Top American Jewish Leaders Arrive in Israel for Conference of Presidents Leadership Conference

Delegation to discuss: the aftermath of the Gaza War, the elections,

the future course of the peace process and US-Israel relations,

‘Durban II’, and the rise in anti-Semitism and anti Israel sentiments

Jerusalem, February 15, 2009…The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations opens its 35th annual Leadership Conference in Israel tonight (Sunday, February 15), with a dinner to be addressed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Executive Vice Chair Malcolm Hoenlein. Conference Chairman Alan Solow and Hoenlein will lead the 100-person delegation, representing the Conference of Presidents 51 national member organizations. The Conference of Presidents is a major national forum on international and national issues for the American Jewish community.

The delegation will meet with top Israeli government and military officials, policy experts and leading journalists, including: President Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Opposition Leader Benyamin Netanyahu, US Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham, Minister for Internal Security Avi Dicter, Minister of Justice Daniel Friedman, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Governor of the Bank of Israel Stanley Fischer, and other outstanding personalities.

This year, the Leadership Conference will focus on the aftermath of the war in Gaza and the future prospects for peace; the impact of recent events on Jewish communities in the US and elsewhere, particularly the rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Israel manifestations; and the course of future US-Israel relations.  

“The timing of this year’s Leadership Conference, following the inauguration of President Obama and the recent Israeli elections, presents a unique setting for Conference leaders to make an extensive and intensive examination into the current state of affairs in Israel as well as global events and trends as they impact Israel and the region,” said Malcolm Hoenlein. “Of particular interest is Iran’s nuclear program that supports terrorism, the global financial crisis, the threats of legal actions against IDF officers and the changing situation of Israel’s neighbors.”  

“Our presence in Israel at this point in time is most significant,” said Alan Solow. “The meetings and discussions we will have will strengthen our ability to advocate more effectively for Israel, armed with the latest information for our return to the United States.”