2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Forced to Flee: The Middle East's Jewish Refugees

For political purposes, the Palestinians have for decades emphasized the issue of their "refugees," whose number grows exponentially each year by including generations born and raised in lands far beyond Israel's borders. However, the world has largely ignored the plight of Jewish refugees forced to flee Arab countries where they held no religious rights and were oppressed.

• Mr. Tom Sawicki

  Director of Programming, Jerusalem Office of AIPAC

2:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Village Stage - New Vision: Israeli Technologies Bringing Sight to the Blind

Israel is well known for its groundbreaking medical research and technologies. Dr. Amir Amedi is one of the reasons. An associate professor of medical neurobiology at The Israel-Canada Institute for Medical Research at Hebrew University, Amedi is doing research and creating technologies to help blind people see through the use of sound. Amedi will discuss his research and inventions such as a mobile device that provides accurate information about distance for those who are blind. This session explores groundbreaking Israeli research and technologies aimed at helping blind people see.

• Dr. Amir Amedi

  Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Brotherly Behavior: The Arab States and the Palestinians

Despite expressing support for the Palestinians over the years, the Arab states have done little to integrate Palestinian refugees into their societies and grant them equal rights. And, in recent months, they have been none too eager to absorb the thousands of Palestinians fleeing the violence in Syria. How do the different Arab nations treat their Palestinian residents? What role can they play in resolving the Palestinian refugee issue?

• Ambassador Marc Ginsberg

  Former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Politics in Perspective: Ask a Top Political Luminary Your Questions

With the 2014 election cycle just getting underway, political observers and congressional candidates are preparing for what is already shaping up to be an exciting midterm election next November. What issues will ultimately impact the next election? How will the president's party fare? What did Democrats and Republicans learn from 2012? And, what are the pundits and potential candidates saying about the 2016 race for the White House?

• Mr. Dan Senor

  Senior Adviser Elliott Management

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - The Good News in the Middle East

The threats from Iran and the changes in the Middle East caused by the Arab revolts have some Israel-watchers worried about the country's future. In fact, the Jewish state's military and economic power has never been greater, while the Arab states around it are growing weaker by the day, beset by internal struggles and unprecedented economic woes. Israel continues to enjoy the crucial support of the United States, as it builds increasingly close ties to countries like Greece, Cyprus and India.

• Mr. David Horovitz

  Founding Editor, The Times of Israel

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Missed Opportunities to Reach Israeli-Palestinian Peace

An Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement seems as elusive now as ever, two decades after the Madrid Conference and the signing of the Oslo Accords. Why, despite persistent efforts and an acknowledgment of the general outline for such an agreement, have the parties failed to attain a negotiated peace?

• Dr. Raphael Danziger

  Senior Research Advisor, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - The Holy Land's Historic and Religious Significance

As the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity, the Holy Land's three millennia of rich, documented history are of great importance to these faiths. From Jerusalem to the Galilee, Israel's Biblical landmarks provide a historic and religious foundation for deep personal connections rooted in faith.

• Reverend Dr. Tony Crisp

  Founder and Chairman of the Board, The Olive Tree Foundation USA; Director, Center for Holy Land Studies at Tennessee Temple University

• Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

  Senior Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Fostering Growth: Israel and Africa

For decades, Israel has provided aid and built ties to numerous developing African countries. Once chiefly agricultural in nature, Israel's assistance now has expanded to include counterterrorism and homeland security cooperation. Israel has also absorbed huge numbers of Ethiopian Jews in the past decades, providing refuge and helping them adjust to life in its modern-day society.

• The Honorable Eliav Benjamin

  Counselor for Political Affairs, Embassy of Israel

• Mr. Boaz Bismuth*

  Correspondent, Israel Hayom

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Iran in 2013: What to Watch

Despite biting sanctions that are increasingly taking their toll on the Iranian economy, Tehran continues to pursue a nuclear weapons capability. With Israel and the United States having vowed that all options are on the table for containing this threat, the issue is likely to remain one of the world's foremost foreign policy challenges in 2013. What are the key developments likely to determine the outcome of this dangerous situation?

