Today, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the Conference of Presidents hosted ‘Stand Together – an event of Unity, Strength, and Resilience,’ at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Stand Together brought together thousands of Jewish Americans and allies to:
- Stand with Israel, for the hostages, and against antisemitism
- Thank America, the US Military, and our civic partners and allies
- Honor heroes
- Strengthen our Jewish unity
More than 220 delegations attended the program, which was emceed by award-winning actress Tiffany Haddish, featured entertainment and speakers, calling for unity in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. Speakers included Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, bipartisan federal lawmakers Representatives Virginia Foxx and Ritchie Torres, Senator Joni Earnst, Ambassadors Michael Herzog, and Dan Shapiro, US Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor, along with musical acts the Idan Raichel Project and John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting.
“Today reminded us that even in these difficult times there is so much more that binds us together than divides us,” said Eric Fingerhut, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America. “We were proud to stand together in support of Israel, in defense of the hostages, against antisemitism, and in thanks to the incredible backing of the United States. Time and time again, our history has taught us that only when we are united are we strong enough to survive, grow and flourish, and today has given me incredible hope for the future."
Stand Together brought together Jewish Americans of all ages – including groups of elementary and university students – from over 150 Jewish organizations from across the country, such as New York, New Jersey, California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, DC, and many more places. There were also tens of thousands of viewers who joined the live stream. This event was an opportunity to reaffirm Jewish strength as a community, standing together against hate and antisemitism.
Photos and videos from the event are available for download here.
From Our Speakers:
Tiffany Haddish: “Unity isn’t about agreeing on everything, it’s about standing together when it matters. And now, it matters most. The families still waiting for their loved ones to come home – they remind us of what real courage looks like. And they show us why unity, in this moment, is not just important, it’s essential.”
Rep. Virginia Foxx: “Thank you for standing up against antisemitism. Thank you for standing with Israel. Thank you for standing with truth. And thank you for fighting this good fight alongside of us.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer: “This bipartisan presence here is a testament to some fundamental truths: we stand with the people of Israel, we share their pain, we are committed to their safety, and we will never forget the horrors of October 7th. We stand against the scrouge of antisemitism, and we will fight back against this ancient horse, wherever it rears its ugly head. We stand for a more inclusive, tolerant future, where people from all walks of life can thrive.”
US Ambassador to Israel Michael Herzog: “Amid the tragedy of this war, we have created real opportunities for a better Middle East. But it’s not over yet. And we can never, not for one moment, forget that 101 hostages who are still held in captivity.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres: “To the next generation of Jewish leaders, I tell them in an age of amplified antisemitism: Be proud of who you are, take pride in your Judaism and Zionism, live not in shame but in pride, live not in fear but in freedom, because where there is fear there can never be freedom. So, I am proud to stand with all of you, as a fearless warrior in the fight against antisemitism. We stand together, America stands with Israel.”
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