While it's well-accepted that every year, the Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly lays out the Jewish communal agenda, 2025's gathering in Washington, DC next month comes at a critical time for the Jewish people.
In a period defined by the return of hostages from Gaza, the ceasefire, and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, urgent questions emerge: How do we support a traumatized nation? How do we continue to help Israel rebuild? What’s next for the Jewish community in North America? How do we best channel the "surge" of engagement in Jewish life?
"Over the past two years, we've raised and invested historic amounts to support Israel, brought a professionally-led security initiative to every Federation community in North America to keep our people safe, and have been on the front line of combatting rising antisemitism," said Shira Hutt, Executive Vice President of Jewish Federations.
“The return of our hostages and winding down of the war marks a critical turning point, not an end point, and at this year's General Assembly we know the stakes for our Jewish future are even higher than most years," she continued.
This year's gathering, which takes place November 16-18 in Washington, DC, is built on three critical pillars: the long-term physical and societal rebuilding of Israel, a comprehensive North American strategy to combat antisemitism, and channeling the current Surge in Jewish engagement into lasting strength.
The program features high-level analysis and practical workshops. Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari will give a workshop on messaging Israel, former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and CNN analyst Scott Jennings will discuss the current political moment, and SAPIR journal will co-host a debate on the future of the two-state solution. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl will serve as the event's scholar in residence.
Over 35 featured sessions will delve into more focused issues such as Israeli mental health, bias in press and social media platforms, fighting hate in schools, mobilizing state and local government, and building alliances outside the community.
“It’s more important than ever for the Jewish community to gather to engage with our most pressing issues,” said General Assembly Co-Chairs Joan Lubar and John Crouch of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “We look forward to welcoming 2,000 of our community members as we work to build our collective future around the values we all hold dear.”
The convening is expected to draw lay leaders and professionals from Federations and other Jewish organizations, community volunteers, and philanthropic partners who are ready to move from discussion to decisive action, among others with an interest and stake in the Jewish community's future.
Written in collaboration with JFNA