• Mr. Steven Beckerman

  Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting - National Service: A Key to Israel's Economic Success

An essential element in Israel's emergence as a startup nation can be traced to the fact that every 18-year-old Israeli is obligated to spend a couple of years in the military. The responsibility, maturity and practical skills that young Israelis acquire during their national service play a crucial role in their success as entrepreneurs and high-tech innovators. What skills and experience do Israelis gain through their compulsory national service? Can the United States learn from Israel's success and adapt it to our culture and norms?

• Mr. Dany Gliksberg

  Deputy Director, Ayalim

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Across the Aisle: Bipartisan Support for Israel

Support for the U.S.-Israel relationship is one of only a handful of issues that can consistently bridge the partisan divide in Washington. To ensure that America continues to strengthen ties with our most critical ally in the Middle East, Israel must rely on deep support from both the Republican and Democratic parties. This panel explores the reasons behind bipartisan support for Israel and what can be done to ensure that it continues.

• The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)*

  Republican Conference Chairman,, United States House of Representatives

• The Honorable Joseph Crowley (D-NY)

  Vice Chair, Democratic Caucus; Member, Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives

• Ms. Deborah Saxon

  Lobbyist, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Friends of Faith: Evangelical Christian Support for Israel

Israel is not just an issue of concern to the Jewish community. Faithful Christians across the United States are expressing support for Israel, and in recent years, growing numbers, especially among evangelical Christians, have become involved in advocacy on behalf of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

• Rev. Lyndon Allen

  Founder,, Total Life Victory

• Dr. Tony Beam

  Vice President for Student Services and Director, Christian Worldview Center, North Greenville University

• Ms. Robin Rowan

  Christian speaker, Recipient - Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism

• Ms. Sandy Wezowicz

  Israel Education Director, Aglow International

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Power Play: The Growing Role of Women in Politics

A growing number of women are engaging in American politics today. In 2012, 53 percent of all voters were female, representing a majority of the electorate. In the Senate, one in five senators is a woman and 81 women represent congressional districts across the country, both of which are all-time-high statistics. And in the pro-Israel community, more and more women are becoming politically active, educating members of Congress on the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

• Ms. Marilyn Rosenthal

  Deputy National Political Director, AIPAC

• Ms. Ann Lewis

  Founder and President, No Limits Foundation; Former Senior Advisor to Hillary Clinton

• Ms. Lillian Pinkus

  National Board Member, AIPAC

• The Honorable Shelley Berkley

  Former Member, United States House of Representatives

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Maintaining an Edge: Ensuring Israel's Military Superiority

The military partnership between the United States and Israel spans everything from intelligence sharing to the joint development of cutting-edge technologies. And, last year the two countries conducted the largest-ever joint air defense drill of its kind, designed to practice integrating their defense systems in case of missile attacks. What is the history of the U.S.-Israel military partnership? How has U.S. assistance helped Israel maintain its Qualitative Military Edge (QME) in the Middle East over many years?

• Ms. Amy Berelowitz

  Legislative Assistant, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Pillar of Defense: Israel's Deterrent Capability Post-Gaza

When Israel could no longer tolerate the firing of rockets at its citizens, it launched an operation at the end of 2012 called Pillar of Defense. Israeli military action did not include the invasion of ground forces. Instead, it consisted of surgical air strikes against Hamas and other terrorist organizations within Gaza. What did Israel's actions accomplish, and will they do anything to prevent the next round of combat?

• Mr. Amos Harel

  Military Correspondent and Defense Analyst, Ha'aretz

• Mr. Charles Perkins

  Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Film Festival - Film Festival: Four Seasons Lodge

In an inspiring and startlingly funny documentary, Four Seasons Lodge follows a group of Holocaust survivors during what might be their final summer together at a bungalow colony in the Catskill mountains. Directed by New York Times journalist Andrew Jacobs, with beautiful cinematography by a team of filmmakers including Albert Maysles, the verite film is a counterintuitive Holocaust documentary: a fusion of ribald humor, stories of unimaginable loss, the last of the Borscht Belt crooners, and a family made entirely of friends and lovers. The characters dance, flirt, and fight as the fate of their community hangs in the balance.

