and deeply human portraits, Schwartz illuminates one of the most pivotal moments in Israel's pre-state history, and the role disinformation has played in fueling this conflict for the last century. At a time when rampant misinformation is fueling both record levels of antisemitism and anti-zionism within the Jewish community, this session will focus on the importance of knowing our history so we can reclaim our story. 

Across North American campuses, Jewish college students are navigating a complex moment—confronting challenges while also building proud, connected, resilient, and vibrant communities. Join us to hear directly from students as they share what it’s like to live Jewishly on campus today. They’ll reflect on both the obstacles and opportunities they encounter, the support that makes a difference, and the innovative ways they are creating spaces of belonging, leadership, and authentic Jewish expression. This conversation offers an important window into the evolving landscape of Jewish campus life, including a first look at new research into the preferences, needs, and experiences of Jewish college students —and how the wider community can help empower and partner with the next generation of Jewish leaders.

This session will feature college students participating in a special General Assembly track, a partnership between Hillel International and the Jewish Federations of North America.

The university encampments of 2024 exposed a torrent of antisemitism embedded in universities around the country. Through advocacy, intervention and improved policies, higher education spaces are now quieter, but the antisemitism that enabled the protests still simmers under the surface. What needs to be done next to address the root issues, and to stop them from impacting future generations?

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At a time when the relationship between Jews and Israel is being tested and transformed, what tools will shape the future? This session brings together leading philanthropists, educators, and organizational visionaries to ask the central question: what comes next? 

We’ll surface the core forces shaping our communities - how connection and pride have deepened despite external noise, and how new opportunities are emerging to engage diverse and evolving communities across the Surge. Together, we’ll explore how Israel education, community engagement, and leadership strategies can strengthen belonging, resilience, and collective purpose. This conversation will set the tone for how the Jewish community charts its next chapter - grounded in data, vision, and shared action. 

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In the wake of rising antisemitism and growing exclusion from broader queer spaces, many LGBTQ+ Jews are returning to Jewish communal life, seeking not just safety but spaces where all parts of their identity can be seen, held, and celebrated. This moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Jewish leaders: how do we build communities that foster belonging while also navigating the emotional, political, and generational complexities within LGBTQ+ Jewish life? This session will explore the social and spiritual forces behind this renewed engagement, the mental health realities many LGBTQ+ Jews are carrying, and the diverse and at times deeply polarized perspectives within our communities around Israel, the war with Hamas, and the Jewish communal response. 

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The unprecedented and devastating Hamas-led terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023 not only changed the security psyche and posture of Israel, but Jewish communities around the world – unleashing an unprecedented number of threats and incidents directed at the Jewish community. Two years later, the recent attacks in Boulder and Washington DC, and ongoing impact and record level of antisemitism and hate against Jewish communities in North America shows no indication of subsiding. Join presenters to hear first-hand the assessment of the current threat environment and security landscape, discussing – from international, national, and local perspectives –  what we continue to face and how, by working together, we can continue to protect Jewish life.

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This panel will cut through the noise of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) and focus in on what matters most for Jewish communities today. Featuring leaders in fundraising, Jewish education, and national policy, we’ll unpack how the law reshapes charitable giving, opens new scholarship opportunities for Jewish day schools, and heightens challenges in health and human services to meet our community’s needs. The discussion will highlight practical takeaways—how the Jewish community can recalibrate fundraising strategies, advocacy priorities, and communal allocations to navigate this new landscape.

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The data is clear: since October 7, there has been a surge in both Jewish engagement and the desire for deeper connection across nearly every segment of our community—from young adults and midlifers to parents of young children and those in interfaith relationships. Yet in many communities, this surge can be difficult to detect, especially when measured through traditional metrics. This session will explore how and where engagement is happening, and why it often takes new forms. Over the last year, these trends have accelerated, revealing both new opportunities and long-standing gaps. This session will highlight emerging models—both institutional and grassroots—that reflect this shift, and hear from experts sharing case studies, challenges, and practical insights for building more responsive, welcoming Jewish communities.

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No Israeli community has been left untouched in the aftermath of October 7, yet the path to recovery looks different across the country. Explore the key role of Israel’s municipal leaders together with eye-level knowledge of their communities can lead to effective, tailored, and resilient rebuilding. Join us to examine how local authorities — as key connectors between citizens and the state — are best positioned to identify needs, direct resources, and spark innovative solutions for their communities. This conversation will ignite fresh thinking about how our communities’ support can align with Israel’s diverse regional realities and help shape a more effective and curated response to Israel’s needs.

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How are Jewish families grappling with today’s complex landscape and how are parents managing their own well-being as they navigate what it means to raise Jewish teens in this time? This session will explore the emotional wellbeing of parents of Jewish teens today, grounded in national research. Together, we’ll reflect on how post-October 7th realities are impacting parental well-being and explore how the Jewish community can best respond to parents’ most pressing needs, empowering them to help families thrive.

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Amidst the shifting dynamics of Israeli society and the broader region over the past two years, the story of Israel’s Druze community offers powerful new perspectives on identity, loyalty, and opportunity. Explore how recent developments have reshaped the Druze experience; what lies ahead for this proud and unique minority; what doors are opening in education, leadership, and civic life; and how our communities and new partnerships can help turn potential into progress.

