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WHEN THERE IS A NEED, LEADERS LIKE YOU SHOW UP

Are you dedicated to the safety and security of the Jewish community?
Are you interested in impacting government policies?
Are you engaged in activism on a local or national scale?
Are you a leader in your community?
Join us

THE ISSUES AT HAND

War in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has displaced more than 3.5 million Ukrainians. Jewish Federations have been working closely with our partners overseas to provide aid, shelter, and a way to safety for refugees.

 

Antisemitism

We are all feeling and seeing the effects of the rise in global antisemitic attacks. From Poway to Tree of Life and the recent attack in Israel, it is up to us to secure our Jewish communal spaces.

As these crises continue and escalate, we need leaders, allies, and partners like you to show up, make history, and make a difference. From effecting change in a single neighborhood to advocating on a national scale, it is part of who we are as a people to provide support where it is needed most.

COMING TOGETHER

Steeped in a long legacy of effecting change, the 2022 Washington Conference will bring together leaders, experts, and community influencers to network, train, and advocate for some of the most pressing issues facing our communities.

Between the humanitarian needs in Ukraine to securing our Jewish communal spaces locally, Washington Conference 2022 will gather leaders like you to focus on crucial legislation and government initiatives that address these issues. It is our job, collectively, to push for sweeping change while empowering local communities to advocate for themselves.This work does not get done alone.

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THE PROGRAM

May 11th

  • 12:00 PM

    Opening Program

  • When we come together as one community to address the issues that matter most to our Jewish community, we make a real difference.

  • Today, we are all focused on so many issues related to our Jewish community. From the ramifications of the war in Ukraine, to antisemitism and security, to the hate we see across our communtiies.

  • Washington Conference is the place where we come together to address them - and our opening program is designed to frame the issues and ensure we are ready to lead the way forward.

  • 1:30 PM

    Forum Sessions

  • This year’s Washington Conference is about the US and the change WE can make when we come together.

  • These sessions will be divided into two parts: Education and Advocacy Training.

  • For these sessions, we’ll focus on four major advocacy areas of our work that you will have the opportunity to lobby on the following day - and in the days and months following.

    • Forum 1: Securing Our Communities

    • "Security has always been a core concern of Jewish Federations and in the present climate, a central tenet of our work. We know that the ability and confidence of our community to participate fully in Jewish religious and cultural life depends on feeling safe.” - Eric Fingerhut, President & CEO, Jewish Federations of North America.


      Growing from a mere idea in 2004, the advocacy of Jewish Federations has accomplished an unprecedented $250 million in federal funds for The Nonprofit Security Grant Program this year - almost three times where the program was in 2020. We also successfully urged President Biden to include $360 million for nonprofit security in his budget proposal to Congress for funding that begins October 1st.


      But so much more is needed.


      This funding won’t be passed on its own; our collective voice is imperative to get it done. That’s why we need you to learn, engage, and advocate on behalf of the Jewish community during this two-part session.


      Confirmed Speakers


      Nate Looney
      Director of Community Safety and Belonging, Jewish Federations of North America


      Michael Masters
      Executive Director & CEO, Secure Community Network

    • Forum 2: Combating Hate Together

    • Our historic experience of antisemitism combined with the Jewish values of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam ensure that Jewish Federations are committed to combating hate in all its forms through coalition-building, direct advocacy, and community education. In the spring of 2021, as hate crimes and violence against the AAPI community skyrocketed to terrifying levels, Jewish Federations led the charge, in partnership across interfaith and intergroup lines, to pass historic legislation to combat hate crimes - the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act.


      In this session, you will hear from the policymakers who crafted the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act as well as national civil rights leaders who worked tirelessly to push the legislation forward. You will learn tactics for authentic allyship through understanding how Jewish Federations fight hate by advocating for federal policies to track and prevent hate crimes.


      But so much more is needed.


      This funding won’t be passed on its own; our collective voice is imperative to get it done. That’s why we need you to learn, engage, and advocate on behalf of the Jewish community during this two-part session.


