Resilience, Unity, and Community Strength at the IAC National Summit
More than 4,000 members of the Jewish community from across the United States gathered recently for the IAC National Summit, the largest Jewish summit in the country. Held in Florida, the three-day event brought together leaders, families, students, and young adults from every region for a powerful gathering centered on unity, civic engagement, and shared responsibility for the future of the Jewish people.
The summit reflected an impressive national presence, with strong representation from communities across the country. Delegations arrived from many regions, demonstrating the breadth and strength of the Israeli-American and Jewish communities nationwide. Among them, Orange County was honored to be part of this collective effort, joining with close to 60 participants as part of the broader national gathering.
Throughout the summit, participants engaged in meaningful and high-level discussions addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing Jewish life today. Topics included combating antisemitism, strengthening civic involvement, and reinforcing the bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora. These conversations reflected a community that is thoughtful, engaged, and prepared to face complex realities together.
The summit featured a remarkable lineup of national and international leaders and speakers, highlighting the seriousness and impact of the gathering. Among the prominent voices were Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Gilad Erdan, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Dr. Miriam Adelson, renowned philanthropist and physician, Caitlyn Jenner, American media personality and Olympic gold medalist and Haim Saban, media entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist. Their presence underscored the summit’s role as a central platform for dialogue, leadership, and action within the Jewish world.
One of the most significant moments of the summit took place during the Friday plenary, when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the audience. Speaking candidly about the rise of antisemitism, she announced that the Department of Justice would pursue the death penalty in the case of the May 2025 attack on Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. Her remarks were a powerful statement of resolve and a clear message that antisemitic violence will not be tolerated.
Looking toward the future, the summit placed strong emphasis on the next generation. Dedicated tracks for young people and students focused on leadership development, Jewish identity, and active participation in community life. These programs reinforced the importance of preparing future leaders who are confident, connected, and committed to shaping Jewish life in America and beyond.
Beyond policy and strategy, the summit also celebrated Israeli culture and innovation. The Ultimate Israeli Shuk returned as a vibrant hub of creativity, connection, and Israeliness, reminding participants that culture and community are essential elements of resilience.
While the summit featured influential speakers and well-known public figures, the most powerful element remained the community itself. The energy in the rooms, the conversations between sessions, and the sense of togetherness defined the experience. The message was clear, the strength of this movement lies in its people.
As the summit concluded, participants left with renewed motivation and a shared understanding that Jewish resilience is built through unity, engagement, and action. The IAC National Summit once again demonstrated that the Jewish community is not standing on the sidelines, but actively shaping its future in the United States, in Israel, and around the world.
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Want to get involved?
You can reach out Inbal Greenberg – Igreenberg@israeliamerican.org, Leslie Tucker – Ltucker@israeliamerican.org or Keren Rosenberg Krosenberg@israeliamerican.org.
