דברי הנשיא בשידור בכנס ה- GA של איחוד הפדרציות היהודית של צפון אמריקה

I am delighted to join you today, live, from the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, and to address the distinguished officers and professionals of the Jewish Federations of North America. The historic role of the American Jewish community in establishing and solidifying the State of Israel cannot be overstated. For over a century, American Jewry has been voluntarily joining Zionist troopers— whether as Aliya activists or as soldiers of צה"ל making the case for Israel, and providing extraordinary funding in support of urgent programs and Israeli institutions. All of this has helped turn the Jewish, democratic state of Israel into the modern-day miracle we share today.

So, as Israel— our family home, or home away from home— approaches its 75th birthday, I would like to express my deepfelt appreciation to each of the leaders, the communities, and the federations represented here today. The partnership we share is a labor of love, and it is critical for the future of our people. As part of this partnership, The JFNA has assumed a prominent role in solidifying the relevance of the North American organized Jewish community as a leading force on the global Jewish map.

This year, under the impressive leadership of my friends Julie Platt and Eric Fingerhut, the JFNA once again demonstrated the urgency of the federation system. The Federations enabled global Jewish organizations such as The Jewish Agency for Israel and JDC to respond in real time to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, providing support for new עולים and relief to refugees. The JFNA also stepped up immediately, to support the initiative promoted by my wife, Michal, together with Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, to offer post trauma and mental health assistance to women and children in Ukraine. It was therefore very important for me to meet with the JFNA leadership last week in Washington, D.C., to discuss the opportunities and challenges we face, and to prepare for this GA.

Were it not for Election Day in Israel tomorrow, I would love to have joined you as I have in the past, most recently as Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel. I take this opportunity to greet Mark Wilf— Chairman of JAFI's Board of Governors whom you all know quite well, and Major General Doron Almog— Chairman of JAFI's Executive, the promising new leaders of The Jewish Agency, which is the JFNA's central partner in Israel and around the world.

Tomorrow Israelis will go vote. I know the frequency of elections in Israel is somewhat unnerving, and I am aware of the questions posed in many Jewish communities around the world about the outcome of these elections. At the same time, while frequent elections are clearly not ideal— they are also evident of a vibrant, dynamic democracy.

We must all recognize that the Israeli people, abundant with diversity and varying opinions, are correctly exercising their fundamental, democratic right to vote. The results may, or may not, be to your liking, but the vote of the Israeli people must be respected. Beyond this, I say to each of you that the firm, vital connection between the State of Israel and North American Jewry will not, and should not, be compromised, whatever the results.

I never shy away from the fact that there are gaps between Israel and the Jewish communities abroad, and there is real work to be done. Indeed, since assuming presidency I have been working to nurture the next generation of Jewish leadership [in a new platform], in order to ensure that the past, the traditions, and the values we share, translate to a shared future. I have every confidence in the bonds we share, which run deeper than politics or shifting circumstance. We are all bigger than this.

Last week I had the privilege of sitting down with President Joe Biden at the Oval Office. Following his invitation to the White House. President Biden’s love of Israel and deep affinity towards the American Jewish community could not have been clearer, warmer, or more sincere. I can say with certainty that he is an ally and a partner, who cares deeply about American Jewry and about the State of Israel. He is genuinely disturbed by the appalling rise in Antisemitism and is adamant about combatting this violent hatred, as a true friend .ידיד אמת-

In Israel, we are also deeply alarmed by the very existence, and by the volume of the antisemitism in America. The vile incidents on college campuses serve as ongoing wake up calls, but I know that for some of you anti-Semitic assaults and delegitimization have shockingly become an almost daily occurrence.

It is indeed inconceivable that Jews are being targeted in the United States of America. Four years ago, 11 women and men were killed inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The time I spent with the grieving families getting up from Shiva, and the shocked congregants, will remain with me always. There are no words too strong, to condemn anti-Semitism, and there are no excuses for disregarding the safety of Jewish communities. The State of Israel stands 100% at your side, ready to assist in any way, shape or form.

This gathering, in Chicago and in Jerusalem, is a precise interpretation of the verse“בהתאסף ראשי עם יחד שבטי ישראל”, When the heads of the people assembled, The tribes of Israel together.’ The efforts of the JFNA, at every level, to ensure an active, safe and flourishing Jewish future, are vital to us all. I thank 2022 GA Co-Chairs Linda Schottenstein Fisher, and Rachel and Jonathan Hoffer, and my compliments to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, under the leadership of Lonnie Nasatir and his team, for hosting this impressive gathering. I look forward to welcoming the entire GA next year in Israel— בשנה הבאה בישראל! I applaud your work, and I wish you all great success in this pivotal mission. Thank you.