• Mr. Hymie Abramowitz

  Principle Character, Four Seasons Lodge

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - U.S.-Israel Cooperation in Homeland Security

Both the United States and Israel have been forced to invest vast resources in the arena of homeland security and the fight against terrorism. What's more, in this digital age, terrorism is no longer limited to bombings and airplane hijackings. Attacks on computer networks and government information systems are a growing worldwide threat. What are the latest threats that the United States and Israel face? What is the Israeli contribution to American counterterrorism efforts? How are the two countries cooperating to counter cyber-terrorism?

• The Honorable Peter King (R-NY)

  Chairman, Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, United States House of Representatives

• Dr. Gregg Rickman

  Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Iron Dome: A Revolution in Missile Defense

successfully intercepted more than 400 rockets fired from Gaza toward Israel.

• Mr. Gideon Weiss

  Vice President, Business Development and Marketing, Rafael USA

• Lt. Col. (Ret.) Yair Ramati

  Director, Israel Missile Defense Organization

• Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Dr. Danny Gold

  CEO & Founder of Gold R&D Technology and Innovation LTD

• Mr. Jeff Kuhnreich

  Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Our Stories: The Remarkable Diversity of AIPAC's Staff

In recent years, the pro-Israel movement has experienced remarkable growth, and it increasingly includes non-Jewish members who are resolutely committed to bolstering U.S.-Israel ties. Nowhere is that diversity more evident than on the staff of AIPAC's Leadership Development Department, which includes members of the African American, Mormon, Gay, Hispanic, Jewish and Christian communities. What motivated these young leaders to devote themselves full time to the pro-Israel movement by working at AIPAC?

• Ms. Sarah Spillar

  Campus Engagement Director, AIPAC

• Mr. Gregory Smith

  National Field Organizer and Strategic Advisor, AIPAC

• Ms. Lena Koncha

  National Field Organizer, AIPAC

• Mr. Vincent Foster

  National Field Organizer, AIPAC

• Mr. Jonathan Kessler

  Leadership Development Director, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Meet the Author - Steven A. Cook: The Struggle for Egypt: From Nasser to Tahrir Square

The 2011 revolution in Egypt shook the Arab world to its roots. The most populous Arab country and the historical center of Arab intellectual life, Egypt is also a linchpin of America's Middle East strategy. But while Egypt under Nasser had been the putative leader of the Arab world, in subsequent decades, its political and economic power declined under a sclerotic regime. In The Struggle for Egypt, Steven A.Cook—a leading expert on Arab politics—explains how this state of affairs came to be, why the revolution occurred and where Egypt might be headed next. This session is reserved exclusively for AIPAC's Capitol Club, Senate Club, President's Cabinet, Chairman's Council and Minyan members.

• Dr. Steven Cook

  Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - Raw Realities: Oppression in the Arab World

Basic human rights exercised daily in Western civilization are unfortunately nonexistent for many in the Arab world. Oppression, discrimination and violence are often part of everyday life for women, religious minorities, homosexuals and others in many Arab countries. Can the United States help alleviate this dismal situation?

• Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett

  President and Chief Executive Officer, The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice

• Mr. Charles Dunne

  Director, Middle East and North Africa Program, Freedom House

• Mr. Avi Issacharoff

  Middle East analyst for Walla and The Tower

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Meet the Experts - Movements Aligned: Rabbis Supporting AIPAC in their Communities

While they may represent different denominations of Judaism: Orthodox, Reform and Conservative, scores of rabbis across the country are united in their efforts to promote pro-Israel activism within their synagogues and movements. Religious leaders are strongly supporting the work of AIPAC and urging congregants to get involved. AIPAC TV will interview three rabbis—one from each denomination—to explore their support for the pro-Israel movement.

