Performances by Jerusalem Youth Chorus

Featured Video: It’s Time

• Reform Movement – Thornton AB
• Conservative Movement – Congressional B
• Reconstructionist Movement – Grand Teton

Convention participants who identify with the Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements are invited to start the day in conversation and community. Enjoy breakfast with the head of your movement to hear updates and share ideas, challenges and inspiration from your denominational and leadership work.

Building Democratic Power through Civil Society in Israel
Columbia B (Ballroom Level)
Israeli democracy is under immense pressure. Years of political turmoil, attacks on judicial independence and anti-democratic legislation have strained the resilience of Israel’s civic institutions. Yet a vibrant network of activists, organizers and community leaders – many supported by the New Israel Fund – continues to defend democratic values, promote equality and strengthen Israel’s social fabric at this critical moment. This session will explore how Israeli civil society is advocating for civil rights, minority rights and human rights for all. We will examine the key challenges to, and opportunities for, renewed democratic momentum in Israel. Together, we will discuss: What is civil society doing today to reinforce democratic norms, protect the right to vote and advance equality for all? How do activists on the ground safeguard minority rights amid acute polarization? And what role should the American Jewish community play in bolstering Israeli democracy and supporting one of the only pillars of Israeli democracy still functioning independently – civil society?

The Intersection of America First & Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace
Capitol A (Lobby Level)
For over a decade, voices on the right have rarely criticized counterproductive Israeli policy, advocated for steps that would advance prospects for a two-state solution or even acknowledged the humanity of Palestinians. That has changed since October 7, and now, more and more conservatives are questioning the “Israel-right-or-wrong,” blank-check approach. While a portion of these America-Firsters certainly are driven by an antisemitic streak, that cannot explain away the breadth of this sea change. How is pro-Israel politics changing on the right? Are there opportunities for the pro-Israel, pro-peace camp to work with these voices and influence the Trump administration and the broader political dialogue? Or is that route too full of pitfalls?

Taking Back the House
Capitol B (Lobby Level)
With fresh momentum after decisive wins this past November, 2026 opens with the Democrats on strong footing. In this session, we’ll break down the battleground, analyze how redistricting has impacted the map and trace the path toward a majority in the House.

Listening from the Heart
Congressional A (Lobby Level)
Join Parents Circle Families Forum (PCFF) for a session that requires your active participation to gain tools and resources to facilitate meaningful conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in your own communities. Practice empathic listening in groups and pairs, and learn from Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers working on the ground for reconciliation. This “Listening from the Heart” program fosters understanding, empathy and constructive dialogue, addressing the polarization and divisiveness observed in universities, work places, synagogues and other communities. Learn from the people most impacted by violence who work every day for reconciliation, and begin to listen and lead from the heart.

Leadership Track: Torah, Tikkun and Turnout: Organizing in Synagogue Communities (Open to J Street Leaders Only)
Thornton (11th Floor)
Synagogues are the most time-efficient and effective places to find pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy individuals who may engage in our work. There is a lot of potential to grow the impact of our movement by organizing strategically within our own synagogue communities. This session will explore:

• Organizing best practices for developing relationships in a synagogue community;
• Designing synagogue events and follow-up that will both educate participants and grow the movement; and
• Addressing challenges, such as working in synagogues that decline to partner with J Street or have very vocal opponents.

Alternative Schedule: Exhibitors/Authors
Columbia C

Featured Video by Dr. Nasser Al-Kidwa, Former Palestinian Foreign Minister

Featured Conversation with Ehud Olmert, Former Prime Minister of Israel moderated by Noa Landau, Haaretz Deputy Editor in Chief

Remarks by Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yair Golan, Leader of the Democrats

Remarks by Becka Wall, J Street and Meirav Solomon, President, J Street U National Student Board

Remarks by MK Dr. Mansour Abbas, Chairman of the United Arab List (Ra’am)

Featured Conversation with Philippe Sands KC, Visiting Professor, Harvard Law School and Susan Glasser, Staff Writer, The New Yorker

Introduction by Peter Frey, Board Chair, J Street
Remarks by Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland

Exhibitor Lunch Round Tables
Congressional A
Join our Champion of Change and Ally in Advocacy level exhibitor organizations for lunchtime roundtable conversations. Meet with their staff and hear directly about their work, new and ongoing initiatives and how they’re working toward building a better tomorrow.

