William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, told Ynet that American Jewry "has raised $2 billion for Israel since October 7." He made the remarks during a special solidarity conference held by the Conference of Presidents in Jerusalem.
President Herzog meets hostage families
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“I think this will now continue with the rehabilitation efforts following the 12-day war with Iran,” Daroff added. “As Jews, we come to help other Jews in distress, and unfortunately there are many Jews suffering today after all the tragedies we’ve endured. It’s important you know we’re by your side—and our support does not depend on the political leadership in Israel. We support you, no matter who the prime minister is. Many Jews in the U.S. criticize your government, just as many support it. The split here is quite similar to the split there.”
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The conference, taking place in Jerusalem, includes 20 Jewish leaders representing 16 different organizations who came to show solidarity with Israel following the war with Iran and the ongoing fighting in Gaza. Participants are scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. Both the participants and Herzog also met with the parents of hostage Alon Ohel.
Participants will also meet with other hostage families and former hostages, and will visit Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. They plan to tour the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, which sustained damage during the war with Iran, and visit Bat Yam, where they will meet with Mayor Tzvika Brot and families who lost their homes in the Iranian attack.
“We want to see the damage firsthand, but the main idea is to embrace our Israeli brothers and sisters and make sure you know we stand with you, Daroff said. When you’re in shelters, we’re in shelters with you. When you cry over fallen soldiers, we cry with you. When you celebrate the incredible victory over Iran, we celebrate with you. Since October 7, the hearts of Israelis and Diaspora Jews have beat as one—and that continues to this day.”
He added that in Bat Yam and at the Weizmann Institute, the American Jewish organizational representatives will explore how they can assist with rebuilding, trauma care, and reaffirming their commitment as partners.
Regarding the sharp criticism of Israeli government policies from within the U.S. Jewish community, Daroff said: “We want to show that Jews are united in their support for Israel. There’s representation from both the left and right, and from all Jewish denominations—Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Everyone is represented. That’s part of our goal—to demonstrate that we may not agree on everything among ourselves, but we agree on the need for strong American support for Israel. Sometimes the headlines focus on disagreements, but at the end of the day, agreement outweigh disagreement.”