The Jerusalem Post’s annual New York Gala and Conference drew an extraordinary cross-section of Israeli and American leadership, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, business executives, philanthropists, media personalities, and community advocates for two days of discussion focused on Israel’s future, security, innovation, and the enduring relationship between Israel and the United States.
On the eve of the Jerusalem Post’s Annual Conference, dignitaries, business executives, military leaders, philanthropists and social media influencers gathered for an exclusive gala reception
The festivities began with the elegant pre-conference gala reception, where guests mingled with notable figures including Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, who spoke about the city’s continued growth and vision for the future, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Harley Lippman, founder and CEO of Genesis10, who addressed the strategic threats facing Israel and the importance of continued American support.
The evening also attracted a number of well-known social media personalities and influencers active in pro-Israel advocacy, including Zach Sage Fox, Debra Lea, and Lizzy Savetsky, and Ghazal Mizrahi all of whom were seen engaging with attendees and red carpet interviews.
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the gala came from Maian, an Israeli veteran and survivor of the October 7 Nova Music Festival massacre. In deeply personal remarks, she recounted how she had initially felt uneasy about attending the festival near the Gaza border and even attempted to sell her ticket before deciding to go.
She described the confusion and terror that unfolded as Hamas launched its assault and reflected on friendships formed during her travels abroad, including memories of fellow festivalgoers who would not survive the attack. Her testimony transformed the reception from a celebration into a poignant reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the resilience of those who lived through it.
The following morning, the Jerusalem Post Annual Conference assembled an equally distinguished roster of speakers. Opening remarks featured Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, and Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress and President of the Jerusalem Post Conference, who addressed the importance of strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from an impressive lineup of influential voices. National security discussions included Dr. Dan Diker, Oded Eilam, Rawan Osman, and former Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, who explored regional threats and the evolving geopolitical landscape. The conference also featured former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, healthcare leaders Prof. Eli Sprecher and Prof. Tarif Bader, and economic and technology innovators such as Josh Wolfe, Alex Witkoff, Avi Balashnikov, and Tsachi Namir.
Panels examining public advocacy and Israel’s image brought together Sid Rosenberg, Shabbos Kestenbaum, Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, and Elizabeth Pipko, while discussions on women’s leadership and civil society featured Hagit Peer, Frieda Ross, Liz Kennedy, and Batel Balaish-Soltnik.
Later, Rosenberg returned to the stage to present the Rising Leadership Award to Ahavat Hashem Gordon, Israeli Muay Thai World Champion.
The conference also highlighted interfaith partnerships and political alliances through appearances by Alex Bruesewitz CEO of X Strategies, Congressman Randy Fine, and Bruce Blakeman, while sessions on regional diplomacy included Catherine Perez-Shakdam, Amjad Taha, former Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, and leaders from the World Zionist Organization.
Special recognition was given to organizations and individuals whose work has strengthened Israeli society, including Nefesh B’Nefesh, OneFamily Fund, and ZAKA USA, emphasizing the conference’s focus not only on policy and security but also on humanitarian service and community resilience.
The program concluded with appearances by Mike Waltz, where he discussed Iran and its transfer of nuclear capabilities to terror organizations. Also present was United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, followed by a Ministry of Tourism and Jerusalem Post event hosted by actor Michael Rappaport and a closing reception.
Taken together, the gala and conference showcased a remarkable convergence of government officials, ambassadors, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, journalists, influencers, and activists.
While discussions frequently addressed pressing geopolitical and security concerns, the events also emphasized innovation, philanthropy, interfaith cooperation, and the enduring bonds connecting Israel with supporters throughout the United States and around the world.
The amazing gathering of high-profile guests and speakers underscored the Jerusalem Post’s role as a bridge between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
Robert Pearl