On the Frontlines: Standing Up for Palestinian Rights
Columbia B (Ballroom Level)
Palestinian communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are facing escalating threats – including settler violence, home and community demolitions, displacement and increasing restrictions on movement – that place their basic safety and human rights at risk. In the face of rampant increases in violence, Israeli and international human rights organizations are working to support vulnerable communities: providing legal assistance, building infrastructure and even putting their bodies on the line to offer protective presence on the ground. This session will explore the fight for Palestinian rights amidst extreme violence. What does support for and partnership with Palestinian communities under occupation look like in today’s conditions? And what role should the United States and the global community play in safeguarding rights and ensuring accountability?

Organizing for Victory
Capitol A (Lobby Level)
This session will dig into the mechanics of turning Democrats’ energy into real votes. We’ll break down what effective voter mobilization programs actually do, why some approaches outperform others and outline how on-the-ground organizing can position Democrats to regain control.

Student-Only Session: Inside the Movement – Israeli & Palestinian Activists at a Critical Moment
Capitol B (Lobby Level)
At a moment of crisis and possibility, this student-only session brings you directly into conversation with Israeli activists working on the ground for peace and justice. In a candid panel moderated by Joseph Hillyard and Ezra Briskin, these organizers will speak to the realities they navigate every day, including the risks, the breakthroughs, the public mood and the hard choices facing the movement right now. Together, we will explore what effective activism looks like in Israel today, how diaspora students can engage responsibly and what it means to stay committed to a vision of shared security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians. This conversation will give students a clear look at the realities shaping the movement and what it will take to move forward.

In the Desert: The Role & Responsibility of International Diaspora Jewry
Congressional A (Lobby Level)
Join J-Link, the international progressive Jewish network, as we examine today’s Israel-Diaspora relationship. Extremists in Israel are working to undermine democracy and continue to act in ways that fly in the face of our Jewish values. Post-October 7 domestic politics in many countries have made it increasingly challenging to hold any pro-Israel banner. And while right-wing Zionists continue to support and advance their agenda in coordination with their Israeli partners largely unabated, liberal and progressive supporters of Israel across the globe continue to debate internally and with others about what their relationship with Israel should be. As international Diaspora Jewry, how do we engage with Israel, and what is our responsibility to the Jewish state – especially in moments of disagreement? How do we support our Israeli allies while simultaneously maintaining the space at home for our Jewish, democratic and pro-Israel values?

Alternative Schedule: Exhibitors/Authors
Columbia C (Ballroom Level)

The J Street Policy Center Presents: The Path to the 23-State Solution – Postwar Regional Integration
Columbia B (Ballroom Level)
After two years of war, the Middle East is undergoing major realignment. Assad was toppled in Syria, and Hezbollah has been degraded in Lebanon, opening the door to potential rapprochement with Israel. The Trump administration is also pushing for Saudi Arabia and other countries to join the Abraham Accords. These developments present a historic opportunity for a 23-State Solution that would fully integrate Israel into the region, establish Palestinian statehood and bring long-term stability to the entire Middle East. Additionally, a comprehensive regional agreement would provide enormous security, intelligence and economic benefits. However, none of this is possible without an Israeli government willing to make serious progress towards a Palestinian state. Our expert speakers will discuss the potential for a 23-State Solution, examining the future of Syria and Lebanon and prospects for Israel-Saudi normalization as well as what steps Israel would need to take with the Palestinians to make this solution a reality.