      Confirmed Speakers


      Rep. Don Beyer
      U.S. Representative for Virginia's 8th Congressional District


      Yvette Badu-Nimako
      Vice President, Policy, National Urban League


      Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
      Director of Intergroup Relations and Rabbi in Residence, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington


    • Forum 3: Supporting Ukraine

    • Since the beginning of the Russian government’s attacks on Ukraine, Jewish Federations have been there. Together, we’ve raised more than $50 million for support on the ground and have continuously advocated ensuring that the American government would welcome those fleeing violence to resettle in the U.S.


      In this session, you will learn about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, what it takes to resettle Ukrainians here in the U.S., and how you can volunteer to support Ukrainians and advocate for the safe resettlement of refugees in the U.S. You will leave with the tools necessary to help Ukrainian refugees with your advocacy the next day and in the months and years to come in your own community.


      Confirmed Speakers


      Gelena Blishteyn
      COO, Marks JCH of Bensonhurst


      Rachel Levitan
      VP, International Policy and Relations, HIAS


      Kseniia Nadvotska
      Recently Arrived from Ukraine


      Rep. Brad Schneider
      U.S. Representative for Illinois’ 10th Congressional District; National Young Leadership Cabinet Alum

    • Forum 4: Addressing Antisemitism

    • Rising antisemitism is manifesting in every part of today’s society: corporate decisions, government policies, social media, and community relations. Yet many of the Jewish community’s traditional allies are seemingly not standing in solidarity nor fighting against the unique attributes of antisemitism. Join experts in communications, storytelling, and civic engagement to discuss strategies and tactics to combat the current trends we are all seeing.


      This two-part session is designed to frame conversations around antisemitism without falling prey to the “victim olympics” and ensure participants walk away with tangible steps they can take to bring this conversation back to their homes and offices.

      Confirmed Speakers


      Rep. Ted Deutch
      Co-Chair, House Bipartisan Antisemitism Task Force


      Leah Soibel
      CEO, Fuente Latina


      Stacey Aviva Flint
      Director of JEDI Education and Community Engagement, Jewish Federations of North America

  • 3:15-4:30 PM

    Forum Sessions Part II

  • We’ll continue the conversation with another round of conversation and interaction.

    • Forum 1: The Corporate Response to Antisemitism: How to Engage Our Employers to Speak Up

    • In the wake of recent racially-motivated hate crimes, corporations quickly mobilized to publicly denounce such incidents in real time and also to launch diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. How do we make the case to our employers that the recent, alarming spike in antisemitism needs to be addressed similarly and forcefully?


      Confirmed Speakers

      Kia Scipio
      Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Ropes & Gray LLP


      Julie Shapiro
      Washington Conference Co-Chair, National Young Leadership Cabinet


    • Forum 2: Our Schools' Response to Antisemitism: Empowering Parents and Children to Advocate for Inclusion

    • Jewish children should always feel safe in school and comfortable being their authentic selves. In some schools, antisemitism is overt – graffiti, name-calling, threats and violence. In others, it’s more subtle – questioning facts about the Holocaust or casting doubt on the legitimacy of Israel. How can parents and students advocate for inclusion to ensure that they aren’t threatened or made to feel inferior simply because they’re Jewish? How do we create school environments where Jewish students are able to thrive with a full embrace of their history, traditions and values? This session is about generating specific actions parents can bring back to their communities to ensure their children can fully and proudly embrace their Judaism while feeling celebrated, valued, and included.


      Confirmed Speakers

      Guila Franklin Siegel
      Associate Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington


      Stacy Siwak
      Board of Education, School District of Clayton, Missouri


      Kedra Singer
      National Young Leadership Cabinet, 1st Year, Palm Beach County


    • Forum 3: Digital Advocacy: Leveraging the Power of Social Media to Stand Up as a Jewish People

    • Social media isn’t the ‘new’ frontier – it’s the leading source of information for young people today. Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are easily accessible and addictive. Misinformation (or misleading information) and propaganda is rampant, and – as we learned during Operation Guardian of the Walls last spring – voices repeating anti-semetic tropes, especially with Israel involved, are oftentimes more organized and digitally-savvy than Jewish voices. How do we share our own Israel narratives and perspectives most effectively? If a cat playing a piano can go viral, why can’t we?


