The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the central forum for organized American Jewry on vital issues of international and national concern. Representing 50 national Jewish organizations, the Conference provides a common voice for affiliated American Jews from across the political and religious spectra, forging diverse groups into a unified force for Israel's well-being and to protect and enhance the security and dignity of Jews at home and abroad. It brings together American Jewish organizational leadership with key U.S., Israeli and world leaders to address issues of critical concern to the Jewish community.
Publicly, and even more so behind the scenes, the Conference, together with its member agencies, takes the lead in promoting the interests of the American Jewish community, ensuring that Israel's interests are heard and understood by policy makers, opinion molders and the American public and fostering the understanding that a safe and secure Israel is a vital U.S. national interest, a strategic ally, and a reliable partner.
From time to time, the Conference of Presidents convenes discussions on major trends and events on campus, as they relate to the pro-Israel agenda. Organizational leaders and campus professionals work together to develop strategies to integrate the “Israel on campus” agenda into the overall work of the organized Jewish community, and to identify opportunities for cooperation among campus communities, community-relations agencies and local Jewish groups.
Current agenda items include:
- Standing united behind America in its commitment to combat global terrorism, and with America’s staunch ally, Israel, as it battles terrorism.
- Advocating for Israel’s security and a just, lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians and with all of Israel’s neighbors, based on sequenced, performance-based steps.
- Calling for robust international sanctions to isolate Iran and deter it from developing nuclear weapons.
- Building support for Israel in the media and in world opinion by actively opposing anti-Israel bias on campus and in the public arena, anti-Israel boycotts, and efforts to isolate Israel at the U.N. and other international fora.
- Strengthening Israel by supporting U.S. military and economic aid, encouraging private investment, and promoting travel to Israel -- the strongest possible affirmation of solidarity with the people and State of Israel and a staple of Israel’s economy.
- Advocating for the immediate and unconditional return of Israel’s missing soldiers.
- Supporting international efforts to end arms transfers to Hezbollah across the Syrian-Lebanese border in violation of UN Resolution 1701, and for Syria to stop providing refuge and resources to terrorist organizations.
- Speaking out against anti-Semitism anywhere in the world and in support of Jewish communities around the world.
Resources for Students
Israel Campus Beat
Israel in your inbox. Every week. The Israel Campus Beat has all the Israel-related news that students need to know. Subscribe to the ICB and receive a customizable weekly email that includes top stories, campus news, expert analysis and commentary, student opinion, and reports on Israeli society, business and technology, arts and entertainment. Brief summaries link directly to university, national, Israeli and international media and reflect multiple points of view.
The ICB is an initiative of the Conference of Presidents in partnership and Israel on Campus Coalition, and is prepared by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. To subscribe, email info@conferenceofpresidents.org with the message “subscribe ICB”. Back issues are available at www.israeloncampuscoalition.org
Daily Alert - The Most Important Daily News Regarding Israel
A 5-day-a-week digest of key articles and commentary on Israel and the Middle East from the world and Hebrew press, the Daily Alert provides background and talking points for everyday conversations about Israel with other students, on campus radio and newspapers, and in classes. It contains links to key relevant sites as well as to publications addressing current issues. Subscribe by emailing info@conferenceofpresidents.org with the message “subscribe DA”. Back issues are available at http://www.dailyalert.org/archive/.
www.IranAlert.org, features the latest news, analysis and commentary on the Iranian nuclear threat as well as campaigns for promoting terror-free investment.
Sharing for Life
An initiative encouraging visitors to Israel to donate blood to help Magen David Adom (Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross) meet the needs of Israel’s civilians and soldiers maintaining security on the front lines. Donating blood is one of the most personal ways to demonstrate concern and solidarity with Israelis. Special arrangements are made for convenient donations by groups. This is an initiative of the Conference of Presidents, American Red Magen David Adom (ARMDI) and Magen David Adom of Israel.
Student Representation
Students are represented at the Conference of Presidents by Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.
For more information:
Carolyn Greene
Associate Executive Director
Phone: (212) 318-6111
Fax: (212) 644-4135
E-mail: carolyn@conferenceofpresidents.org
Web site: http://www.conferenceofpresidents.org