Midterm Moves Toward a Senate Majority
Capitol A (Lobby Level)
With Trump less popular than ever and a rash of retirements, the Senate is more in play for Democrats than even the most optimistic pundits thought at the beginning of the cycle. In this session, we’ll look at the ever-broadening Senate map, talk through the most competitive primaries and assess potential wins and losses in the Senate.

Allyship in a Post-October 7 World: How to Build Jewish-Inclusive Coalitions for the Sake of Democracy
Capitol B (Lobby Level)
From antisemitic rhetoric and acts to strong criticism of Israel, tensions are high between the American Jewish community and progressive circles. These tensions, largely gaining prominence after October 7 and the war in Gaza, are informing the guidelines of who to partner with and who to shun. With American democracy – an issue that should concern every Jewish American – on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections and in 2028 as well, can we overcome our differences? What are our red lines? Where do we (re)build bridges? And how do we come together to defeat hate and defend democracy?

A Time for Peace: Roundtables with Israeli and Palestinian Peace & Shared Society Leaders
Congressional A (Lobby Level)
Even in moments of deep crisis and collective grief, Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders continue their work to preserve channels of cooperation, rebuild trust and sustain the possibility of a shared future. This session offers a space for direct conversation with leaders across the peace and shared society ecosystem, providing insight into the human relationships and grassroots initiatives that keep hope alive. Engage directly with peace leaders to hear: What does peacebuilding look like during times of fear and trauma? How do personal relationships enable broader political momentum? What strategies are today’s peace leaders employing in this current inflection point for Israel-Palestine?

Alternative Schedule: Exhibitors/Authors
Columbia C (Ballroom Level)

• Midwest
  • The Dubliner (4 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001)
• New England
  • Hamilton’s Bar & Grill (233 2nd St NW, Washington, DC 20001)
• Mid-Atlantic & Florida
  • Present Company Public House (438 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001)
• West Coast
  • Union Pub (201 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002)
• Capital, South & Mountain West
  • Union Pub (201 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002)
  • Back Bar, Side Room & Patio

Film Screening: The Sea
Columbia B (Ballroom Level)
Winner of the 2026 Ophir Award for Best PictureThis Jewish-Palestinian collaboration earned 13 Ophir nominations, with Khalifa Natour winning Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor going to young Mohammed Ghazawi. But when The Sea won Best Picture, and thereby became Israel’s official Oscars submission, a political firestorm was sparked. Join Libby Lenkinski, the founder and president of Albi – an organization that supports Israeli and Palestinian filmmaking – for a post-screening conversation about how the Minister of Culture chose to put The Sea in his crosshairs, how the government has since tried to set fire to the institutions and infrastructure of Israeli cinema as we know it and why the fight for a free and independent Israeli-Palestinian film industry is more vital than ever.About the film: The Sea delivers a deeply tender father-son odyssey in which a Palestinian boy’s dream of seeing the sea collides with the painful realities of occupation.

The Arab Vote: Palestinian Citizens of Israel Moving the Political Needle
Columbia B (Ballroom Level)
Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) – over 20% of the population – hold a crucial yet often overlooked role in shaping Israel’s political trajectory. Their electoral participation, civic engagement and leadership can influence policy, coalition-building and democratic resilience at a moment of deep polarization. With another national election approaching, Arab turnout may be pivotal – potentially determining whether Israel continues under Netanyahu or shifts toward a different political future. In recent years, Jewish-Arab political cooperation has seen dramatic fluctuations – from moments of unprecedented partnership to periods of mistrust and fragmentation – revealing both the possibilities and fragilities of shared political engagement. How are Arab voters impacting Israeli politics today? What obstacles limit their political influence, and how can they be overcome? What role will Jewish-Arab partnership play in Israeli elections this year?

