America, Israel and the Jewish Why

As the world grows more polarized and Jewish belonging faces new tests, the ties between America, Israel and the global Jewish people have never felt more complex—or more essential. In this Opening Plenary, two former senior U.S. officials who have shaped policy and diplomacy at the highest levels come together for a rare public dialogue about identity, loyalty and purpose. Jason Greenblatt and Ambassador Dan Shapiro—who served under two very different administrations, yet share deep personal commitments to Israel and Jewish life—explore what it means to lead, represent and belong as Jews in this fraught moment. Guided by Israeli journalist Tamar Ish-Shalom, the conversation moves beyond geopolitics to ask a deeper question: “Why do we persist in our connection to one another—and how can that connection help us thrive?”