The UJC has
announced that it will be holding its 2008 annual General Assembly in Israel,
in honor of the country's 60th anniversary.
The United Jewish Communities of North America's GA events are scheduled to take place in Jerusalem on November 16-19. The events will focus on Israel's achievements over the past 60 years, the longstanding partnership between Israel and North American Jewry and the future challenges facing the Jewish People.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is
expected to launch the events, with President Shimon Peres as
the key speaker at the closing event. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni,
Defense Minister Ehud Barak and
Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu,
will also be among the GA's keynote plenary session speakers.
"The connection between the US and Israel is very important," said the Israeli Chair of the GA, Shari Arison. "We as Jews have a role to play in the future of our world. We must be an example, an example of love, of kindness, of mutual respect and understanding. We as Jews have a role to play, but let us not forget our purpose.
"It is not about us, it is about humanity. Our strength is in our togetherness, together we will overcome all challenges ahead, if we act based on our role. All Jews are connected and that connection must resonate to connect all of mankind because we are all one."
The GA summit will be attended by some 4,000 Jewish leaders, activists and donors from North America. The summit will be preceded but the Lions of Judah Conference of the UJC Women's Division; which is expected to host 1,000 of the world's most influential women philanthropists.
The 2008 GA will also be preceded – for the first time ever – by a Next Generation GA meet,
which will bring together some 700 young donors and activists from Israel, the USA and around the Jewish world, for a day of sightseeing and discussions.
Over the course of the sessions, the Next Generation will prepare a declaration of commitment to the Jewish People and the State of Israel, which will be presented at the closing plenary session.
Participants of the 2008 GA will be given a tour of Israel, aimed to demonstrate the various activities their donations support through local UJC's – JAFI, JDC and ENP. Other events include a solidarity march through the alleyways of Jerusalem and a festive happening in Tel Aviv's Sarona Park, in honor of the White City's centennial.
Nachman Shai, Senior Vice President and Director General of UJC Israel said: "GA 2008 will bring thousands of Jews to Israel to celebrate the historic partnership over more than 60 years between Israel and the North American Jewish Communities.
"In one way or another, this partnership has affected the life of every Israeli, and this gathering in Israel will strengthen that bond and give it momentum for the future."
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