The US midterm elections have left Israel facing a challenging political reality. Democrats have captured both houses of Congress, while some of Israel's fiercest critics have strengthened their foothold in Washington. Republicans, too, are taking stock of their losses. Vice President JD Vance cited demands to "Change our relationship to Israel" among the concerns raised by voters who abandoned the party.
Against this backdrop, the second annual Israel Hayom Summit in New York will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the InterContinental hotel in Times Square, with Israel Hayom publisher Prof. Miriam Adelson in attendance. Coming just one week after the American vote, the summit will bring together current and former senior officials, community leaders and business executives to discuss the future of the US-Israel alliance and ways to strengthen it amid the changing political landscape.
Despite the concerns, the election results have not eroded the foundations of support for Israel among the American public and its elected representatives. Within the Democratic Party, radical voices do not represent the entire party, and the moderate wing remains larger. Washington is still home to elected officials who regard Israel as a strategic ally and recognize the importance of the security, economic and shared-values partnership between the two countries.
Questions about a shared future
This year's summit will feature prominent current and former American political figures who share a commitment to Israel's security and to strengthening ties between Jerusalem and Washington. They include Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism; Mike Waltz, US ambassador to the UN; Jason Greenblatt, former US special envoy for the Middle East; and Morgan Ortagus, former deputy US special envoy for the Middle East. They and other participants will discuss the Trump administration's and the Republican Party's positions on Israel, as well as the challenges Israel faces in the new Congress.
Two former Democratic members of Congress will also participate: Ted Deutch of Florida, now CEO of the American Jewish Committee, and Eric Fingerhut of Ohio, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America. Both bring congressional experience and extensive knowledge of Democratic politics. They will offer the perspectives of those working to support Israel and Jewish communities from within the Democratic Party.
Questions about the shared future of Jerusalem and Washington are more relevant than ever. How can support for Israel be maintained in the new Congress? How can ties with younger generations be strengthened? And how can the two countries work together to combat antisemitism?
The summit will explore how that commitment can be translated into sustained cooperation, even when disagreements arise over policy, priorities and the best path toward advancing peace and security in the region.
Discussions will also address Iran, innovation and ties with Diaspora Jewry. Participants will include Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla and Jewish Agency CEO Yehuda Stone.
The summit will be broadcast live Wednesday on the Israel Hayom website.