• Mr. Elias Saratovsky

  Southwest Regional Director, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - UNRWA: Part of the Problem in the Arab-Israeli Conflict

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) began providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon in the wake of the 1947-1949 Arab-Israeli war. Since then, the organization has survived wars, coups, uprisings and even the creation of the first-ever Palestinian governing body—the Palestinian Authority—which operates in parallel with UNRWA institutions. But few have asked why the U.N. still operates schools, hospitals and clinics for "refugees" six decades after the partition of Mandatory Palestine.

• Dr. Asaf Romirowsky

  Adjunct Scholar, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Adjunct Scholar, The Middle East Forum

• The Honorable Einat Wilf

  Member of Knesset, Ha'atzmaut

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - The United States and Israel: Emerging Partners in Energy

Vast gas fields recently found off Israel's shores present both new opportunities and challenges for the Jewish state as it emerges as an important energy player. This finding, made possible thanks to cooperation between Israeli and American companies, also creates a new platform for strategic cooperation with the United States. America and Israel share the goal of reduced dependence on oil. They have already embarked on joint programs in the energy arena and have prepared the groundwork for enhanced cooperation.

• Mr. Bini Zomer

  Head of Government Relations, Noble Energy

• The Honorable Eli Groner

  Minister for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Israel

• Dr. Michael Leigh

  Senior Advisor, The German Marshall Fund

• Mr. Eric Danko

  Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion - The LGBTQ Community and Israel

Israel's record of protecting gays and lesbians is not only the most impressive in the Middle East, but also considerably more progressive than those of many other Western nations. Despite being a vibrant center of gay life and culture in a region where homosexuality is often illegal, Israel is sometimes misrepresented or misunderstood in the American LGBTQ community.

• Mr. Bernard Cherkasov

  Chief Executive Officer,, Equality Illinois

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Special Programming - Living your Jewish Legacy

Ever since the days when Jacob and Esau struggled over their birthright, the Jewish religion has taught us the responsibility that comes with receiving and then building a personal Jewish legacy. What does our history teach us about legacy as a Jewish concept?

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - The Campaign Against Israel

More than six decades after Israel's birth, the campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state continues. Whether it's new approaches such as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, or old accusations equating Zionism with racism, the goal of these anti-Israel activists is to end the strong U.S.-Israel relationship and dismantle the Jewish state.

• Mr. Michael Lewis

  Director of Policy Analysis, AIPAC

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Under Fire: How Israelis Cope

Israelis throughout the country, and especially those who reside near the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, live under the constant threat of rocket attack. How do citizens of Israel cope with life under fire? How does the current security situation affect Israelis' feelings about what it means to live in a secure Jewish state?

• Mr. David Kreizelman

  Foreign Policy Associate, Jerusalem Office of AIPAC

• Ms. Orly Gal

  Executive Director, Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War (NATAL)

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - The Muslim Brotherhood: Its Origin and Ideology

The Muslim Brotherhood emerged victorious in the first parliamentary election held in post-Mubarak Egypt. In the presidential election held just four months later, its candidate, Mohamed Morsi, came out on top. Since then, he has made bold moves to consolidate power, angering the liberal and secular opposition and worrying the West. What is the history of the Muslim Brotherhood, and what are its motivations? How does the group view Israel and the United States, and what could this mean for the future of the region?

• Mr. Eric Trager

  Next Generation Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - The Middle East Today: America's Role

Having recently withdrawn troops from Iraq and preparing for a drawdown in Afghanistan, the U.S. is facing a dizzying array of other serious foreign policy challenges in the Middle East. What is the appropriate American role in the Middle East today? Can the U.S. best achieve its strategic goals in the region through more or less direct engagement, and if so, what might that entail?