Campus Life in a Changing Political Era: Student Experiences, Activism and Leadership
Capitol A (Lobby Level)
College campuses have become a focal point in national debates as the Trump era reshapes the political and cultural landscape. Post-October 7 and the Gaza War, students are navigating a complex environment marked by heightened polarization, increased scrutiny of higher education and evolving movements around Israel-Palestine. This session brings together student leaders to share firsthand experiences of campus life during this moment – from responding to political pressures and confronting bigotry, including antisemitism, to building communities rooted in dialogue, justice and democratic values. Students will reflect on what it means to organize, learn and lead in this climate; how they engage their peers in nuanced, pro-peace advocacy; and what they hope to see from educators, community partners and elected officials. This session will offer a grounded and multifaceted look at the realities shaping campus life today and how J Street U is helping students meet the challenges and opportunities facing college students today.

Defenders of Democracy? An Accounting of the American Jewish Response to Trump’s Agenda
Capitol B (Lobby Level)
The reelection of Donald Trump raised fears for many Americans, and a significant majority of Jewish Americans, regarding threats to American democracy. Now, over one year into the second Trump administration, those fears have been realized. With lessons learned from the first term and a Republican congressional majority, the White House has swiftly executed plans inflicting great – and possibly irreparable – damage to democratic norms and institutions. Compounding these concerns has been the lack of action by Jewish institutions in defense of our democracy. Experts say American Jewry has been its safest when our democracy is at its strongest, so what is the organized Jewish community doing? Where are we falling short? How can we do better, and what is needed to make it happen?

Israel-Palestine on the Campaign Trail
Congressional A (Lobby Level)
The 2026 midterm cycle has been full of discourse about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – but to what end? In this session, we will discuss the differences between social media discourse and electoral action, and hear from experts about how much J Street’s issues are actually impacting both the primary and general elections.

The Role of Israeli Expats in Securing Democratic Elections in Israel (This session is exclusively in Hebrew.)
Thornton (11th Floor)
The 2026 elections will be a pivotal moment for Israel’s future and will determine whether it remains a liberal democracy committed to the values of its Declaration of Independence. As Election Day approaches, we are seeing growing efforts by extremist forces aligned with the Netanyahu government to undermine the democratic process: From spreading disinformation and alternative narratives that obscure responsibility for the failures of October 7 and the conduct of the war, to attempts to intimidate voters and suppress turnout – particularly in Arab communities. This panel will bring together experts and organizers working directly on the ground to strengthen democratic processes ahead of Election Day. The conversation will focus on the unique position of Israelis living in the United States.

Alternative Schedule: Exhibitors/Authors
Columbia C (Ballroom Level)

Conversation with Congressman Sean Casten, IL-06 and Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, PA-04 moderated by Hannah Morris, Vice President of Government Affairs, J Street

Introduction by Michael Young, Board Member, J Street

Remarks by Senator Chris Murphy, Connecticut

From October 7 to Israel’s 2026 Election
Columbia A (Ballroom Level)
Join Amir Tibon and Noa Landau of Haaretz for an exclusive breakout session combining personal testimony from the October 7 Hamas attack with a wide-ranging discussion of what lies ahead for Israel politically, militarily and diplomatically. As the country enters a pivotal election year, Amir and Noa will explore the challenges shaping Israel’s future, the unique role of the American Jewish community at this critical moment and how Haaretz is covering one of the most consequential periods in the country’s history.

Navigating J Street with Jeremy Ben-Ami
Columbia B (Ballroom Level)
Join J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami for an engaging introduction to our mission and impact as the leading pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy organization in the United States. This comprehensive session explores J Street’s powerful work – from political advocacy and strategic engagement to grassroots activism and community-building. Learn how we build influence, drive change and empower advocates like you to help shape a just, democratic future for both Israelis and Palestinians and here at home.

The J Street Policy Center Presents: Prospects & Pitfalls in Palestinian Politics
Columbia B (Ballroom Level)
The future of Palestinian governance continues to dominate the debate over how best to build on the Gaza ceasefire toward statehood and regional peace. It is well established that the Palestinian Authority (PA) has issues: lack of legitimacy, internal corruption and problems with incitement. Meanwhile, this Israeli government consistently undermines and attacks it. Parties agree that the PA needs reforms, but it is currently the only viable option for governing Gaza, and Palestinians need an accountable and functional government to build a state. Meanwhile, Hamas has violently reasserted control over parts of the Strip while continuing to send mixed signals about future disarmament. While some reforms have begun, what other steps are necessary to build capacity for the PA to govern effectively? New elections are needed, but who will the next generation of Palestinian leaders be?

