Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 22, 2017 - On the way to Jerusalem, Israel, for its annual Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organizations, delegates were treated to a kosher dinner in the palace of the King of Morocco and met in Cairo with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

According to Conference Vice-Chairman and CEO Malcolm Hoenlein, "we are in a new era, new opportunities are opening in the Arab world resulting from the instability in the Middle East."

In Jerusalem, a long list of Israeli politicians and experts presented a variety of opinions to the full delegation on Monday, at the Inbal Hotel. Opposition leader Isaac Herzog agreed with PM Netanyahu on Iran, but little else.  Justice Minister Ayelet Sheked said the committee is meeting this week to select four new judges for the Israeli Supreme Court. 

Energy Minister Dr Yuval Steinitz spoke about global security, saying the most urgent issue is situation in Syria, but noted Iranian involvement from Yemen to Israeli's borders in north. A panel of experts, moderated by former ambassador Dore Gold, further discussed security and cyber security.

Israeli journalist Amit Segal interviewed MK Yair Lapid, who said he would like to be Prime Minister in spite of how leaders are treated in media. A panel discussion during lunch with Israel journalists, Tal Schneider, Yaakov Katz, and David Horovitz was moderated by Tal Shalev.

The evening meal was served at the Knesset Building with more meetings of Israeli government leaders. After an entire day of lectures, on Tuesday, it was great timing to go to the Temple Mount Sifting Project, to be outside in sunny, mild weather.

From Jerusalem, Israel, the delegation plans trips to Cyprus and Bulgaria, on the return trip to the United States.