• Dr. Marvin Feuer

  Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

• The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)

  Chairman, Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa, United States House of Representatives

• The Honorable Brad Sherman (D-CA)

  Rannking Member, Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, United States House of Representatives

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Supplying Sustenance: Threats to Food Security in a Changing World

Most of us seldom worry that we might not have food on the table to feed ourselves and our families. But in many countries, including the United States, there are people who fret daily about physical and economic access to food. And, this problem may only get worse. As the global population grows and incomes in poor countries rise, so, too, does the demand for food. What's more, terrorist organizations have identified the West's food supply as the most vulnerable of all potential targets of attack, leading to fears of agroterrorism.

• Professor Daniel Chamovitz

  Director, Manna Center for Plant Biosciences, Tel Aviv University

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Congressional Journal: How Members of Congress Experience Israel

Traveling to Israel is the single most effective way for American lawmakers to understand the Jewish connection to the land, the challenges of the region and the importance of strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel. Each year, dozens of Congress members participate in Educational Seminars sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), AIPAC's supporting charitable organization.

• The Honorable Michael Bennet (D-CO)*

  Chairman, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, United States Senate

• The Honorable Ted Cruz (R-TX)

  Member, Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate

• Mr. Robert Bassin

  National Political Director, AIPAC

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - The European Response to Iran's Nuclear Efforts

Though an Iranian atom bomb is a threat to Europe and European interests no less than it is to the United States and Israel, the continent did little to counter this threat until recently. Short-term economic interests trumped the longer-term threat of a nuclear Iran. Now that the European Union has implemented biting sanctions targeting Tehran's oil exports and central bank, it is worth examining the history of relations between Europe and Iran.

• Mr. Michael Spaney

  Spokesman, Stop The Bomb, Germany

• Ms. Simone Dinah Hartmann

  Stop The Bomb, Austria

• Ambassador Kristen Silverberg

  President, United Against Nuclear Iran; Former United States Ambassador to the European Union

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - Scales of Justice: Israel and the ICC

For decades, Israel's detractors have attempted to misuse the International Criminal Court (ICC) to attack the Jewish state. The recent United Nations vote granting the Palestinians non-member observer status raises concerns that they may pursue actions against Israel at the ICC. What threats does this pose for the Jewish state? Might the court be a venue for Israel to turn the tables on its opponents?

• Ambassador Barukh Binah

  Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Israel to the United States

• Mr. Keath Blatt

  In-House Counsel, AIPAC

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting - The Arab-Israeli Conflict: 120 Years in 90 Minutes

Since Israel's rebirth in 1948, it has faced a complex set of challenges and ongoing threats to its very existence. Despite its dedication to pursuing peace, Israel is continually forced to fight for its survival and to gain acceptance among its Arab neighbors. Knowing the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict is a critical element in understanding the region today.

• Ambassador Brad Gordon

  Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Continental Divide: European Delegitimization of Israel

While the European Union (E.U.) is Israel's major trading partner, and cultural and scientific ties between the two remain strong, individuals and groups seeking to delegitimize the Jewish state and to destroy these ties are becoming more vocal. Accusations equating Zionism with racism and calls for a financial, academic and cultural boycott are spreading throughout Europe. How does the E.U. view Israel, and just how effective are European efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the Jewish state?

• The Honorable Antonio Lopez-Isturiz White

  Secretary General and Member of the European Parliament, European People's Party

• Ambassador Daniel Taub

  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, State of Israel to the Court of St. James

• Dr. Richard Prasquier

  President of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France

• Mr. Stephen Schneider

  Director, International Affairs, AIPAC

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Jordan: The Hashemite Kingdom and the Arab Revolts

Jordan is a critical ally in the Middle East, but the Kingdom is facing considerable challenges in the wake of the “Arab Spring.” In addition, the Hashemite Kingdom is struggling to deal with a growing influx of Syrian refugees, who have strained the government’s limited resources.

• Mr. David Schenker

  Aufzien Fellow and Director, Program on Arab Politics, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

• Dr. Colin Winston

  Senior Analyst and Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - The Foreign Policy Challenges That America Faces

As the United States confronts an uncertain, troubled world, its foreign policy faces numerous challenges. From global terrorism through failed states to the possibility of nuclear proliferation, President Obama has a full plate of international issues in front of him, as he begins his second term in office.

