Jerusalem, Israel – Harriet P. Schleifer, Chair, and William C. Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, released the following statement:
The Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Tradition and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations partnered to promote Jewish travel to Jerusalem and Israel. As part of this initiative, the leaders of the Conference of Presidents began our 50th anniversary mission last month by exploring the city’s new landmarks, recent excavations, and significant new discoveries at the City of David, the Davidson Center, Zedekiah’s Cave, and more. These visits aimed at highlighting the beauty, resilience, and historic significance of Jerusalem, emphasizing its newly developed national landmarks.
Many of these transformative projects are made possible through the generosity of American philanthropists, whose contributions of hundreds of millions of dollars reflect the deep bond between American Jewry and the eternal capital of the Jewish people.
“We had the chance to see first-hand some of the newly-renovated sites in Jerusalem that have made the capital of the Jewish people even more attractive to tourists. I am sure that in future years, many fellow American Jews will follow in our footsteps,” said William Daroff, the chief executive officer of the Conference.
Carefully designed to ensure direct engagement with 3,000-year-old historic sites and recently restored attractions, the visits offered participants an in-depth experience of Jerusalem’s evolving landscape. Notable highlights included the unveiling of the new Israel Antiquities Authority building, the latest digs at the City of David, the expanded Davidson Center, the Hulda Steps, and Zedekiah’s Cave.
According to Leeron Iflah, Deputy Director General of The Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, who organized the visits, “These excavations, supported by the Israeli government, offer invaluable insights into the city’s rich and enduring history, while modernized tourist sites create new opportunities for deeper connections to Jerusalem’s past and future.”
During the mission, future joint projects were also explored in meetings with the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Tradition, Meir Porush, and his team.
In alignment with this strategic effort, the Conference of Presidents and the Ministry for Jerusalem Affairs collaborated on creating marketing materials encouraging American visitors to explore Jerusalem’s historical and spiritual treasures in 2025. The American Jewish community is showing that even during these difficult times, it is important to strengthen and deeper our connections to the city of Jerusalem-the eternal capital of the Jewish people.
“I hope that many Americans, Jewish and otherwise, will join us in Jerusalem this year, next year, and in the years to come,” says Harriet P. Schleifer, the Conference’s Chair. “It is moving to see that even amidst the hardship and heartache of war, Israel is making its capital city more beautiful and inspiring than ever.”
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The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the consensus-based recognized central coordinating body representing 50 diverse national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of every member organization.
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