With less than a month until Israel’s 75th anniversary, the Jewish Federations of North America are finalizing plans for this year’s General Assembly, to be held in Tel Aviv starting on April 23.
More than 2,100 representatives from Jewish communities in the United States and Canada are expected to attend.
In advance of the opening of the General Assembly, JFNA will host its inaugural “Jews of Color Mission.” Two dozen leaders from North America and Israel who identify as such are participating in the program and spending Shabbat together in Jerusalem.
Julie Platt, board chair of JFNA, said bringing together thousands of federation leaders to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary “is a testament to our unbreakable commitment to the Jewish State and to the everlasting bonds between our two communities.”
Among topics slated for this year’s conference are an exploration of Israel’s Law of Return, and whether the separation of religion and state is possible; a look at Israel’s ongoing role as a global leader in technology; and how the Abraham Accords have led to increased interworkings with Gulf States as well as initiatives to help battle climate change.
In addition to JFNA, the opening ceremonies are being sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Hayesod and the World Zionist Organization. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog are expected to address the audience.