      Confirmed Speaker

      Matt Dorf
      President & Founder of West End Strategy Team


      Stacy Burdett
      Independent Consultant; Executive Comms Coaching, Advocacy & Government Relations


      Arielle Poleg
      Founder, Evergreen Editorial


      Zack Garber
      National Young Leadership Cabinet, 3rd Year (Baltimore)


      Bobby Gibbs
      Washington Conference Co-Chair, National Young Leadership Cabinet


    • Forum 4: What Keeps You Up at Night?: Ensuring Our Kids Can Be Proud To Be Jewish

    • A panel and discussion focusing on the high school and college experience being Jewish today, and what it means for parents of those on college campuses and in the formative years leading up to college.


      Confirmed Speaker

      Judith Sydney
      Washington Conference Planning Committee Member


  • 6:00 PM

    Offsite Reception at the U.S. Institute of Peace

  • Rounding out our day of learning, the last event of the day will feature Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive tackle Zach Banner. In July, 2020, Zach Banner took a public stand against hate when Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, DeSean Jackson, posted an antisemitic message he attributed to Adolf Hitler on social media. Banner came to the defense of the Jewish community in a series of tweets and videos that he said he hoped would educate others who might have misconceptions about Jews. And he has been calling out antisemitism and racism ever since.

  • Join us in hearing Zach’s experience, the lessons he has for all of us, and what more we can do when we take a stand for each other.

  • But that’s not all! Zach will be joined by exciting government and community leaders, including Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt, who will share deep insights about leadership on the national stage in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate.

May 12th

  • 8:30 AM

    Morning Breakouts | Lobbying Members of Congress

  • We spent the first day of the Washington Conference focused on the issues that matter most. Today, we put it all into action by lobbying our policymakers. We will include specific Thank Yous or specific requests based on Congressional positions. Our conversations will be focused on:

  • • Increasing NSGP (Nonprofit Security Grant Program) to at least $360 million

  • • Funding The No Hate Act at least at $15 million

  • • Aid to Ukraine and support of refugees

  • 9:30 AM

    Closing Program | Bringing it Home

  • In this engaging and interactive closing session we’ll partner with some of the leading Members of Congress and community leaders. Together, we’ll focus on making change through policy and come up with plans to bring this work home to our communities. This session will be hosted by Jewish Federations of North America’s President & CEO.

  • Confirmed Speakers

  • Eric Fingerhut
    President & CEO, Jewish Federations of North America

  • Ben Cardin
    U.S. Senator for Maryland

  • Erika Moritsugu
    Asian American Senior Liaison, White House

  • Steve Scalise
    US Representative for Louisiana's First District & House Republican Whip

  • Tanya Arbit
    Milwaukee Jewish Federation

  • Max Brickman
    JewishColumbus

GOT QUESTIONS?

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about Washington Conference.

  • What’s the purpose of the Washington Conference 2022?

  • With the recent attack in Colleyville, Texas – coupled with Pittsburgh, Poway, Boston, Monsey, Jersey City, Los Angeles, Manhattan and elsewhere – fighting antisemitism and protecting Jewish institutions and communities are now top priorities of the Federation system, working together with strategic partners around the world, including law enforcement.


    In the Pew Study of the American Jewish community, 75% of those surveyed reported an increase in antisemitic activity compared to five years ago, and 53% say they feel less safe now than they did five years ago AJC’s 2021 State of Antisemitism report found that 90% of American Jews believe antisemitism is a problem. Today, Jewish communities suffer more reported hate crimes than any other religious or ethnic minority.


    The Washington Conference will bring together 450 Jewish community leaders from across North America to take a stand against the rising tide of antisemitism and work collectively to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community through education, advocacy, and action – both while in DC and locally back at home.

  • What’s the history behind the Washington Conference? Why is it now returning, and what’s the vision going forward?

  • From the late 1970’s through 2004, JFNA’s Young Leadership Cabinet (‘Cabinet’) planned a major public policy conference biennially in Washington DC that galvanized the North American Jewish community around important policy and public affairs issues. At its high point, the Washington Conference reached over 3000 participants and featured top elected officials, high-level government leaders, scholars, and activists meeting over several days.


