JERUSALEM – The World Jewish Congress will hold its plenary assembly May 18-20 in Jerusalem, convening Jewish leaders from around the globe to elect WJC’s senior leadership and define the organization’s policy agenda for the next four years. More than 300 representatives from over 70 Jewish communities are expected to attend the plenary, the World Jewish Congress’ highest decision-making forum. Others will connect remotely via video. Senior Israeli and other international figures will address the delegates throughout the two days of discussions.
The plenary will kick off with a May 18 opening ceremony hosted by WJC-Israel Regional President Sylvan Adams and emceed by Israeli actress and singer Ester Rada. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will deliver remarks, and singer Eden Golan will perform.
At a special session on May 19, Israeli President Isaac Herzog will award the Presidential Medal of Honor to WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, for his leadership and dedication to the Jewish people. In January, Herzog announced that Lauder would be awarded with the prize in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Lauder, who is running for re-election to the WJC presidency, will also be presented with an honorary doctorate by Reichman University on Tuesday evening in Herzliya.
Other events on May 19-20 include the election of WJC leadership and deliberation of policy resolutions, as well dynamic discussions with senior representatives of technology, culture, sporting and civil society. They will illuminate challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish world today, including support for Israel and Jewish unity, the surge in antisemitism since Oct. 7 and the increase in online hate, and global responses to the Israel–Hamas war.
Lauder will be traveling to Israel following a visit to Qatar where he met with United States President Donald J. Trump and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
