Shalom,

The past few months have been difficult for us.

The hostilities in the north which also reverberated on the Israeli home-front, reminded us, yet again, that the Jewish people and State of Israel still face very real threats and dangers.

As in past crises, this war highlighted the strength of unity in the Jewish people – expressed in the outpouring of solidarity and in the heartwarming support from communities around the world.

The intensity with which world Jewry in general, and Jews in North America in particular, rallied to the cause, serves to reinforce our sense of confidence in our ability to overcome difficulties and cope with challenges.

For this, we in Israel are deeply grateful.

The General Assembly is an important event for the Jews of North America, and for their ties with Israel.

The conference agenda and deliberations, and the impressive list of participants reflect the extent to which the recent war has seriously impacted Israel and Global Jewry.

We share a common goal.

We must ensure the resilience of the State of Israel on economic, social and security levels.

We must strengthen the Jewish communities overseas and reinforce their identity with Jewish culture and Jewish values.

When I was approached by the heads of the UJC to serve as Israeli chair of the GA, I accepted with great respect and a sense of pride as it allows me to participate in a great Jewish mission.

It is this same sense of pride that I feel as the President and CEO of the Leumi Group, which was founded 104 years ago, to help realize the Zionist dream and be instrumental in creating a new state.

With this purpose in mind of a Zionist and Jewish mission, I have undertaken to assist in building the Israeli side of this important dialogue – to reinforce the ties between the Jewish people in Israel and the Jewish Diaspora in North America.

I wish us all a stimulating and fruitful conference, which will hopefully contribute to a better future for us all.

Thank you,

Galia Maor