Posted on 02/24/24
Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 24, 2024 - Key U.S. Jewish leaders convened in Jerusalem for the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organization's annual National Leadership Mission, February 18-22, 2024, in the aftermath of the Hamas October 7 attack. The delegation included presidents from the Conference’s 50-member organizations and its National Leadership Council.
From the opening event at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing the delegation, the days were filled. In addition to meetings with Israel’s political and military leaders, during the week of the Mission, the group met with the families of hostages, bereaved families, and soldiers and commanders of the IDF.
Israel Katz, Minister of Foreign Affairs told the conference, "Hamas are the new Nazis. In many houses in Gaza, our soldiers found copies of Mein Kampf. We all know what that means. Your response to the October 7 massacre showed us and the whole world that the Jewish people are united. We must win this war against the front of evil run by Iran."
The closing sessions on Thursday afternoon were held at the StandWithUs Jerusalem Center off of King David Street. An important session focused on one aspect of the war, the one in cyberspace influenced and fought on the internet, and how US Jewish organizations can benefit and assist. The expert panel was moderated by host Michael Dickson Executive Director of StandWithUs. Tamar Schwarzbard, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel’s media team, presented information and statistics of online interactions since October 7 on various social media platforms. StandWithUs’s Noah Shufutinsky and Avi Mayer former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, added to the discussion concerning the digital battlefield and answered questions.
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Mission was led by Harriet Schleifer, Chair of the Conference of Presidents, William Daroff, Executive Director, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman Emeritus, all calling for unity support of Israel at this important time.
Included in the photo essay, is a pose of Willaim Daroff with Avi Mayer, both proud former Maryland residents.
