The 2025 New York Jerusalem Post Conference was held this past week at the Pierre Hotel, with representatives from Israel and the Jewish community joining together to speak about the state of the state of Israel and the Jewish people.

Zvika Klein, JPost editor in chief, headed the packed program, welcoming local and international leaders and advocates from across a broad spectrum. “Despite everything we’ve been through, we are still standing, we are still thinking, and we are still believing in the future of Israel and the Jewish people.”

The conference lineup was filled with those who support Israel, coming from sectors of business, healthcare and entertainment. Topics included the reliability of the U.S.-Israel allegiance, the growth of Israel in all sectors and, of course, the vital immediate urgency of rescuing the remaining hostages in Gaza. A pervasive concern was the question of President Trump’s allegiance to Israel, in regard to his recent trip to the Middle East and meetings with Arab countries. This was met with many assurances that there was no cause for concern.

Rep. Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is a U.S. military veteran who lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. In 2015 he went on to volunteer with the Israel Defense Forces packing medical kits, and publicly wore his IDF uniform in a display of unity following the Oct. 7 attacks. Mast believes President Trump is making positive moves for all parties involved.

“The president, across the globe, wants to use business and not bombs. That’s his strategy, and we see that play out in this situation as well, but it plays out in a very pointed way. We want to do this diplomatically, but if we have to do it kinetically, don’t think that that’s off the table,” said Mast.

He addressed the possibility of a more peaceful Syria, “We’re having serious conversations to bring the world to a different place than where it’s been historically. Think about the gravity and the history to be in the conversations that we’re having.” Mast reassures the crowd, “You know, I was looking back at this backdrop, and I was looking at the flags, and as long as there are 50 stars in a sea of blue and 13 red and white stripes, she’ll never be alone.”

Florida Sen. Rick Scott agreed with the strategy. “I think if you look at the Middle East where Trump’s going to be, he’s going to do everything he can to expand peace and to build relationships, not just for America, but also for Israel. I think it’s no question he’s going to stand with Israel. He’s never going to back down from what he’s done for Israel.” Scott stated emphatically. “We have to completely destroy Hamas.”

Representatives for Israel included Ofir Akunis, consul-general of Israel in New York, relayed his hopes for the region. “I am saying to all of you and Qatar from here — they should be using their money to build Gaza above ground, not under it. Hamas must put down their weapons. They cannot be a political or military party anymore.” He continued, “Gaza can be like the Emirates if they want to. The same applies to Judea and Samaria with the Palestinians.”

Gilad Erdan, Magen David Adom global president and former Israeli ambassador to the U.N., spoke frankly on the state of the U.N. “The United Nations is beyond reform. It’s beyond repair,” Erdan declared. “The institution created to prevent atrocities after the Holocaust now protects genocidal regimes.

“After four years at the evil U.N., I chose to channel my devotion into an organization of pure good,” he said. Erdan closed by honoring Adham Safadi, a senior EMT who lost his daughter when a Hezbollah rocket hit the soccer field where she was playing.

Adam Boehler, U.S. special envoy for hostage response, shared his experience upon the release of American hostage Edan Alexander. “It was an unbelievable moment on Sunday. The whole time, we couldn’t sleep. It was exciting, nerve-wracking … That first phone call was unbelievable. It was right on Mother’s Day when we went over. It had a lot of meaning — for me, Steve [Witkoff] and everybody.

Boehler hopes for an imminent deal. “I think it’s getting closer and closer to make a deal here. If Hamas wants to come forward and make a legitimate offer they’re willing to stand by and release hostages, we’re always open to that.” Boehler continued, “I do think we’re closer than we ever were. Part of that is because of the movement of Israel and the IDF on the ground.”

Chants of “Bring Them Home” echoed throughout the ballroom. Impassioned pleas came from Keith and Aviva Siegel, Hamas captivity survivors, on the dire state of the remaining hostages and the critical need to bring every single one home. Bar Godard, daughter of Meni Godard, whose body is held in Gaza, and Ilay David, brother of Evyatar David, who is a living hostage in Gaza, shared their stories and echoed the sentiment. Oct. 7 survivors Liora Eilon and Oded Etinger from Kfar Aza were in the audience after spending Shabbat at the Young Israel of Woodmere, New York where they shared their journeys of survival and beyond. To witness their personal suffering underscored the goal of the public conversation — the absolute peace and security for the Jewish people in Israel and around the globe.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined Economy Minister and former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to sign an historic initiative launching the NYC-Israel Economic Council to increase economic cooperation between New York City and Israel. Additionally, the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism will set about immediately establishing an interagency task force dedicated to fighting Jew-hatred. A vocal advocate for Israel and the Jewish community, Adams stated, “As long as I am mayor of this city, we will be invested in Israel.”

Dani Naveh, former member of Knesset and current president and CEO of Israel Bonds, explained the significant role of bonds. “On Oct. 7, I initiated a special campaign of support for Israel,” Naveh shared. Immediate impact was made and continues on. “Since Oct. 7, Israel Bonds has raised almost $5 billion. These funds really have played an important part in Israel’s economic resilience.”

Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart of Nefesh B’Nefesh and Avichai Kahana, director-general of the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, shared good news about upsurges in aliyah. “After Oct. 7, we have seen an incredible increase of aliyah interest,” said Fass. Despite the surge, his organization is working fervently to bolster medical immigration to support the shortage of doctors.

Siggy Flicker, national spokesperson for JEXIT and former TV personality, took the stage alongside her father, Mordecai Paldiel, a Holocaust survivor and historian. Flicker, who was born in Israel and grew up listening to her father’s stories of the Holocaust, was recently nominated to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Flicker stood up and gave an impassioned impromptu speech about her absolute faith in President Trump’s support for Israel. “He will never turn his back on the Jewish people or the Jewish homeland.” She appreciated that people are very concerned about Israel and worried about Qatar and Hamas, but trusts the plan. “Sometimes you have to go to the head of the snake to normalize the region.”

Montana Tucker, actress, singer and descendant of Holocaust survivors, received an award in recognition of the use of her platforms to serve as a social media activist despite brutal backlash. One panel brought together Rudy Rochman, current IDF soldier, Jewish and Israel rights activist and filmmaker, along with internet influencers and advocates Lizzy Savetsky and Zach Sage Fox, to discuss the battles facing the Jewish people. Former TV personalities Julia and Miriam Haart shared their evolution into staunch Israel advocates. All of them have lost fans, brand deals and personal relationships while enduring massive online hatred.

Inbal Bouskila welcomed guests from diverse backgrounds. Internet entrepreneur “Nas Daily” Nuseir Yassin, with his imitable energy, shared his hopes for peace and understanding as an Israeli-born Palestinian Muslim. Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, NYPD’s highest ranking yarmulke- wearing Orthodox Jew, spoke on the commitment to protect the New York community and the efforts to help identify and arrest violent perpetrators.

Klein wrapped up the event with talk show host and political commentator Brian Kilmeade of “Fox & Friends.”

“America and Israel make mistakes — we’re not perfect — but I believe we are on the right side of history. There’s a fundamental synergy between our two countries,” said Kilmeade.

With top security inside, the conference was free of disruptions, unlike the previous year, yet anti-Israel protests camped outside the venue. A musical performance by Miri Ben-Ari, Grammy award-winning American-Israeli violinist, kept spirits up. Through moments of tough talk and realistic conversations, the comforting and reassuring messages shared throughout were concrete and pervasive.

Tammy Mark is freelance writer and publicist based in New York and can be reached at tammymark13@gmail.com.