Local Delegation Attends Global Conference for Israel

A delegation from Atlanta was among the nearly 3,000 attendees who united for Israel’s future in Hollywood, Fla., from Oct. 23 to Oct. 26, at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel. This four-day event celebrated resilience, Zionist pride, and the enduring connection between the Jewish community and the land and people of Israel.

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.”

“Attending my first Jewish National Fund-USA conference was an inspiring experience — the panels, speakers, and incredible people I met left me feeling deeply moved and grateful to be part of such a warm community,” added Atlanta delegation member Joel Libowsky.

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.

“I am incredibly grateful to have attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel,” said Atlanta attendee Natalie Fisch. “The sessions and speakers offered an invaluable source of information, inspiration, and strategic intention. Beyond the incredible content, the true value lies in the opportunity to come together, meet new people, and share our collective commitment to Israel. Sharing Shabbat dinner with over 2,500 Zionists was a truly remarkable experience.”

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.

Throughout the weekend, attendees experienced the World’s Largest Zionist EXPO, featuring more than 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.”

“The Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference for Israel in Hollywood, Fla., was an incredibly powerful and meaningful experience, especially with the presence of released hostage Omer Shem Tov,” added Atlanta delegation member Robin Feldman. This was my third conference with 2,700 proud Zionists and the conferences just keep getting better.”

Next year’s Global Conference for Israel will take place Nov. 12 to Nov. 15, 2026, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, Calif., 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/gc2026.

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.