• The Honorable Eliot Engel (D-NY)

  Ranking Member, Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives

• The Honorable Ed Royce (R-CA)

  Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives

• Mr. David Gillette

  Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - The Iranian Nuclear File: Past, Present and Future

Iran regards its nuclear program as a source of prestige, a way to ensure the regime's survival and the key to regional dominance. Despite U.N. resolutions, a campaign of sabotage and ever-increasing economic sanctions, the Islamic Republic has continued enriching uranium and attempted to conceal activities connected to atomic weapons development. It has succeeded in accumulating a significant stockpile of higher-grade uranium, bringing it close to the amount needed for one atomic bomb if refined further.

• Mr. Avi Jorisch

  Founder and Director, Red Cell Intelligence Group

• Mr. Mark Dubowitz

  Executive Director, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

• Mr. Stephen Rademaker

  Former Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, U.S. Department of State; Principal, The Podesta Group

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Toward a Palestinian State: Institution Building in the West Bank

A key factor in the success of a two-state solution will be the ability of Palestinians to take on the responsibilities of statehood. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has made some progress in his plan to build the infrastructure necessary for a viable Palestinian state by ensuring security in the West Bank, improving the economy and modernizing government services. But further progress is hampered by a crisis in funding for the Palestinian Authority.

• Dr. Robert Danin

  Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Head of the Quartet in Jerusalem

• Ms. Mara Rudman

  Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Bureau, USAID

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - The Israel-India Partnership

In recent years, the world's largest democracy and its only Jewish democracy have emerged as close partners, sharing extensive economic, military and strategic ties. Bilateral trade between Israel and India is expected to reach $6 billion, and visits by senior officials from both countries promise to further enhance cooperation in trade, research and security.

• Ambassador Arun Singh

  Deputy Cheif of Mission, Embassy of India to the United States

• Mr. Jeffrey Colman

  Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Vital Goal: Cultivating Israeli-American Activism Through AIPAC

AIPAC continues to grow the pro-Israel movement by attracting activists from across the political spectrum and hailing from an ever-expanding number of diverse backgrounds. Incredibly, while the population of Israeli Americans (Americans of Israeli descent) has been growing in the past 30 years, to hundreds of thousands, a majority of them are completely unaware of AIPAC. Many others know the name, but don't understand the vital role that the organization plays in strengthening ties between the United States and Israel. How can AIPAC more effectively reach this important population?

• Amnon Rodan

  National Board Member, AIPAC

• Mr. Adam Milstein

  Co-Founder, The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation

• Ms. Wendy Singer

  Executive Director, Start Up Nation Institute

• Mr. Gidi Grinstein

  President and Founder,, The Reut Institute, Tel Aviv

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Danger Zone: What Regional Turmoil Means for Israel

The Middle East has always been a hotbed of instability, but recent events have pushed the threat level for Israel to the highest point in years. Dangerous developments taking place throughout the region - from bloodshed in Syria, to Iran's push for nuclear weapons, to increasingly strained ties with Egypt - are having a dramatic impact on Israel's security.

• Mr. Ran Segev*

  Director of National Security Doctrine Division, Ministry of Strategic Affairs, Israel

• Dr. Charles Freilich

  Senior Fellow, International Security Program, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University; Former Israeli Deputy National Security Advisor

• Dr. Michael Singh

  Managing Director, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Terror from Tehran: Iran as a Global Threat

Long defined as the world's leading sponsor of terrorism, Iran in recent years has not relented in its efforts to target innocent civilians. The country's Revolutionary Guards were behind a terrorist plot on U.S. soil against the Saudi ambassador. They have also been implicated in attacks on Israeli diplomats in India, Thailand and Azerbaijan. More Americans have been killed by Tehran's proxy army, Hezbollah, than by any other terrorist organization but al-Qaeda. Most recently, Hezbollah was involved in the attack that killed five Israeli tourists in Bulgaria. Furthermore, the terrorist group continues to threaten the entire population of Israel with its growing arsenal of missiles and rockets.

