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.

Speakers

Moderator

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.

Moderator

Speakers

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.

Speakers

Moderator

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.

Speakers

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.**

Moderator

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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

Speakers

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.

Panelists

Moderator

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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.

Speakers

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.

Speakers

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.

Moderator

Speakers

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.

Facilitators

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.

Moderator

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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.

Keynote

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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.

Speakers

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.

Speakers

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.

Speakers

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. 

Speakers

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.

Moderator

Speakers

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. 

Speakers

Moderator

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.

Speakers

Moderator

Come learn about the next step in your Changemakers journey – Pathways. Pathways will empower your growth as catalysts for action in the Jewish community. Take your General Assembly experience home and continue your leadership development. 


Open to Jewish Changemakers participants only.

For the past year Israelis have been stepping up in every way imaginable to meet the needs of the current moment. Whether through reserve duty on the frontlines, volunteering in civilian initiatives, or defending Israel online, October 7th has broadened the definition of serving one’s country. Join us for breakfast where you’ll be able to hear from and speak with individual Israelis making a difference – on the battlefield as well as in the community – as they share their thoughts, fears, and hopes for the future of the country and of Israeli society.

Open to all.

The 2024 General Assembly Current and Future Board Chair Breakfast is a unique gathering designed to foster meaningful connections and energize leadership across the Federation system. Attendees will have the chance to engage in rich discussions, share insights, and reflect on shared challenges and successes. We will hear insights from Gali Cooks, founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Leading Edge, as she offers thoughts on board experience and leadership in this moment. We hope you’ll join us. For questions, please reach out to Rebecca Gerbert at Rebecca.Gerbert@JewishFederations.org. 

Open to: Current and future board chairs of local federations

Connect with each other and Jewish Federations of North American leadership at this special breakfast for the professional leadership of Jewish Federations.

Open to Federation CEOs and Executive Directors – the senior most professional at a Federation.

Join your colleagues for informal breakfast discussions.  Divided by city size, come and share ideas, get to know each other, and build your network with others leading FRD efforts in their communities. 

We will be meeting in the back of the main breakfast room. Grab a bagel, and some coffee, and come join us!

Antisemitism has infected medical schools, healthcare institutions, workplaces, and professional associations, mirroring trends across broader society. Jewish healthcare professionals have faced boycotts and bias, while Jewish patients risk disruptions in their care. Join us for this special breakfast to hear from experts in the field confronting healthcare antisemitism and explore strategies to confront the challenge.

Speaker

If you plan or work on Israel Educational Travel this breakfast is for you! 

Open to all professionals and organizations working in the Israel Education Travel sector.

Join your Large City Chief Development Officer Colleagues, to connect and share best practices.

Open to: Large city Chief Development Officers - invitation only

National Women’s Philanthropy board members and alumnae are invited to a special breakfast on Tuesday, November 12th from 7:30-8:30 am.  We will be joined by Jewish Federations Community Relations team who will share the latest efforts to combat antisemitism.

Open to: NWP Board Members and alumnae

Does your organization have a culture that promotes philanthropy? Empower your entire organization to embrace philanthropy as a collective mission. This workshop provides practical tips and strategies to engage every team member, regardless of their role, in financial resource development. Featuring case studies from diverse organizations, participants will leave with actionable insights and the confidence to inspire their colleagues and peers to actively participate in fundraising efforts.

Speakers

As Jewish life evolves in the 21st century, shifting demographic trends are redefining social and cultural identities, reshaping how we perceive and measure communal belonging across schools, synagogues, federations, and Jewish community centers. In the wake of the unprecedented surge in engagement since October 7th, we stand at a pivotal moment. This session will explore the pressing need to sustain this momentum and actively foster a culture of belonging where every individual's unique gifts, talents, and perspectives are acknowledged and celebrated. Join leading experts as we delve into innovative strategies for building an inclusive and thriving Jewish community that embraces the richness of our diversity and ensures a strong, united future.

