More than 225 rabbis across the country participated in AIPAC’s Synagogue Initiative’s first ever National Rabbinic Symposium, including more than 100 rabbis who traveled to Washington, D.C. and more than 125 rabbis who participated in the program via video conference.  

The full day of programming included a number of top tier presentations. David Makovsky spoke about the challenges that Israel faces in the region. AIPAC National Political Director Rob Bassin moderated a panel featuring Dr. William Kristol and Ann Lewis that focused on the upcoming elections. Rabbi Daniel Gordis spoke, via video conference, about the challenges to Jewish peoplehood and the role of Israel in the coming year. And, Ambassador Michael Oren, also via video conference, spoke about Israel’s vision for the coming year. AIPAC Director of Legislative Strategy Ester Kurz moderating a panel with Ambassador Dennis Ross and Elliot Abrams about how Middle East policy is crafted. The final session featured Leon Wieseltier speaking to the rabbis about the future of Israel.