The Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel takes place in different cities each year — it was Dallas in 2024 and Denver the year prior. But this past October, it was South Florida’s turn.
The event unfolded at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood from Oct. 23-26, drawing almost 3,000 supporters of Israel from all over the world to discuss the future and how they can get involved through philanthropy, advocacy and engagement. Of those, several hundred people attended from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
“At a time when Israel and the Jewish people face unprecedented challenges, our voices rose together in solidarity, purpose and hope,” said Russell Robinson, CEO of JNF-USA. “This was not just a conference, it was a movement. Together, we are building Israel’s future, from the Negev and Galilee to every corner of the Jewish world. …
“Our story is not one of survival — it’s one of revival,” he said. “Every person in this room is part of Israel’s tomorrow.”
The four-day event featured speakers including released Hamas hostage Omer Shem Tov, bestselling author Douglas Murray and U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), as well as forums on topics such as the centrality of Israel to Jewish life and how social media became the best and worst thing to happen to the pro-Israel movement. There was also a discussion with Israeli mayors on rebuilding after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
South Florida had not hosted the conference since 2017. Next year’s conference is scheduled for Nov. 12-15, 2026, in San Diego. For more information, visit JNF.org/gc2026.