AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 News and Video

Here are a half dozen moments during AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 that showcased AJC's critical efforts to shape the future of the Jewish people by combating surging antisemitism around the world, promoting Israel’s place in a reimagined Middle East, and restoring a deeply divided America.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, Bret Stephens, Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times, Bari Weiss, Journalist and Author of How to Fight Antisemitism, and Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, Managing Director of AJC Europe spoke about rising Jew-hatred in a session titled “The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism: How Should We Respond?”

Watch highlights from AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, featuring special announcements, world leaders, scintillating panels on antisemitism, and more.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard H.E. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo, deliver a speech about her nation's ties with Israel and decision to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard an inspiring call-to-action by AJC CEO David Harris, who highlighted several urgent issues the Jewish people will confront in the years ahead.

Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced the launch of the Senate Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations at AJC Virtual Global Forum.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard an address by H.E. Suga Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, about Japan's close ties to AJC and the American Jewish community.

Watch the Closing Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 which features addresses by H.E. Suga Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, The Launch of the Senate Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in a conversation moderated by Manya Brachear Pashman, Co-Host, AJC's People of the Pod, and Closing Thoughts and Call to Action with AJC CEO David Harris.

“Our fight against antisemitism is more urgent than ever,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told thousands participating in the 2021 American Jewish Committee (AJC) Virtual Global Forum. The commission, she announced today, will adopt later this year “the first-ever EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.”

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard from H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, about transatlantic ties between the EU and the U.S, the EU's efforts in the Middle East, and rising antisemitism in Europe.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in an historic address to the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Virtual Global Forum, reaffirmed his commitments to combat antisemitism, strengthen France’s relations with Israel and the United States, and ensure that Iran’s ballistic missile and regional activities are addressed in any agreement. It was Macron’s first address to an American Jewish organization since his election as president four years ago.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard from H.E. Emmanuel Macor, President of France, about France's efforts to combat antisemitism and French-Israeli relations.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard from Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, who discussed his groundbreaking report on rising antisemitism around the world.

The remarkable achievements of Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, were recognized today at the American Jewish Committee (AJC) 2021 Virtual Global Forum in a conversation between him and Felice Gaer, Director of AJC’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI).

For 50 years, AJC’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) has worked to combat religious intolerance, end torture, and oppose all forms of discrimination, issues of central importance to the Jewish community and beyond.

Watch the Wednesday 12:00 PM ET Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 which features addresses by H.E. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and a celebration of 50 years of JBI with Felice Gaer and Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard from Alejandro N. Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, about the Biden Administration's efforts to combat rising antisemitism and other forms of hate in America.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees witnessed a history-making announcement as H.E. Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, established the OAS's first Antisemitism Commissioner for Latin America position.

Hate seeks to tear people apart. But the spirit of solidarity in the face of hatred and violence has endured. In this video presented at AJC Global Forum 2021, AJC highlights impactful stories of solidarity around the world.

Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), told the worldwide American Jewish Committee (AJC) 2021 Virtual Global Forum today that he is issuing an executive order to create the position of OAS Commissioner for Monitoring and Combating Antisemitism. “The Commissioner’s main responsibilities will be to promote adoption and implementation by all countries in the region of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, and to vigorously engage states and civil society organizations to raise awareness of the need to remain alert to all forms of antisemitism,” said Almagro.

Watch the Tuesday 7:00 PM ET Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 which features Special Announcement from OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro, The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism: How Should We Respond?, and an address by Alejandro N. Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, two foreign policy veterans participated in The Max Fisher Annual Program: The Great Debate: Is the Iran Nuclear Deal Worth Saving? The session pitted Ambassador Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States (2014-19), the United Nations (2009-14), and Israel (2003-06) against Michael Doran, Middle East analyst and National Security Council Senior Director (2005-07).

At AJC Virtual Global Forum, attendees were addressed by H.H. Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United States.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum, attendees were addressed by Victoria Nuland, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum, attendees were addressed by Nureldin Satti, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the United States.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, global leaders helped celebrate Jason Isaacson's 30th anniversary at AJC.

Watch the Tuesday 12:00 PM ET Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 which features The Great Debate: Is the Iran Nuclear Deal Worth Saving? The Max Fisher Annual Program, and addresses by H.H. Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the U.S., H.E. Nureldin Satti, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the U.S., and Victoria Nuland, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

As part of the AJC Virtual Global Forum H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, discussed Bahrain-Israel ties, peace in the Middle East, and more with AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, addressed a worldwide audience of thousands participating in the 2021 American Jewish Committee Virtual Global Forum. In a conversation with Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, the foreign minister discussed the historic Abraham Accords, Bahrain-U.S. relations, and the Iranian threat.

Watch the Monday 3:00 PM ET Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 which features AJC in Conversation with H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and The Siegler Family Annual Muslim-Jewish Symposium with H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Hedayah and Rabbi David Rosen, AJC Director of International Interreligious Affairs in a conversation moderated by Manya Brachear Pashman, Co-Host, AJC's People of the Pod.

