Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), approaches next week's Jerusalem Post Washington Conference with optimism. Despite a turbulent and extraordinary year for both Israel and the U.S., he sees this moment as a "real sense of transition" and an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among policymakers, Jewish leaders, and the public.
"I'm glad the JPost is coming to Washington, D.C. No offense to New York, which is fantastic," he smiled, "but Washington's decisions impact both American Jewry and Israel." He noted the new U.S. administration has played a significant role this past year. "It started in January and has already had notable international and domestic effects," he said.
For JFNA, those effects cover nearly every area: antisemitism, security, education, social services, and ongoing issues related to the Gaza war and the hostage crisis. "It's been a very busy year," he added, recalling the government shutdown, security incidents, and increased communal needs.
For Fingerhut, the conference offers a crucial opportunity to connect the dots between Jewish life in the U.S. and Israel, and to examine how federal policies are changing both. He noted the new federal tax credit designed to support families in religious education, stating it has sparked a significant increase in interest in Jewish education in America.
This presents chances to strengthen Jewish identity, especially as many public and secular private schools have been affected by antisemitism and anti-Zionism visible across society. "American Jews should know – and Israelis should know – that our children can be educated in an environment that supports Jewish identity and Israel," he stated.
"Let's examine the impact this city has on Jewish life in Israel and America," Fingerhut added. "Because it's a significant impact," also emphasized the emotional significance of the moment, especially after JFNA's recent 2025 General Assembly. "We are at a pivotal point of transition," he explained. "Moving from the active phase of the war and hostage crisis to, the hope is, the post-war recovery and rebuilding in Israel."
Simultaneously, he noted, the American Jewish community has reached a "tipping point" regarding antisemitism, coupled with a renewed interest in Jewish life that demands new engagement and leadership strategies. He believed this combination had brought about clarity rather than chaos.
"Sometimes, it's unclear what the community's main goal is. I believe we are now at a moment of genuine certainty. We understand what needs to be done," he said. "We've moved beyond emergency stages, and we are ready to get to work."
Fingerhut didn't hesitate to name hopefulness - Not naïve optimism - as the force that drives him forward in light of the upcoming conference. Hope rooted in alignment, momentum, and the sense that leaders across government and the Jewish world "seem to be aligned" on critical priorities. "We feel good," he said. "This is a moment of reflection and transition, but also a moment to launch into some new, very important major projects."