Heroes walk among us at the General Assembly

On Sunday November 10, major Jewish organizations and Jewish communities from across North America gathered for the “Stand Together” rally, an event designed to inspire unity and engagement in the face of rising challenges. The rally marked the opening of this year’s General Assembly (GA), an annual conference that brings together Jewish leaders and community members to discuss pressing issues, foster solidarity, and strengthen ties.  At the conference a full array of organizations, foundations, non for profits, Israeli partners, lifelong activists, concerned citizens, and contributors made up the attendees. There were many heroes walking amongst them. Heroes who have been working at securing Israel and worldwide diaspora for decades

Julie Platt, Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), highlighted the importance of this unity and invoked recent interviews with activists as evidence of a growing, urgent need for coordinated action. “It’s all hands on deck,” she said, emphasizing that every participant—whether a veteran leader or a first-time attendee—has a role to play in fortifying their community. Platt noted JFNA’s remarkable contribution of raising over $700 million to support Israel, stressing the importance of resisting “comfort fatigue” and re-doubling efforts. “This is not the time to step back,” she said. “We must push forward, strengthening our resolve to support Israel and protect our communities.”

A recurring theme that she emphasized was the need to become “everyday emissaries,” combating antisemitism and standing up for Jewish values not just at organized events, but wherever we are—in grocery stores, on social media, and in every corner of our lives. The responsibility, as Platt articulated, extends to family, community, and nation. “If we don’t take action now, in an organized and coordinated way, we risk undermining our own future.  Platt also acknowledged the value of blending traditional methods with new approaches in the battle for public opinion and awareness

Hindi Poupko, Senior Vice President for UJA federation of New York is a professional with true vision for what’s needed in today’s dynamic landscape. She is a hero who understands the necessity for embracing big ideas; for making true change. She recognizes that traditional ways of doing things must be combined with new ways of meeting the challenges of the Jewish community. Through her vision, new initiatives are being born with the potential to fight back on social media in coordinate ways and beyond.

Another hero in attendance was a man named Dani Neuman. Dani has spent a lifetime contributing to Israel in a multitude of ways. He is a lifelong friend of Benjamin Netanyahu and was part of a generation of young people in the early 70s who was sent to the United States for advanced degrees. He shared how he would go to weekly meetings with Mr. Netanyahu and others to discuss ways to succeed in the media war upon their return to Israel. They had a sense of a lifelong duty to the state. Dani went on to be the spokesman for the state of Israel during the middle 70’s including during the raid on Entebbe. He has spent the last 55 years working in different capacities for the same goal. Today at the age of 73 he is still contributing.  He is representing Israeli foundations as well as air Hatzoloh at the General Assembly. He is an example of a hero among us. This level of commitment serves as an example to all for what it means to sacrifice for a greater cause.

Also in attendance was Major General Daniel Goldfuss, a hero of the Gaza War and a visionary in military tactics, particularly in countering underground tunnel warfare. His pioneering strategies transformed Israel’s approach to tunnel threats, earning him international recognition as a military innovator and, for many, as a “living legend.” The magnitude of this accomplishment wil be studied for generations to come.  He is a lion of a man and personifies the meaning of a living legend.

The conference served as a reminder that community engagement and activism comes in many forms all are necessary all are required, there were hundreds of heroes walking among us. And they all deserve the credit and recognition for their commitments   JFNA Chair Julie Platt, Senior executive Hindi Poupko, Former IDF Spokesmen and lifelong contributor Danny Newman and Major General Daniel Goldfus are all living heroes doing all they can for the Jewish people.  They serve as a reminder of what can be done and what should be done.