Austinites Unite at the Global Conference for Israel  

Austin Delegation at Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2024 Global Conference for Israel in Dallas Credit: Jim Woods Photography 

Sixty-five Austinites were among the 2,500 proud Zionists who attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel in Dallas, fueling torches of light that continue to shine brightly even in these darkest of times.   

The delegation included teenagers and young adults who were participating in the conference’s High School and College Summits, which educated students about the Jewish Homeland, how to stand up to antisemitism on campus, and how to become informed advocates for the land and people of Israel.  

The spirit of “Am Israel Chai” resounded throughout the Hilton Anatole from November 14 to 17 as attendees bonded over a commitment to uphold and honor the shared values that supporters of America and Israel so dearly value, sharing sentiments of solidarity, a celebration of Israeli resilience, and a desire to reimagine a bright future for residents living in and currently evacuated from, Israel’s North and South.   

Attendees were also united by their collective determination to bring the remaining hostages back home and to rebuild the communities that experienced widespread devastation on October 7.    

“There is no better feeling than being in a room filled with philanthropists whose main goal is to help the land and people of Israel,” said Robyn Sperling, Austin Conference co-chair & member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Austin Board of Directors. “I feel motivated and empowered coming home from the conference, knowing that together we are building a strong Israel for generations to come.”  

“I enjoyed attending Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel for the second year in a row because I am filled with strength and the knowledge to ensure that Israel will exist long after I am gone,” added Patti Sokol, Austin Conference co-chair & member of the Jewish National Fund-USA Austin Board of Directors.  

The annual event featured nationally renowned speakers including former commander of British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Col. Richard Kemp; Co-Founder and CEO, of Boundless and author of the newly-released book “Stand-Up Nation,” Aviva Klompas; Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Rabbi David Wolpe; Assistant Professor of Management, Columbia University Business School, Shai Davidai; Chief Zionist Officer of Club Z, Masha Merkulova; Actor & Comedian, Michael Rapaport; and Israeli leaders including several mayors.    

The presenters addressed a wide range of topics that are deeply meaningful to the global Jewish and Zionist communities, including efforts to rebuild the southern Israeli communities on the border with Gaza; campuses on the frontlines; ethics of war as it relates to the Israel Defense Forces; the safety and security of Jewish communities; and other themes connected to Israel’s security, technology, resilience, and culture.   

Prior to the conference, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Austin Conference co-chairs and Austin Board of Directors hosted local participants for an informal reception and returned from Dallas with Israeli mayor Eran Doron of Ramat HaNegev in tow, who later spoke at Congregation Agudas Achim on Monday, November 18.   

“As Jewish National Fund-USA’s Austin’s Board Chair, I was especially thrilled to join over 60 fellow Jews from Austin attending the organization’s 2024 Global Conference for Israel in Dallas,” said Mike O’Krent. “Attendees gained a connection to the land and people of Israel in ways we never imagined. I am now even more excited to move forward with the goals the Jewish National Fund-USA Austin Board has planned for helping the people of Israel.”  

Attendees were also delighted to receive a written statement from Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson proudly welcoming the thousands of pro-Israel supporters to D-Town.   

“The City of Dallas is continually shaped by the compassion of our Jewish community and how it embraces people worldwide, and we are proud of the special bond we share with Israel,” said Johnson. “Since 1901, the Jewish National Fund has fortified infrastructure, preserved natural geography, and extended humanitarian services to build a strong foundation for Israel and it has helped to connect even more Dallasites to the Jewish homeland.”  

 Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2025 Global Conference for Israel will take place on October 23-26, 2025, in Hollywood, Fla. For more information, visit jnf.org/global2025 or contact Chayla Furlong, Director, Central Texas, at (512) 410-1438 x948 or CFurlong@jnf.org.