President Herzog’s Address at Jewish Federations’ General Assembly: A Diplomatic Milestone Amid Global Tensions

Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a poignant address at the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (JFNA) in Washington, DC, on Monday, marking a significant diplomatic moment amid rising tensions in the Middle East and increasing global antisemitism.

During his remarks, Herzog bade farewell to outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the recent U.S. presidential elections. This visit was Herzog’s first to the U.S. since the horrific October 7 Hamas massacre, which has since deeply influenced his country's foreign policy and relations with the international community.

A Diplomatic Transition: Biden’s Steadfast Support and Trump’s Vision for Peace

Herzog highlighted the warm relationship he had built with President Biden since taking office in 2021, noting Biden's steadfast support for Israel throughout the ongoing war with Hamas. Herzog expressed gratitude for Biden’s commitment to Israel’s security, saying, “From the very beginning of the war, President Biden has been a true friend and steadfast in his support.”

Herzog also spoke favorably of the incoming President Trump, calling him a “champion of peace and cooperation.” He shared that he had spoken to Trump after the elections, wishing him success in leading the Middle East towards peace and prosperity. The conversation also touched on the urgent need to bring Israeli hostages held by Hamas back home, a matter both leaders expressed concern over.

Herzog's remarks emphasized that despite the political transition in the U.S., Israel’s need for international partnerships and support remains unchanged. The Israeli President is expected to meet with Biden for a final conversation to discuss the ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the final diplomatic efforts of the Biden administration to broker ceasefire deals in Gaza and Lebanon.

Rising Antisemitism: A Global Challenge

In his speech, Herzog also addressed the alarming rise in antisemitism worldwide, particularly in the U.S. He condemned the "startling wave of antisemitism flooding the United States and the Jewish world," citing recent violent incidents, such as the attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. Herzog called for a unified stance against such hatred, declaring, “The civilized world cannot tolerate a mob seeking out Jews, and we will not allow this to be normalized.”

Herzog squarely blamed Iran and its allies for exacerbating global antisemitism, which he called a “modern-day empire of evil” spreading hatred through its proxies. He emphasized Israel's role as the guardian of global Jewry, affirming that the Jewish nation-state would continue to support Jews worldwide in combating this growing threat.

“Kol Ha’Am”: Strengthening Global Jewish Unity

Herzog used the occasion to promote his initiative, Kol Ha’Am (Voice of the People), a global Jewish task force designed to address pressing issues facing Jews around the world. The initiative, which was revived this fall after being temporarily paused in the wake of the October 7 massacre, aims to bridge gaps between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.

Shirel Dagan-Levy, CEO of the Voice of the People task force, accompanied Herzog to the U.S. and discussed the initiative’s goals. The task force will bring together Jewish councilmembers from around the world, including the U.S. and Israel, to address issues like antisemitism and to foster unity within the global Jewish community.

Dagan-Levy expressed determination despite the sparse turnout at the General Assembly’s opening rally, stating that the need to strengthen the relationship between Israel and world Jewry had never been more urgent.

Protests and the Jewish Identity Debate

While Herzog’s speech was the highlight of the JFNA’s General Assembly, his visit was met with protests from pro-Palestinian groups outside the hotel where the conference was held. Inside, a panel of prominent American Jewish rabbis discussed the evolving Jewish identity post-October 7, with Rabbi Sharon Brous of the IKAR synagogue in Los Angeles drawing applause for her call to recognize the humanity of the Palestinian people amid Israel’s war in Gaza.

Herzog’s presence at the event underscored the ongoing tension between Israel’s government, its allies, and the broader Jewish community. As Israel navigates a challenging geopolitical landscape, Herzog’s role in fostering unity and strengthening ties with global Jewry is seen as a crucial part of his diplomatic mission.

Looking Ahead: A New U.S. Administration

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, Herzog's address signals the importance of maintaining strong U.S.-Israel relations. Trump’s victory, along with his upcoming policies under the guidance of figures like Senator Marco Rubio, signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities, especially concerning the Middle East and antisemitism.

Herzog’s diplomatic engagements, alongside his leadership of Israel’s global Jewish community initiatives, will continue to play a vital role in shaping Israel’s response to both regional and international challenges in the coming years.