2016 IAC National Conference: Hebrew Panel - The Connection Between Israel and the Israeli Diaspora

Hebrew Panel: The Connection Between Israel and the Israeli Diaspora Elazar Stern Member of Knesset (Yesh Atid) Sam Grundwerg Consul General, Consulate General of Israel, Los Angeles Yoni Kempinski Journalist, Arutz Sheva Danny Alpert Board Member & Chairman Emeritus, IAC Sharon Buenos Director, Israeli House, UK and Europe Moderator: Uzi Baruch, Editor in Chief, Arutz Sheva Presenter: Iris Hami, Board Member, IAC and Council Chair, IAC Philadelphia The IAC National Conference that took place between Sep 24-26 2016 in Washington DC, focused on three pillars: the Next Generation, the State of Israel, and the Jewish People. Together, we examined the current state of these three pillars of Jewish peoplehood and seek to understand the growing gap between them. In particular, we explored how Israeli-Americans, which constitute 10% of the Jewish American community, can serve as a living bridge over the growing chasm. Our wide-ranging discussion explored all aspects of the Israeli-American hybrid identity – and how it creates unique opportunities to strengthen the Jewish American community and the State of Israel.