Congress in the Aftermath of the Israel-Gaza War
Capitol A (Lobby Level)
In the wake of October 7, Congress became an epicenter of the political and societal fractures reshaping the United States. Lawmakers convened headline-grabbing hearings targeting universities, cast unprecedented votes on military aid to Israel, and forced gotcha votes blurring the lines between antisemitism, anti-Zionism and Islamophobia. The Israel-Palestine debate has not only intensified, it has transformed congressional politics. Where does the debate stand today? What has this period revealed about how Congress operates under pressure – and about what members are responding to? Join us for a candid assessment of the shifts, the stakes and what comes next.

Israeli Public Perceptions: The Closest & Farthest from Peace
Capitol B (Lobby Level)
Across Israeli society, public attitudes toward peace and Palestinian statehood are shaped by a complex mix of trauma, identity, security concerns, ideology and political messaging. While public discourse often includes negative attitudes toward Palestinians and sharp skepticism about peace, in-depth research conducted by aChord Center reveals a more nuanced and pragmatic set of attitudes. Beneath surface-level doubt lie quieter undercurrents: openness, a desire for stability and security and a willingness to consider a regional political-security arrangement that includes the establishment of a Palestinian state. This session explores the layered reality of Israeli public opinion: How do Israelis view the prospects for peace post-October 7? Where does the Israeli liberal-democratic camp stand on this issue and how can Israeli leaders utilize opportunities to advance support for peace?

Student-Only J Street U Session: The Congressional Perspective
Congressional A (Lobby Level)
At a moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is fraught with difficulty and charged with opportunity, Congress can play a crucial role in advancing peace, security and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians. Legislators must also confront the Trump administration’s undemocratic attacks on free speech and expression, for which it has grotesquely hijacked the serious issue of antisemitism. We welcome Rep. Jamie Raskin, a key leader on both issues, for a conversation with J Street U Leaders.

Leadership Track: Leading Through the Midterms – Growing Your Chapter’s Influence (Open to J Street Leaders Only)
Thornton (11th Floor)
The 2026 midterm elections present a pivotal opportunity to establish meaningful congressional checks on Trump’s agenda. The administration has emboldened Netanyahu’s right-wing government, targeted immigrants, and undermined judicial independence, while Republicans in Congress have abdicated core oversight responsibilities. Flipping the House and Senate would restore congressional authority and constrain the president’s most extreme policies.
This session will explore how chapter leaders can channel this urgency into sustained organizing at home – building relationships with candidates, mobilizing volunteers, shaping local narratives, and strengthening the infrastructure needed not just to flip seats, but to sustain advocacy and translate electoral wins into real policy impact. What does it take to turn campaign momentum into enduring power – and to advance J Street’s mission while energizing and growing your chapter?

Alternative Schedule: Exhibitors/Authors
Columbia C (Lobby Level)

• Midwest & New England – Capitol A
• Mid-Atlantic & Florida – Capitol B
• West Coast – Congressional A
• Capital, South & Mountain West – Columbia B

Board Advocacy Day Training
Columbia C (Ballroom Level)

Do a Purim Mitzvah with MAZON
Purim includes the mitzvah of Matanot La’Evyonim—giving to those in need. During the Gala, J Street is proud to partner with MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger to offer a meaningful way to fulfill this mitzvah. Visit the MAZON table to write a postcard as part of a national campaign to collect 47,000 postcards, representing the 47 million Americans experiencing food insecurity, and urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect vital anti-hunger programs. Each postcard represents 1,000 people and carries a simple message: No one