    Last summer (2021), Cabinet piloted a successful fly-in to DC focused on fighting antisemitism. Over 250 Cabinet members and alumni engaged with Members of Congress, senior Administration representatives, and antisemitism experts. The Advocacy Corps – through which Jewish lay leaders advance legislative and policy priorities – was launched at the gathering as a key follow-up strategy.


    The enthusiastic response from the participants last summer and the strong interest in further action prompted moving forward with the May 2022 conference, now open to all leaders, and hosted by Cabinet, together with National Women’s Philanthropy and the Jewish Federations’ Advocacy Corps.


    Assuming the conference continues to gain traction and interest remains high, it will be offered more consistently going forward – aligned with the original Washington Conference vision – and showcasing the breadth of JFNA’s growing public policy agenda, while raising awareness among top legislators around the policy issues most important to the Jewish community.

  • Who is the audience for the Washington Conference?

  • The conference is open to individuals (and community delegations) with interest in tackling the challenges of antisemitism, the delegitimization of Israel, and security needs through legislation, advocacy, community relations, and allyship. Participants will range from those curious and wanting to learn more about these issues to those already actively leading campaigns and initiatives to fight antisemitism, to advocate on behalf of Israel, and to strengthen the security infrastructure and training in their communities.


    The conference is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, open to those involved with Federation, CRC’s, Federation partners, synagogues and other community organizations who see themselves as advocates (or aspiring advocates) in the public space.


    Many in the Jewish community feel frustrated at this moment – overwhelmed, and worried about antisemitism. They are concerned about their safety and the safety of their families. This conference intends to equip participants with the tools, resources, basic skills, and information – and confidence – to make their voices heard in Washington, DC.

  • How do I register?

  • Registration is open. Space is limited and registrations will be accepted in the order they are received. Each registration is time- and date-stamped once submitted. Click here to register.

  • How much is the registration cost and what’s included?

  • The charge to attend the conference is $250 due upon registration. The fee includes the full program, lunch on Wednesday, 5/11; evening reception (hors d'oeuvres) on Wednesday, 5/11; and breakfast on Thursday, 5/12. Please see below for hotel information.

  • When will registration close?

  • Registrations will be accepted on a first come/first served basis until the capacity of 450 participants is reached. At that point, a waitlist will be created. Registration (and the waitlist) will remain open through Monday, May 2.

  • What happens if my plans change, and I need to cancel my registration?

  • Cancellations received through 11:59 PM PST on Monday, April 25 will be fully refundable, upon request. Cancellations received thereafter are non-refundable Cancellation requests should be directed to events@jewishfederations.org.

  • How do I make hotel reservations?

  • JFNA has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted, base rate of approximately $270/night at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall/The Wharf. The Hilton’s reservation link will be provided automatically when registering to attend the conference. All hotel reservations and hotel payments are handled through the Hilton directly. Overnight accommodations are not included in the registration fee. Participants are welcome to stay at the Hilton or anywhere else in the greater DC area they may prefer.


    The hotel is located at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station adjacent to the National Mall and easily accessible via the yellow, green, blue, orange, and silver Metro subway lines.

  • What’s the best airport?

  • The closest airport to the conference is Ronald Reagan/Washington National DCA – a 15-minute Metro subway ride or 20/25-minute cab ride. The other two regional airports – BWI and Washington Dulles – are approximately an hour+ cab ride away from the hotel, pending traffic, and are not accessible via the Metro subway. BWI is accessible to downtown DC’s Union Station via Amtrak and then Metro to the hotel.

  • How could I organize an advocacy group from my community to attend?

  • Communities may send delegations, organized through (for example) their local Federation Women’s Philanthropy, Cabinet/Young Leadership, Government and/or Community Relations affinities. The timing of the conference is designed for groups to arrive early (before lunch on Wednesday, May 11) and/or to stay-on once the conference concludes (late morning on Thursday, May 12) for ‘wraparound’ experiences specifically curated to local community priorities (e.g., meeting with Members of Congress from hometown districts). Delegations will be coordinated and staffed by local community professionals. If you would like to learn more about organizing a delegation, please contact Seth Lipkin at JFNA.

  • What will happen during the conference?