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After October 7th, victims and their advocates have turned to the courts to seek justice, filing lawsuits against Hamas, Iran, the United Nations, and universities such as Columbia that are accused of fueling or excusing terror. This session will bring together attorneys for October 7 victims, leading international legal scholars, military experts, and Jewish advocacy leaders to examine lawsuits against Hamas, Iran, and institutional actors such as UNRWA and Columbia University. Panelists will explore how courts are addressing sexual violence claims and how recent UN reports have raised global expectations for accountability. They will also discuss legal action targeting universities like Columbia, where courts are testing how higher education can be held accountable for serving as platforms for extremist propaganda. Together, they will assess how legal action is reshaping the international response to terrorism and creating new avenues for justice for victims.

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In today’s attention economy, social media is no longer just about posting on Facebook or tweeting headlines. It’s about navigating a constantly evolving digital ecosystem where stories are crafted, distorted, and consumed in real time. This workshop will explore how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are becoming primary arenas for shaping Jewish identity, advocacy, and public perception. From algorithm-driven virality to the emotional power of short-form video, we’ll examine the current state of play and what it means for how the Jewish community tells its story—and who gets to tell it. 

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Join professionals from around the field to discuss their work engaging Jewish teens. Together, we’ll examine new survey data and statistical analysis of teen attitudes towards antisemitism, programming opportunities, Jewish identity, and more. We’ll also hear from professionals on the ground working with teens day in and day out to hear stories of success, challenges, and opportunities in this fascinating moment. Come prepared with questions and leave inspired to support the next generation of Jewish communal leaders. 

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This session will explore the inspiring case study of Kiryat Shmona's rebuilding efforts to gain a fresh perspective on the vital role of North American Jewry in post-October 7th recovery. Presenters will delve into the collaborative "village" approach, highlighting significant partnerships between Federations and others in supporting the city's revitalization. 

In this session, we’ll examine new 2025 data, learn best practices, and join in a discussion on what it would mean for Jewish federations and lay leaders to see class as more central to Jewish life and communal planning. We will explore how our communal narratives about money and class exacerbate stereotypes and obscure the real experiences of Jews across the economic spectrum. The session will include case studies from Los Angeles and Palm Beach. With 29% of Jews struggling or unable to make ends meet, the question is central to how we understand and access Jewish life. 

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Attacks on a Latter-Day Saints church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Shooting at the Annunciation Church School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bomb threats at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Murders of young staff from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. Amid a time of rising hate and violence, Jewish Federations have been working side by side with other religious and cultural communities to keep each other safe. The Tepper Foundation has accelerated this process through its groundbreaking Emergency Security Grant Program, which underwrites security improvements at centers of Jewish life while fostering bridge-building with other communities. This session will focus on the needs of our friends from other communities and opportunities to keep each other secure physically and supported emotionally.

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From Israel to Ukraine to crises closer to home, Jewish communities worldwide are facing extraordinary challenges that demand urgent, thoughtful responses. At the same time, we are witnessing a powerful surge of interest in meaningful engagement – an opportunity to strengthen Jewish identity and peoplehood through hands-on action and service. This session will highlight diverse models of Jewish volunteerism today, from global missions and immersive Israel educational travel experiences reshaped by service post-October 7 to local initiatives that are transforming how Federations and communities mobilize volunteers in their own backyards. Panelists will explore how ethical, values-driven service not only addresses urgent needs but also fosters deep, lasting connections between North American Jews and global Jewish communities. 

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Israel’s philanthropic landscape has changed dramatically in recent years with leading tech entrepreneurs thinking about impact, innovation, efficiency, and the ROI of purpose. Informed by Jewish values and a heightened sense of communal responsibility, new philanthropic models developed by these “Tech Jews” are now helping address the enormous needs which have emerged since October 7th. Join us to hear about these models and the exciting new opportunities for partnership with Federations and the North American Jewish community that are emerging as a result.

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Join acclaimed filmmaker Barry Avrich for an intimate and revealing conversation about the making of The Road Between Us—a powerful film that tells the story of the heroism and survival of the Tabon family on October 7.  What began as a creative journey became a powerful lesson in resilience when the Toronto International Film Festival initially rejected the film, sparking conversations about bias, courage, and the boundaries of storytelling in today’s cultural climate. Avrich will share how he navigated the emotional and professional challenges of that moment—transforming setback into opportunity—and ultimately saw his film celebrated and honored on the same stage that once turned it away. This session will delve into the intersection of art, truth, and advocacy, offering a candid look at what it means to tell a Jewish story in a world that often resists hearing it.

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As Jewish leaders, we know that fundraising is about more than just dollars—it’s about building community, trust, and shared purpose. This session will dive into the rich tapestry of Jewish values that can guide and energize our Jewish communal fundraising work.

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Since October 7, the Middle East has been thrust into renewed instability, testing existing alliances and reshaping the landscape of Israel-Arab relations. As regional actors reassess their interests, questions around normalization, security cooperation, and long-term diplomacy have taken on new urgency. At the same time, the war has complicated prospects for Israeli-Palestinian dialogue—raising critical questions about what a future path to peace might look like. This session will examine the shifting geopolitical realities facing Israel and its Arab neighbors, and explore what may lie ahead for the region—from renewed tensions to emerging opportunities for partnership, engagement, and coexistence.

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