‘President’s Conference For A Shared Israeli Future’ In Jerusalem (Photo Essay)
Jerusalem, Israel - May 13, 2026 - On May 13, 2026, President Isaac Herzog convened the President’s Conference for a Shared Israeli Future at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, Israel. The conference featured speakers, panels, and dialogue forums that addressed President Herzog’s vision for rebuilding Israeli society and moving from crisis to repair ahead of Israel’s 80th anniversary.
The conference opened with an address by President Herzog, followed by remarks from Becky Caspi, Director-General of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel office, a partner of the conference.
During the conference, addressing the rise of antisemitism faced by Jewish communities around the world, President Herzog said: “We must also remember that we have brothers and sisters across the ocean, the Jewish people, who are going through a h--- of unimaginable antisemitism, who look to us with worry and anxiety and want us to be an anchor of stability and responsibility. They want to hear us, and they want to know they have our backing.”
President Herzog also addressed the broader need to lower tensions within Israeli society and strengthen internal dialogue:
In her address, Caspi said: “Israel’s shared future will not only be built in Jerusalem, Sderot, or Kiryat Shmona, but alongside Jewish communities in New York, Toronto, Miami, and Los Angeles. The partnership between Israel and North American Jewry is a strategic asset that goes far beyond economic support. It is a relationship that bolsters our resilience, our common values, and our shared future. In the coming years, Jewish Federations will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel — in recovery, in growth, and in strengthening the bonds with Jewish communities in the United States and Canada.”
One of eight smaller sessions on the theme 'Time to Talk', 'Building Together' was held in English. During the panel discussion, Rabbi Marc Baker, President and CEO of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston, asked which of the six metaphors the audience related to. Inspired to ask, he said as he was told, "Israel is like a ship sailing away from us." Daniel Gordis, the third member of the discussion, referenced the Haggadah, "Every generation must see yourself as if you were redeemed."
The program also featured a special conversation between the Michal Herzog and the actress Gal Gadot near the end of the day. Positivity and hope were their concluding message.
