Thousands Expected at Global Conference for Israel in Denver

Places are filling up fast for one of the largest-ever international gatherings for Israel supporters. The Global Conference for Israel will unite thousands of philanthropists, high school and college students, and the Israelis who manage and benefit from Jewish National Fund-USA’s philanthropic investments, for a weekend of unparalleled conversations, enrichment, and entertainment.

The Global Conference for Israel will take place November 30 through December 3, 2023, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, with highlights set to include high-level briefings from His Excellency Isaac Herzog - President of the State of Israel (invited), Ambassador Gilad Erdan - Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Michael Oren - Israel’s Former Ambassador to the United States, and Jared Polis – Governor of Colorado.

“We share a deep connection to the land and people of Israel and a genuine admiration for everything that Israel has achieved over the past 75 years,” said Governor Jared Polis while highlighting the conference in an online video alongside Jewish National Fund-USA’s President and Global Conference for Israel Co-Chair, Dr. Sol Lizerbram.

“We are beyond excited to launch our organization’s first-ever Global Conference for Israel here in Denver,” added JNF-USA Executive Director, Mountain States & Pacific Northwest, Rachael Solomon. “With nearly 600 Coloradans having recently attended our Breakfast for Israel, we look forward to continuing this momentum in November. Our Mountain States team and Regional Board can’t wait to welcome attendees from around the world to share our love and show our support for the land and people of Israel.”

The conference will feature a formidable lineup of presenters highlighting why it is more important than ever to stand up for the only democracy in the Middle East.

“Today, Israel is now more secure than it has ever been,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s Mountain States Regional President, Sam Goldberg. “Challenges remain, as they always do, but what has been achieved over the past 75 years is nothing short of remarkable. It is now time for us to fulfill our destiny, our vision, and our hope to be a shining light in the sea of darkness. An illuminator of solutions to humanity's global challenges of water scarcity and food security, as well as solving human issues of how we give a life of dignity to those most disabled among us. It is time for us, the Jewish People, firmly established back home in Israel, to be the ‘light unto the nations.’ Joining Jewish National Fund-USA and attending the Global Conference in Denver is no obligation. Being there is an opportunity. It is our opportunity to play a meaningful role — an active role in being a light. Be a part of this success story!”

Attendees can expect to hear insights from key thought leaders including Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog (invited), Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, Ambassador Michael Oren, and many others.

“There is no time that is more important than now — that we should come together and understand our Zionist roots. The only way to fully do this, is as One Whole People,” said JNF-USA Mountain States Board member, Nora Schrutt. “We have been given this land. We must appreciate this, and realize that Israel is a part of each and every one of us. Israel is ours to love, nurture, and honor the idea that we are responsible for keeping it alive for all future generations.”

The conference’s entertainment will be headlined by stand-up comic star, Alex Edelman, fresh from his summer run on Broadway. In addition, participants will witness a jaw-dropping musical performance by Jewish National Fund-USA’s Special in Uniform Band. The band’s talented singers and instrumentalists are members of the life-changing initiative, Special in Uniform, which empowers young people with disabilities to serve in the Israel Defense Forces and enjoy the same “rite of passage” as their peers.

The Global Conference for Israel will also feature exclusive events for young professionals ages 22-40, as well as special programming for college and high school students.

"We look forward to welcoming over 500 young philanthropists ages 22-40 to our Global Conference for Israel, where we will have specially crafted content and discussions focused on their interests, and a not-to-be-missed exclusive young professionals celebration of Israel," said Jewish National Fund-USA's Denver-based National Director, JNFuture, Melissa Asarch Wittenberg. "JNFuture community members who live in Denver are invited to join us at special discounted rates for any and all of the exciting events, especially the late-night party on Saturday night, in what is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of Zionists under the age of 40 in the country."

Various discounted pricing and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to register, visit jnf.org/global or contact NationalConference@jnf.org.

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.