On October 25th, 2022, I was proud to represent The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington as we helped sponsor and host President of Israel Isaac Herzog’s visit to Washington, DC as part of a gathering of diverse, national Jewish leaders on his two-day visit to the United States. Speaking with the President and this incredible group was a unique honor.
We sat together amidst significant change and growing divides between communities and leaders in both countries. Around us loomed the ongoing war in Ukraine; an increase in financial instability around the globe; a growing refugee crisis; a rise in authoritarian governments and political factions; and a spike in antisemitism on campuses and antisemitic rhetoric from political and cultural leaders. And of course, both the U.S. and Israel face significant elections reflecting substantial divisions and tensions.