Hundreds of Jewish community leaders convened in Jerusalem this week for the annual Board of Governors meeting, The Jewish Agency reported, where they heared testimonies from families of Israeli hostages and generate momentum for the release of those still held by Hamas in Gaza. The three-day gathering, themed "The Time is Now," brings together global Jewish leadership at a critical moment for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
The participants met with prominent figures including Israel Hayom publisher and philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson, former Mossad head Yossi Cohen, and senior staffer Dalia Cusnir, who has been working for the release of her brothers-in-law Iair and Eitan Horn, with Iair recently freed while Eitan remains in captivity.
The meeting showcased ongoing rehabilitation programs strengthening northern and southern Israel in response to the war. These initiatives are being advanced in partnership with the World Zionist Organization, Jewish Federations of North America, and Keren Hayesod, encompassing support for terrorism-affected families and restoration of communities devastated on Oct. 7.
Participants heard from The Jewish Agency's leadership, including Chairman of the Executive Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, Board of Governors Chairman Mark Wilf, and CEO Yehuda Setton about the organization's vision and response to current challenges.
With antisemitic incidents having surged more than 300% worldwide since Oct. 7, the meeting addressed efforts to strengthen Jewish community security globally. A special session will focus on rising antisemitism in Australia, while the organization will present data on its Security Assistance Fund protecting Jewish institutions abroad.
"We are in the midst of a security, economic, and social crisis. Today, more than ever, there is a need for the Jewish people to genuinely come together to lead the rehabilitation and recovery of the State of Israel," Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog said.
Almog emphasized the importance of focusing on the younger generation "who give us strength and who will shape the course of our future." He added, "Through our collective effort, we will build a society that realizes the vision of the ingathering of the exiles, not only in the physical sense but also in the moral sense. We will continue to fight for the release of all the hostages and act with strength and love for a future of freedom, security, and hope."
Mark Wilf reinforced the urgency reflected in the meeting's theme. "Our imperative call to action at this year's Board of Governors meeting, 'The Time is Now,' could not come any sooner," he said. "World Jewry must not wait another moment in summoning the full extent of its energy, resources, and capabilities to bring the hostages home, rebuild the areas in Israel that were devastated by October 7, and combat the alarming surge of antisemitism."
The meeting highlighted The Jewish Agency's JReady emergency response network strengthening community resilience globally, and the record-breaking increase in Israeli emissaries (Shlichim) serving in Jewish communities worldwide.
CEO Yehuda Setton contextualized the current moment within Jewish history: "The Jewish people, who have known countless periods of disaster and recovery, once again stand at a fateful and decisive moment. The current moment remains a time of mourning, war, and determined struggle – but it is also the time to bring our brothers and sisters home, strengthen our spirit, and rebuild."
Setton concluded with a message of resilience that has characterized Jewish response to historical challenges: "Throughout the generations, our people have proven that their strength lies not only in the ability to survive but in their resilience — their capacity to renew, unite, and emerge stronger from any challenge we face."