  • The Washington Conference focuses specifically on two key issues facing the Jewish community today: antisemitism, security, and the delegitimization of Israel. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts, network with each other, receive training, engage with key decision-makers, and return home with action items and tools to advocate for change. The conference will strengthen our community’s ability to fight antisemitism, meet our pressing security needs, and - through shared values and priorities – create deeper relationships with allies.


    As a result of attending the Washington Conference, participants will:

    • 1. Be prepared and mobilized to actively engage in JFNA’s strategic public affairs efforts to fight antisemitism and safeguard the security of local Jewish communities

    • 2. Understand key legislation of interest to the Jewish community and advocate on its behalf, through ongoing involvement in Jewish Federations’ Advocacy Corps

    • 3. Activate personal networks and local community organizations to build coalitions and engage allies in fighting antisemitism and safeguarding Jewish life

    • 4. Strengthen personal advocacy skills and networks + relationships with top government officials

  • How can I find out about the program

  • This website includes the most up-to-date public information available about the specifics of the program. For questions or clarification, please reach out to Seth Lipkin.

  • What’s the recommended attire?

  • Business casual appropriate to a professional gathering.

  • What’s the Advocacy Corps?

  • The Advocacy Corps is a new initiative of Jewish Federations’ Public Affairs Department designed to engage lay leaders in the legislative and policy process and deepen relationships with elected officials. Anyone may sign up to join the Advocacy Corps and receive action alerts and updates on legislation aligned with JFNA’s public policy priorities. Attendees at the Washington Conference will learn more about how to sign-up to participate in the Advocacy Corps.

  • How can I spread the word?

  • We’ve created a social media toolkit with graphics and messaging for FB, Twitter, and email. The best recruitment strategy is person-to-person through phone calls, text, and personal emails. If you plan to attend, encourage your likeminded friends to join you!

  • May I participate remotely?

  • Unfortunately, no The conference is organized as an in-person gathering, and some sessions are expected to be off-the-record. The design of the sessions and opportunity to deepen relationships with elected officials is best achieved through meaningful face-to-face conversations and interactions.

  • What are the COVID precautions being taken?

  • * COVID procedures are subject to change, in compliance with DC ordinances and regulations and the guidance of JFNA’s medical advisory committee. All participants will be required to demonstrate proof of COVID vaccination, including booster, and a negative PCR test not more than 48 hours preceding the event. At this time – with the anticipating lifting of the DC mask mandate, participants may choose to wear a mask, or not, at their own discretion. Those showing signs of illness (sore throat, cough, fever, chills, fatigue, loss of smell, etc.) leading-up to the conference are asked to remain at home and avoid attending the event.

  • Who’s serving on the Planning Committee?

  • Cece Feiler (Los Angeles)

    Bobby Gibbs (Dallas)

    Carolyn Gitlin (Hartford)

    Lindsey Glantz (Broward County)

    Andy Hochberg (Chicago)

    Rachel Hoffer (Phoenix)

    Aron Karabel (Nashville)

    Karen Kasner (New York)

    Shelly Kupfer (Washington, DC)

    Adam Miller (Orange County)

    Dan Rosen (Minneapolis)

    Julie Shapiro (New York)

    Judith Sydney (Boston)

    Jason Wuliger (Cleveland)

  • Who should I contact for questions?

  • Customer service, registration, payment, and logistics: Lindsay Matloff, lindsay.matloff@jfna.org


    Community delegations, CRC/Government Relations pros, and Advocacy Corps: Seth Lipkin, seth.lipkin@jfna.org


    Marketing and digital media strategy: Alexandra Coffey, alexandra.coffey@jfna.org


    Program and speakers: Elana Broitman, elana.broitman@jfna.org


    NWP/National Women’s Philanthropy Pros: Mandy Kaiser-Blueth, mandy.kaiser-blueth@jfna.org


    Cabinet & Young Leadership Pros: Ben Schindler, ben.schindler@jfna.org

THE DETAILS

Hosted by National Young Leadership Cabinet, Cabinet Alumni, Advocacy Corps, and National Women’s Philanthropy
  • Fee
    $250
  • Timing
    The program will begin at 12:00 PM on May 11th and conclude at 10:30 AM on May 12th.
  • Hotel
    Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf
    480 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

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