Speakers

In today's climate, the Jewish community faces the dual challenge of ensuring safety while creating an inclusive environment for all members. This workshop delves into the complexities of safeguarding our community, focusing on the needs of those with marginalized identities. Led by leading experts in community security and inclusion, this workshop will equip organizations with strategies for implementing culturally competent safety protocols. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to design and deploy security measures that are not just effective, but also sensitive to our community's diverse experiences. Join us to learn how to balance safety with belonging and leave empowered with the tools to foster a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.

Speakers

Flourishing Jewish communities are safe, healthy, caring, engaged, connected to Israel and global Jewry, committed to public affairs, and fostering a sense of belonging for all. But how effectively are we building these communities across North America? How can we assess each community's progress and identify the activities and investments that most influence their growth? Join us as we explore how Jewish organizations and foundations can harness data to make better decisions, drawing lessons from sectors like sports, politics, and business. Learn from Federations already utilizing data-driven insights and discover findings from a recent pilot with 12 Federations of diverse sizes, revealing best practices for a thriving Jewish future.

Speakers

Moderator

In an increasingly polarized society, diversity work has often centered on issues like race and gender, but frequently overlooked are the skills needed to truly understand and engage with those who hold differing viewpoints. This session will explore why engaging with diverse perspectives can strengthen individuals and organizations and how to elevate the importance of viewpoint diversity while setting appropriate boundaries.

Speakers

The landscape of Israel educational travel has changed profoundly, reshaping who participates, what they experience, and how programs are delivered. Long recognized for its role in strengthening Jewish identity and fostering a deep connection to Israel, these trips now face unique challenges and opportunities. Join leaders at the forefront of this transformation as they share best practices and strategies for creating meaningful, impactful connections in a post-10/7 world. Gain valuable insights, practical guidance, and support as you plan 2025 Israel travel experiences for your community.

Speakers

Jewish communal leadership has been made especially challenging by the crises, from COVID to post-October 7th, that have occurred during the past few years. We have seen the demand for lay and professional approaches to leadership as governance has evolved. Explore the intersection of Jewish values and how they drive purposeful leadership through governance best practices, providing you with practical tools to lead in times of uncertainty. Focusing on Jewish concepts such as tzedek (justice), chesed (kindness), and emet (truth), learn ways to drive growth around the board table while also leveraging strong leadership and governance practices. Join us for an insightful journey into Jewish governance and its positive impact on fundraising, pipelining, and communal support.

Speakers

People working and volunteering in Jewish organizations are carrying heavy burdens as they guide their communities through relentless collective trauma while also managing their own personal traumas. This persistent stress has sparked conversations across op-eds, chat groups, and boardrooms, highlighting the urgent need for safer, more supportive work environments. This workshop, grounded in a person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) approach, will provide essential insights into how trauma affects our work and well-being. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to combat burnout and foster resilience for themselves and their colleagues.

Mental health support is available to session attendees, provided by Kiran Dixit and Avi Criden from JSSA.

Moderators

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In public schools around the county, mandated new curricula present a growing threat of antisemitism. Lesson plans approved by school boards and superintendents for the kindergarten level and up depict Israel as an oppressive, colonialist occupier, demonizing Zionists, and perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. At the same time, other districts are adopting a differently dangerous Christian narrative, toeing first amendment lines by framing history as Biblical, disregarding Jewish identity and perspectives, and failing to adequately address historical and ongoing antisemitism. Join us for a conversation with experts on the current classroom battles and the strategies, best practices and latest resources for addressing them.

Speakers

As the Jewish community contends with what it means to live in our post-October 7th climate of skyrocketing antisemitism and a (re)newed desire to engage with Jewish life, it is our responsibility to understand the evolving needs of our Jewish future: our teens. Join us to explore the findings from leading teen-focused organizations, highlighting changes in teens' mental health, behavior, experiences with antisemitism, and evolving relationships with Israel. Experts will discuss the tools and resources needed to support teens and their families locally and as they prepare for postsecondary opportunities.

Moderator

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