New York Conference Gathers US and Israeli Leaders to Discuss Ties

The second annual conference opens in New York on Wednesday, bringing together senior Israeli and American officials, Jewish community leaders, security experts, and business figures at the InterContinental Hotel in Times Square.

Key discussions will focus on US-Israel relations following recent elections, combating antisemitism, the future of American Jewish communities, security challenges, the Iranian threat, and technological innovation. Among the prominent speakers is Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, Strauss Group Chair Ofra Strauss, Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog, and AJC President Ted Deutch.

A central and emotional moment of the event will feature Avinatan Or, who survived 738 days in Hamas captivity after being abducted from the Re'im music festival on October 7. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion is also scheduled to announce that a central square in the capital will be named in memory of the late Sheldon Adelson, honoring his pivotal role in strengthening ties between the US and Jerusalem.

The conference will further highlight personal resilience through the story of reserve Lt. Omri Rosenblit, a paratrooper commander and Minrav executive who lost his leg in combat and later became the first person with a disability to compete on the reality television show "The Amazing Race".