A delegation from Austin at Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2022 National Conference in Boston. Credit: Hannah Rose Photography

By Jennifer Milton

One of the largest-ever international gatherings for Israel supporters, The Global Conference for Israel, will take place November 30 through December 3, 2023, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. The event will unite thousands of philanthropists, high school and college students and the Israelis who manage and benefit from Jewish National Fund-USA’s philanthropic investments, for a weekend of unparalleled conversations, enrichment, and entertainment. Included in the attendance will be several delegates representing the organization’s Austin Board of Directors.

“Our Austin Board is excited to have a strong delegation of supporters heading to the Global Conference for Israel,” said Brad Greenblum, Chair of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Austin Board of Directors. “Austin community engagement with Jewish National Fund-USA has never been stronger, and we invite everyone to join us in Denver to have a next-level experience and to take part in our conversation on the future of Zionism.” Jewish National Fund-USA Austin board chair-elect, Mike O’Krent said about his past conference experience, “When I attended the JNF Global Conference in Boston in 2022, the whole event was filled with excitement and energy. Following that, I joined the JNF Israel at 75 mission in April. My experiences were nothing short of transformational regarding my dedication to supporting the land and people of Israel.”

Highlights at The Global Conference for Israel are set to include high-level briefings from His Excellency Isaac Herzog – President of the State of Israel (invited), Ambassador Gilad Erdan – Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Michael Oren – Israel’s Former Ambassador to the United States, and Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado.

The conference will feature a lineup of presenters highlighting why it is more important than ever to stand up for the only democracy in the Middle East. Attendees can expect to hear insights from key thought leaders; explore an interactive expo featuring Jewish National Fund-USA’s unparalleled affiliates from Israel; take part in one of the largest Shabbat dinners in the world, and be transformed by riveting sessions including “Israel, A Nation of Start-up People,” “You Don’t Have to be Jewish to Stand Up for Israel,” “Aliyah Through the Ages,” “Let There Be Water, Energy, and Food,” “Countering Anti-Zionism Campaigns on Campus,” and “Winning the Global Media War,” among others.

The conference’s entertainment will be headlined by stand-up comic star, Alex Edelman, fresh from his summer run on Broadway. In addition, participants will witness a musical performance by Jewish National Fund-USA’s Special in Uniform Band. The band’s talented singers and instrumentalists are members of the life-changing initiative, Special in Uniform, which empowers young people with disabilities to serve in the Israel Defense Forces and enjoy the same “rite of passage” as their peers. The Global Conference for Israel will also feature exclusive events for young professionals ages 22-40, as well as special programming for college and high school students.

For more information or to register, visit jnf.org/global or contact NationalConference@jnf.org.