PROGRAM FOR THE 2008 GA IN JERUSALEM
Please note: The program listed below is a draft as of 5/9/08, and will be updated as details become available. Check this page frequently for updates.

The 2008 General Assembly (GA) of the United Jewish Communities/Federations of North America, celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary, will take place Nov. 16-19 in Jerusalem and across Israel, and is expected to draw thousands of Jews from around the world. It will be immediately preceded by the International Lion of Judah Conference in Tel Aviv on Nov. 12-16.

The 2008 GA -- the third to be held in Israel -- will mark Israel's 60th anniversary with a series of high-profile meetings and events in Jerusalem, inspirational visits to the North and South to see how UJC/Federation-supported work supports the Jewish state, and to Israel's cosmopolitan hub, Tel Aviv. Co-chairing the 2008 GA will be North American Chairs Mark and Jane Wilf of New Jersey and Israel Chair Shari Arison.

The Jerusalem events will include appearances by most of Israel's political leaders and dignitaries from across Israeli society. Among the political leaders confirmed or invited to appear are Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; Defense Minister Ehud Barak; Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, President Shimon Peres and Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

Another GA highlight will be a scheduled solidarity march through the streets and alleyways of downtown Jerusalem on Monday, Nov. 17, recalling the historic march through Jerusalem at the height of the second intifada in 2003, demonstrating the unshakable bonds between North American Jewry and Israel.

The 2008 GA will be based at the Jerusalem International Convention Center, known as Binyanei Ha’umah. Beginning Sunday, Nov. 16, the GA will place particular emphasis on the Next Generation with a first-time “Next-Gen GA” that gathers more than 500 participants under age 45 to discuss their role and how they will emerge as the next generation of Jewish leadership. In the evening, major donors on the Prime Minister’s Council will attend a dinner reception with Prime Minister Olmert, followed by a gala GA opening celebrating the Diaspora-Israel relationship and featuring the prime minister.

On Monday, Nov. 17, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will reflect on the U.S. partnership with Israel over more than 60 years.  A federation system representative will also detail the history of UJC/Federation support for the Jewish State.

After a series of workshops and forums throughout the day, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak will outline Israel's security challenges. A nighttime march from the JICC through the alleyways and streets of downtown Jerusalem will lead to a rally at Wilf Park, followed by a celebration in the city.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the GA will allow participants to immerse themselves in the work of UJC/Federation in Israel, with trips to the Galilee and the Negev Desert to see projects of some of UJC/Federation's main overseas partner agencies: the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC); the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and the Ethiopian National Project (ENP).

That evening, GA participants will head to Tel Aviv, celebrating the centennial of the "White City" of historic Art Deco and Bauhaus buildings, at the restored historic Sarona Park.

Finally, the GA will conclude Wednesday, Nov. 19, with Knesset opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres slated to share their visions for our communal future, followed by a special musical performance by Israeli youth.