William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said that American Jewry has “raised $2 billion for Israel since October 7.” He made the statement to Ynet on the occasion of a special solidarity conference of the Conference of Presidents held in Jerusalem.
Daroff added:
“I believe this support will continue now during the recovery efforts following the 12-day war with Iran. As Jews, we come to help other Jews in distress, and unfortunately, there are many Jews in distress today after all the tragedies we’ve endured. It’s important that you know we stand with you, and our support does not depend on Israel’s political leadership. We support you, no matter who the Prime Minister is. There are many Jews in the U.S. who criticize your government, just as there are many who support it. The division among us is quite similar to the division among you.”
The conference, taking place in Jerusalem, includes 20 Jewish leaders representing 16 different organizations, who came to express solidarity with Israel after the war with Iran and the continued fighting in the Gaza Strip. Journalist Itamar Eichner reported that the participants will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The participants — along with President Herzog — also met with the parents of abductee Alon Ahel.
They will also meet with other families of hostages and survivors of captivity, and visit Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. They are scheduled to tour the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, which was damaged during the war with Iran, visit Bat Yam, and meet with Mayor Tzvika Brot and families who lost their homes in the Iranian attack.
“We want to witness the damage up close, but the main idea is to embrace our Israeli brothers and sisters and ensure you know that we stand with you — when you are in a shelter, we are in a shelter with you; when you cry over fallen soldiers, we cry with you; and when you celebrate the stunning victory over Iran, we celebrate with you. Since October 7, the beating heart of Israelis and Diaspora Jews has been beating together — and that continues to this day”, Daroff said.
Daroff added that in Bat Yam and at the Weizmann Institute, the American Jewish organizational representatives will examine how they can assist with rebuilding efforts, help address trauma, and ensure they are here as partners.