• Dr. Matthew Levitt

  Senior Fellow and Director, Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence,, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

• Mr. Benjamin Weinthal

  European Correspondent, The Jerusalem Post; Research Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

• Mr. Ash Jain

  Visiting Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Foreign Aid: The Vital Role of U.S. Assistance

American leadership around the globe relies heavily on robust foreign aid, which comprises just 1 percent of the federal budget. The United States' military assistance to Israel is vital to ensuring its security and safeguarding America's interests in the Middle East. Aid to other countries in the region, and the conditions attached to those funds, play key roles in helping the United States pursue its foreign policy goals.

• Ms. Liz Schrayer

  Executive Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition

• Mr. Bill Lane

  Washington Director for Government Affairs, Caterpillar

• Ms. Ester Kurz

  Director, Legislative Strategy and Policy, AIPAC

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion - Eastern Interests: China's Middle East Strategy

In recent years, China's rapid growth and energy-hungry economy have made the nation a power player in Middle East affairs. With regional interests that often conflict with U.S. policy, how will China's relationships with Israel and Arab nations affect the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and other challenges in the region, ranging from fighting in Syria to Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons?

• Dr. Dan Blumenthal

  Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

• Dr. Jonathan Adelman

  Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, University of Denver

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Village Stage - Ancient Connection: The Jewish People and the Land of Israel

The Jewish connection to the land of Israel began in the earliest days of Jewish history. Jews have had a continuous presence in the land for more than 3,000 years and it's the site of their first independent state. While foreign armies conquered the land of Israel, they were never able to break the link between the Jewish people and the Promised Land. Asher Afriat, one of Israel's leading history experts and tour guides, will delve into the history of Israel and the Jewish connection to its homeland.

• Mr. Asher Afriat

  Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Israel Seminar

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Meet the Author - Gil Troy: Moynihan's Moment: America's Fight Against Zionism as Racism

On November 10, 1975, the General Assembly of the United Nations passed Resolution 3379, which declared Zionism a form of racism. U.S. Ambassador Daniel Patrick Moynihan delivered a passionate speech against the resolution, declaring that "the United States does not acknowledge, it will not abide by it, will never acquiesce in this infamous act." The speech made Moynihan a celebrity, but also marked the rise of a more national-interest-driven U.S. foreign policy. In Moynihan's Moment, McGill historian Gil Troy examines the events leading up to the resolution and traces its impact in the ensuing decades. This session is reserved exclusively for AIPAC's Capitol Club, Senate Club, President's Cabinet, Chairman's Council and Minyan members.

• Mr. Gil Troy

  Professor of History, McGill University

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Meet the Experts - Entrepreneurial Oasis: How Israel Flourishes as an Innovation Hotbed

With a highly skilled workforce and culture of creativity and entrepreneurship, Israeli companies are producing technologies transforming the lives of people around the globe. How has this occurred amid near constant war? What are the next big ideas coming out of Israel and how will they change the world? AIPAC TV will explore these issues in-depth with the head of the Start Up Nation Institute and a pair of Israeli entrepreneurs

• Mr. Isaac Litman

  Chief Executive Officer, Mobileye Inc.

• Dr. Amir Amedi

  Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University

• Mr. Elias Saratovsky

  Southwest Regional Director, AIPAC

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Village Stage - Not to Fear: How Robots Can Revolutionise Surgery and Beyond

In science fiction, robots are often portrayed as things to be feared. In reality, robots are increasingly playing an important role in helping those in need. Prof. Alon Wolf, founder and director of the Technion's Bio-Robotics and Bio-Mechanics Lab, knows this well. He oversees the development of robots used in operating rooms and "snake" robots that can capture sound and images in Urban Search And Rescue scenarios. Prof. Wolf will discuss the sophisticated robotic work being done at the Technion.

• Prof. Alon Wolf

  Director, Biorobotics and Biomechanics Lab (BRML), Technion Israel Institute of Technology