On December 9-10, 2025, the Jerusalem Post Group will bring together leading figures from the political, economic, and technology sectors in Israel and the United States for its first-ever Washington Conference, to be held in the heart of Capitol Hill. Under the banner of “Building Tomorrow, Today,” it will focus on the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel and explore the challenges and opportunities for both nations in security, technology, and the economy. The conference will explore a diverse range of topics, including defense collaboration, innovation, diplomacy, and community leadership, and will showcase how Washington and Jerusalem can work together to build a safer, more connected future.
The event will be led by Ronald S. Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress and President of the Conference. Commenting on the significance of the conference, Lauder said, “The United States depends on Israel as much as Israel depends on the United States. The alliance between us is unshakable and stands as a pillar of strength in an increasingly uncertain world. In a series of discussions in Washington, we will reaffirm this unbreakable partnership and ensure that our two nations continue to lead with strength, courage, clarity, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of the free world. The Trump Administration deserves praise and recognition for its singular role in pursuing peace through strength and prosperity, as we write the next chapter in the US-Israel partnership and set the region on a path to long-term stability.”
Inbar Ashkenazi, CEO of the Jerusalem Post Group, expressed her belief that the conference can be a positive influence on events in the Middle East. “The Washington Summit reflects our commitment not only to analyzing the future directions Israel will take in the Middle East, but also to actively engaging in the dialogue that defines them. At this critical moment, the Summit serves as a platform to strengthen strategic cooperation between Israel and the United States, highlight shared democratic values, and examine how innovation, diplomacy, and regional partnerships can reshape the landscape of the Middle East for years to come.”
Zvika Klein, Editor-in-Chief of the Post, said the conference will focus on answering some of the difficult questions confronting Israeli policymakers as the war draws to a close. “As we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, after more than two years of war, we can start to focus on what it really means for a tiny Jewish state to exist in the tough neighborhood called the Middle East.
“Will more countries join the Abraham Accords? What does the “day after” look like for Gaza? What is the future of Judea and Samaria, or the West Bank? These are some of the questions we will discuss at our first Washington, DC summit. In addition, we will acknowledge the current US administration for its support of Israel against all of its enemies, including the recent joint strike in Iran.”
The conference will begin on Tuesday evening, December 9, with an exclusive event, attended by senior officials, business leaders, and philanthropists. The next day will feature the main sessions, led by US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Members of Congress and other dignitaries will take part in the conference’s private closing event, hosted by businessman, strategist, and author Mark Penn and Nancy Jacobson, the founder of No Labels.
An impressive array of political leaders from the US and Israel is scheduled to participate in the Jerusalem Post Washington Conference, including Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar; Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana; Senator Lindsey Graham; Senator John Fetterman; US Representatives Josh Gottheimer, Mike Lawler, Randy Fine and Abraham Hamadeh; Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States; Tom Barrack, US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria; and Gila Gamliel, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
Jerusalem Post journalists will hold in-depth conversations at the conference with key figures, including, among others, Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric Fingerhut; Israel Aerospace Industries CEO Boaz Levy; photojournalist Chen Schimmel; HaShomer HaChadash CEO Yoel Zilberman; Gilad Erdan, Global President of Magen David Adom and former Israeli Ambassador to the UN; and Lital Leshem, co-founder of Protego Ventures.
Erdan said, “As Global President of Magen David Adom, I am privileged to show the world the incredible positive light and the critical importance of MDA as the backbone of Israel’s resilience, and how we are committed to saving everyone who needs help. We do so largely thanks to the incredible support we receive from Jewish communities all across the US. My MDA role has exposed me to the best of Israeli society – the 35,000 staff and volunteers, prepared to risk everything to help save lives every moment of every day.”
During and after October 7, El AL Israel Airlines Ltd. served as a vital air bridge to Israel when most foreign airlines had suspended their flights. Amikam Ben Zvi, El Al Chairman, who will be at the Washington Conference, said, “The conference’s title, ‘Building Tomorrow, Today,’ is relevant to the entire Israeli economy - and even more so to EL AL. Since the outbreak of the war, EL AL has been fully committed to the vital mission of continuing to serve as the air bridge connecting Israel with the world, transporting passengers as well as essential cargo.
“We are proud that over the past two years, despite operational challenges, we have successfully maintained our flight schedule as planned, and even added rescue flights to bring Israelis home, including soldiers, reservists, families of hostages, the wounded and bereaved families from various destinations around the globe.”
The Jerusalem Post Washington Conference holds special significance for connecting Israel to political and civic communities in the US. Gabe Groisman, who is serving as the Conference Ambassador and a bridge-builder between Jerusalem and Washington, pointed out, “The Washington Summit reveals how laser-focused the Jewish Diaspora is on US policy and political trends. The Summit will be a deep dive into these matters with thought leaders from Washington, in Washington. There has never been a more critical time to be educated on US foreign policy.
The relationship between the two nations is incredibly strong but must be understood and ultimately guarded for the good of the Free World. I couldn’t be more excited about it!”
Photojournalist Chen Schimmel, whose photos of the massacres that took place on October 7, will be featured in her upcoming book, “October 7: Bearing Witness,” described the significance of bearing photographic witness to the tragic events of that day. “At the Conference, I want to affirm the values we stand for – moral courage, the sanctity of life, the dignity of every person, and the enduring right of the Jewish people to defend our home. This is the legacy we’ve inherited, and the future we intend to safeguard.”
Yoel Zilberman, CEO of HaShomer HaChadash, the volunteer organization that aims to protect the land of Israel and connect Israeli society and the Jewish people to its heritage, explained his goals for the conference: “Improving regional life-support infrastructure is not just a way to enhance Israel’s security; it also helps stabilize the entire region, and fosters trust and cooperation with Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Innovative water solutions, advanced agriculture, and shared food systems can transform Israel from a dependent player into a leader-
creating a future of regional prosperity.”
This year’s Washington Conference is expected to position the Jerusalem Post at the heart of global dialogue, reinforcing Israel’s role in the key decision-making arenas shaping the future.