The sold-out conference — one of the largest Zionist events of its kind in the world — brought together local community members, as well as philanthropists, college students, young professionals, rabbis, mayors from Israel’s North and South, social media influencers, and global allies of the people of Israel for a gathering of inspiration, education, and impact.
“At a time when Israel and the Jewish people face unprecedented challenges, our voices rose together in solidarity, purpose, and hope,” said Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson. “This was not just a conference — it was a movement. Together, we are building Israel’s future, from the Negev and Galilee to every corner of the Jewish world.”
“Coming directly from Israel to the conference after just touring the sites of the October 7 atrocities was like walking into a hug from nearly 3,000 Zionist friends,” added San Diego delegation member Myra Chack Fleischer. “While we learned how to combat antisemitism and have our voices heard on social media, perhaps the best part of the conference was that Jewish National Fund-USA brought together other organizations from around the world. October 7 taught us that as Jews we need to work together, and Jewish National Fund-USA gets that. We had fundraising organizations from all over the world that we are now collaborating with. It was beautiful.”
The conference’s main-stage sessions featured emotional and thought-provoking moments. There was also a fireside conversation with Journalist and New York Times Bestselling Author Douglas Murray, along with addresses from international broadcaster Erin Molan and messages of support from the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and Rep. Ritchie Torres.
Other highlights included:
–“The Shem Tov Story,” featuring Omer Shem Tov, who endured an unimaginable 505 days in captivity. For 450 of those days, he was held in complete isolation within Gaza’s suffocating tunnels. His parents transformed their anguish into action, founding the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
–“Wonder Women,” featuring Omer’s mother Shelly Shem Tov, former Knesset member Shirly Pinto Kadosh, Eshkol Mayor Michal Uziyahu, and Nova Music Festival survivor Ofri Reiner, moderated by Erin Molan.
–“The Winning Formula: Turning the Tide Against Campus Antisemitism,” where students and professors beyond the Jewish faith discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA’s programs like Caravan for Democracy and Faculty Fellowship are empowering Jews and allies to push back against hate on college campuses.
–Israel’s Reimagined North,” showcasing Jewish National Fund-USA’s efforts to revitalize Israel’s Galilee region through economic development, job creation, and tourism.
“In the years I’ve been involved with Jewish National Fund-USA’s affiliates, I’ve seen direct, life-changing support in action,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s Immediate Past President, Trustees Chair, Jacqui Schneider. “I’ve walked through parks where children play, visited housing developments, toured fire & rescue centers, medical facilities, and resilience centers — all part of strengthening Israel’s fabric.”
Throughout the weekend, attendees experienced the World’s Largest Zionist EXPO, featuring over 100 interactive exhibits, Israeli innovators, and small businesses. Village Talks — short, powerful “TED-style” sessions — also filled the halls with stories of courage, creativity, and community.
Emotional performances by the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported Special in Uniform Band, the musical arm of Israel’s pioneering military inclusion program, left few dry eyes in the audience.
The event closed with the “Dreams for Tomorrow” main-stage session, where Robinson urged the crowd to keep building, giving, and leading: “Our story is not one of survival — it’s one of revival. Every person in this room is part of Israel’s tomorrow.”
“It was my first time attending the Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference for Israel, and I was completely blown away,” said San Diego delegation member Gabrielle Hazan. “Jewish National Fund-USA is so much more than planting trees—their impact across Israel, especially in the southern and northern regions, is truly inspiring. The workshops were uplifting, motivational, and exactly what my spiritual side needed. It was a powerful reminder of what a privilege it is to be part of the 0.2% of the world’s population. My first conference—but definitely not my last.”
Next year’s Global Conference for Israel will take place November 12-15, 2026, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, and is expected to draw even larger crowds. To learn more about Jewish National Fund-USA’s historic mission and to register for the 2026 Global Conference for Israel (early bird rate still available), visit jnf.org/global.
Jewish National Fund-USA thanks the generous sponsors of the 2025 Global Conference for Israel, including Creations VC, EPIC Insurance Brokers, Greenspoon Marder LLP, IZZY TV, and EL Al Airlines.
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Preceding provided by JNF-USA