Posted on 05/19/25
Jerusalem, Israel - May 19, 2025 - The World Jewish Congress (WJC) officially opened its 2025 Plenary Assembly with a moving gala event on May 18 at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, Israel, marking the organization’s first assembly in Israel since 2009. The three-day gathering brings together more than 300 Jewish leaders and representatives from over 70 countries to elect WJC’s senior leadership and set its policy agenda for the next four years.
Hosted by WJC-Israel Regional President Sylvan Adams and emceed by Israeli actress and singer Ester Rada, the evening blended powerful addresses with emotional tributes and musical performances. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee delivered a fiery keynote, warning of the threats posed by Iran and its regional proxies.
“I hear people say Israel is facing a seven-front war,” continued Huckabee. “All of the plates come from the same kitchen in Tehran.” He emphasized the need to confront the root of the threat rather than merely its symptoms, drawing laughter and applause with his assertion that the U.S.-Israel alliance is too vital to ever “divorce.” “We need each other. We will stay together,” he said.
The gala also honored the resilience of former hostages Tal Shoham, his wife Adi, and their children Yahel and Naveh, with a special Israeli Resilience Award. Tal, who spent 505 days in Hamas captivity before being freed in February, addressed the crowd with heartfelt words. “I stand before you with my heart still in Gaza with the 58 who still remain hostage,” he said, urging global Jewish leaders to demand “moral clarity” and continue advocating for their release.
Sylvan Adams used his keynote address to spotlight the role of countries like Qatar and Iran in fueling anti-Israel sentiment through what he called “trillions in demonizing the Jewish people.” He called out Qatar directly for sheltering Hamas leaders and hindering hostage negotiations, stating, “Qatar is not our friend. If they wanted peace, they would hand them over.”
Adams also suggested an ambitious initiative to bring one million new immigrants to Israel from Jewish communities around the world, signaling a more outspoken and strategic direction for the WJC’s Israel Region.
The gala concluded with performances by Israeli Eurovision finalist Eden Golan, who sang her emotionally charged song October Rain, and singer David D’Or, who brought the audience to their feet with a series of Hebrew songs.
On Monday, Ronald S. Lauder was unanimously re-elected to a final four-year term as WJC President, a role he has held since 2007. In his keynote address during the assembly, Lauder called for greater Jewish resilience and unity in a post-October 7 world. Additional appointments included Chella Safra as Chair of the WJC Governing Board, Aaron Frankel as Treasurer, and David Koshitzky, Chair of WJC North America, as head of the WJC Policy Council.
Diplomats and politicians were in the audience, as were numerous young men and women, future leaders. Maryland's Dan Alpert is Chief of Staff to Maryland Delegate Linda Foley. Alpert graduated from the University of Maryland, where he served as Student Body President. He is a representative for the WJC NextGen community on the WJC Executive Committee.
With global tensions high and the Jewish world facing unprecedented challenges, this year’s WJC Plenary Assembly aims to set a bold, unified course for the years ahead.
