Orlando philanthropists unite with 2,500 at the Global Conference for Israel

Several community members from Orlando and Central Florida united with 2,500 proud Zionists at Jewish National Fund-USA's Global Conference for Israel in Dallas, 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 from Nov. 14-17, 2024, 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 Oct. 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, 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.

"The Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference, with 2,500 attendees, was a fantastic opportunity for Zionists from around the world to spend a few days together and discuss what Israel needs to do to survive and thrive," said Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference Recruitment Chair, Orlando, Harrison Shames. "Learning how the organization supports everything from housing development to water technology was inspiring. We're looking forward to a great conference next October!"

Jewish National Fund-USA's 2025 Global Conference for Israel will take place on Oct. 23-26, 2025, in Hollywood, Fla. Early Bird Registration closes February 28, 2025. For more information, visit jnf.org/global2025 or contact globalconference@jnf.org.