New York, NY - As Jewish American Heritage Month came to a close this May, New York City delivered an unforgettable statement of Jewish pride, strength, and unity against the backdrop of a global rise in antisemitism. The weekend of May 18–19 was nothing short of historic—culminating in the vibrant 2025 Israel Day Parade and a pair of high-profile conferences that brought world leaders, cultural icons, and grassroots activists together in support of Israel and the global Jewish community.
Despite the growing tide of antisemitic rhetoric—especially on university campuses—tens of thousands turned out to line Fifth Avenue, shoulder to shoulder, waving Israeli and American flags and marching with pride in the 2025 Celebrate Israel Parade. The event, which drew an estimated 40,000+ participants, served as both a celebration of Jewish heritage and an unapologetic stand of solidarity with the people and State of Israel.
But the celebration didn’t end on the avenue. With dignitaries, lawmakers, diplomats, and entrepreneurs already in town for the parade, the energy carried over into Manhattan’s landmark Pierre
Hotel, which hosted the prestigious Jerusalem Post Annual Conference—a power-packed day of discussions, tributes, and calls to action.
From Parade to Policy: The Jerusalem Post Annual Conference
Held on May 19 and sponsored by Bank Leumi, the Jerusalem Post Conference was a centerpiece of the weekend, attracting a powerhouse lineup of voices from both sides of the Atlantic. Israeli cabinet ministers, U.S. Senators, media personalities, tech CEOs, and military heroes came together to reflect on Israel’s war with Hamas, the hostages still held in Gaza, the economic resilience of the Jewish state, and the challenges facing diaspora Jews worldwide.
Opening the conference, Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein struck a deeply personal tone, referencing his own recent ordeal with Israeli police over journalistic reporting. “Despite all the dysfunction,” he said, “I still see the greatness of this moment. I choose Israel—not because it’s perfect, but because of the people.”
The mood remained defiant and hopeful throughout the day. “We are not here because we have no choice,” Klein continued. “We are here because we choose Israel, again and again.”
Highlights of the day included:
- NYC Mayor Eric Adams, reaffirming New York’s support for its Jewish communities and condemning antisemitism in all forms.
- Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon and Senator Rick Scott, who delivered pointed remarks about global security, the hostage crisis, and Hamas’s brutality.
- Montana Tucker, a social media star and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, who received a special award for her outspoken advocacy for Israel on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Medical leaders from Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, who gave stirring accounts of treating wounded civilians and soldiers on October 7 and beyond.
- An emotional video appearance by diplomat Steve Witkoff, and a surprise visit by NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, underscoring law enforcement's solidarity with the Jewish community.
Entrepreneur Jason Greenblatt and analyst Dr. Dan Diker delivered a powerful joint session on U.S.-Israel-Arab diplomacy in the post-Abraham Accords era, arguing that “radical Islamic terrorism” remains the biggest threat to peace in the region. “This is not just Israel’s fight,” Diker said. “It’s a war for Western civilization.”
From Gaza to Gen Z: The New Front Lines of Advocacy
One of the most stirring sessions came from Grammy-winning violinist and activist Miri Ben-Ari, who reminded attendees that music, like activism, has the power to transcend trauma. Meanwhile, young speakers and Jewish activists like Lizzy Savetsky, Rudy Rochman, and Emily Austin discussed the modern battle for Israel on social media—where lies spread fast and facts must be louder.
Among the crowd favorites was Montana Tucker’s raw interview about the backlash she’s faced since speaking up for Israel. “I lost hundreds of thousands of followers and most of my brand deals,” Tucker admitted. “But I gained something more important—a voice that cuts through the noise.”
Her documentary, Children of October 7, is now streaming on Paramount+, with proceeds going directly to victims’ families. “This generation needs to hear from their peers, from other children. We didn’t have that during the Holocaust. Now we do.”
A City United—Briefly, But Boldly
While the Jerusalem Post Conference served as the weekend’s main forum for high-level discussion, several of its speakers also dropped by the Jerusalem Conference at Fifth Avenue Synagogue—a separate event known for its more intimate setting and traditional bent. Among the guests was NYC real estate icon Larry Silverstein, who spoke candidly about terrorism, resilience, and the shared destiny between Israel and the United States. Other notables that stopped in, WABC-radio host Sid Rosenberg, Congressman Mike Lawler, Gabriel Boxer (aka the Kosher Guru), Ambassador Gilad Erdan and a whole host of others in town, many giving interviews to ILTV (Israeli-TV) popular anchor Emily Schrader.
Though the two events were unaffiliated, they reflected a shared urgency: to not only defend Jewish life, but to elevate it.
A Month to Remember, A Movement to Continue
Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to honor the impact of Jews on American life, from culture and commerce to politics and human rights. This year, it became something more—a rallying cry, a moment of moral clarity, and a celebration of endurance in the face of rising hostility.
As the final panels ended and the sun set over Manhattan, the message was clear: the Jewish people are not going anywhere. Whether marching down Fifth Avenue, testifying from hospital frontlines, or going viral on social media, they are standing tall—with courage, creativity, and unwavering unity. Am Yisrael Chai! The people and nation of Israel live!
