A delegation from Orange County was among the nearly 3,000 attendees who united for Israel’s future in Hollywood, Fla., from October 23-26, 2025, at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel. This four-day event celebrated resilience, Zionist pride, and the enduring connection between the Jewish community and the land and people of Israel.
The sold-out conference—one of the largest Zionist events of its kind in the world—brought together local community members, as well as philanthropists, college students, young professionals, rabbis, mayors from Israel’s North and South, social media influencers, and global allies of the people of Israel for a gathering of inspiration, education, and impact.
“At a time when Israel and the Jewish people face unprecedented challenges, our voices rose together in solidarity, purpose, and hope,” said Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson. “This was not just a conference—it was a movement. Together, we are building Israel’s future, from the Negev and Galilee to every corner of the Jewish world.”
“Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel is THE must-attend event for every Zionist,” added Jewish National Fund-USA’s Orange County/Long Beach Board Member Matthew Simmons. “World-class speakers bring Jewish National Fund-USA’s vision to life by showcasing current, future, and completed projects aimed to provide essential infrastructure and provide social services to help our brothers and sisters in Israel thrive.”
A Celebration of Strength and Vision
The conference’s main-stage sessions featured emotional and thought-provoking moments. There was also a fireside conversation with Journalist and New York Times Bestselling Author Douglas Murray, along with addresses from international broadcaster Erin Molan and messages of support from the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and Rep. Ritchie Torres.
Other highlights included:
• “The Shem Tov Story,” featuring Omer Shem Tov, who endured an unimaginable 505 days in captivity. For 450 of those days, he was held in complete isolation within Gaza’s suffocating tunnels. His parents transformed their anguish into action, founding the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
• “Wonder Women,” featuring Omer’s mother Shelly Shem Tov, former Knesset member Shirly Pinto Kadosh, Eshkol Mayor Michal Uziyahu, and Nova Music Festival survivor Ofri Reiner, moderated by Erin Molan.
• “The Winning Formula: Turning the Tide Against Campus Antisemitism,” where students and professors beyond the Jewish faith discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA’s programs like Caravan for Democracy and Faculty Fellowship are empowering Jews and allies to push back against hate on college campuses.
• “Israel’s Reimagined North,” showcasing Jewish National Fund-USA’s efforts to revitalize Israel’s Galilee region through economic development, job creation, and tourism.
“We loved the panel of “Wonder Women,” said President Emeritus Adrienne Matros and Rick Matros. “They were an incredible group of women who shared their lives and stories with the audience. A standing ovation for each and every one.”
A Global Community United for Israel
Throughout the weekend, attendees experienced the World’s Largest Zionist EXPO, featuring over 100 interactive exhibits, Israeli innovators, and small businesses. Village Talks—short, powerful “TED-style” sessions—also filled the halls with stories of courage, creativity, and community
Emotional performances by the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported Special in Uniform Band, the musical arm of Israel’s pioneering military inclusion program, left few dry eyes in the audience.
The event closed with the “Dreams for Tomorrow” main-stage session, where Robinson urged the crowd to keep building, giving, and leading: “Our story is not one of survival—it’s one of revival,” Robinson said. “Every person in this room is part of Israel’s tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
Next year’s Global Conference for Israel will take place November 12-15, 2026, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, and is expected to draw even larger crowds. To learn more about Jewish National Fund-USA’s historic mission and to register for the 2026 Global Conference for Israel (early bird rate still available), visit jnf.org/global.
Jewish National Fund-USA thanks the generous sponsors of the 2025 Global Conference for Israel, including Creations VC, EPIC Insurance Brokers, Greenspoon Marder LLP, IZZY TV, and EL Al Airlines.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.
Save the Date!
Next year’s Global Conference for Israel will take place November 12-15, 2026, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in San Diego.