To expand American Jewish Committee’s (AJC’s) reach to audiences in the Middle East, the global advocacy organization launched AJC Farsi today, with Persian-language social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. “The intersection of my Iranian, American, and Jewish identities makes me particularly proud to make this exciting announcement,” Saba Soomekh, Associate Director of AJC Los Angeles, told the 2021 Virtual AJC Global Forum’s worldwide audience. “AJC Farsi will bolster our efforts to reach Iranians in Iran and diaspora communities in the United States and around the world.”

Watch the Monday 12:00 PM ET Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 which was dedicated to the memory of longtime AJC Leader Sidney Lerner includes an announcement about AJC's newest international office: AJC Abu Dhabi and a conversation with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, discussed UAE-Israel ties, peace in the Middle East, and more with AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson, as part of the AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 plenary dedicated to the memory of longtime AJC Leader Sidney Lerner.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard a special announcement establishing AJC's 13th international office, AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding, and introducing its director, Ambassador Marc J. Sievers Director, as part of the AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021 plenary dedicated to the memory of longtime AJC Leader Sidney Lerner.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) has opened an office in the United Arab Emirates and named Ambassador Marc Sievers as the office’s inaugural director. AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding is the leading global Jewish advocacy organization’s first office in an Arab country, and its 13th overseas post. “AJC Abu Dhabi is truly historic,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “It will enable AJC to expand on our decades of bridge-building in the region and create a wider network of stakeholders in the new relationships made possible by the Abraham Accords.”

Children of Abraham: An Introduction to Judaism for Muslims, the highly acclaimed book by Rabbi Dr. Reuven Firestone of Hebrew Union College, first published by American Jewish Committee (AJC) in 2001, will be updated and distributed in multiple languages prevalent in Muslim-majority countries around the world. "We see a growing desire across the Muslim world for in-depth knowledge about Judaism and the Jewish people,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “The Children of Abraham translation project will make an authentic Jewish voice widely accessible to hundreds of millions of Muslims.”

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, addressed today a worldwide audience participating in the 2021 American Jewish Committee Virtual Global Forum. The Global Forum is the leading global Jewish advocacy organization’s premier annual event. In a conversation with Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, the foreign minister discussed the historic Abraham Accords, UAE-U.S. relations, prospects for advancing Arab-Israeli peace, and the threat of extremism.

Project Interchange (PI), American Jewish Committee’s signature educational institute introducing Israel to leaders from the United States and countries around the world, plans to host delegations of policymakers and opinion influencers from countries that signed the Abraham Accords last year. The new initiative, announced today to a worldwide audience attending the 2021 AJC Virtual Global Forum is intended to support the growing foundation of peaceful cooperation in the region. The first educational seminar in Israel for Arab Gulf leaders will take place in November, and a second group will come in January 2022.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, attendees heard an insightful and inspiring conversation between Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA) and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) in The Leonard Greenberg Forum for Domestic Policy Issues, Restoring America: The Future of Bipartisan Relations.

Watch "The View from Campus," an AJC Virtual Global Forum conversation about Jewish student leadership with Julia Jassey, CEO of Jewish on Campus, and University of Chicago ‘23 and Talia Rosenberg University of Pennsylvania ‘21, moderated by Meggie Wyschogrod Fredman, AJC Director of the Alexander Young Leadership Department.

The Sunday 6:00 PM ET Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021.

At AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, H.E. Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel, delivered The Harriette Levine Memorial Address, discussing Israel-U.S. ties, the rise of antisemitism, and peace in the Middle East.

Five Israelis share what they think the world needs to know about their country, and how attacks from Gaza in May 2021 impacted them.

In May 2021, Israeli towns and cities were bombarded with over 4,600 rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza. 30 nations spoke up in support of Israel's right to defend itself from these terrorist attacks. This video, shown during AJC Virtual Global Forum 2021, highlights and thanks those nations.

With bold ideas and an unparalleled track record, AJC fights antisemitism and all forms of hate, strengthens Israel’s place in the world, and defends democratic values. Together, we can shape history. Join us.

Watch the Opening Plenary of AJC Virtual Global Forum, which includes The Harriette Levine Memorial Address by H.E. Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel.

The 2021 American Jewish Committee (AJC) Virtual Global Forum opened today with remarks by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, whose seven-year term ends in July. “For many years, AJC has played a central role as an advocate for the Jewish people, combating antisemitism, BDS, and supporting Israel’s fight against terror,” said Rivlin. He thanked AJC for its “work to promote Muslim-Jewish relations and ties between Israel and Arab states, and for all you do for Israel and the Jewish people.”

The American Jewish community is a beautiful tapestry made up of individuals from many diverse backgrounds and with many ways of being Jewish. There’s no one American Jewish experience, and each unique perspective only adds to the richness of the Jewish story in America. American Jewish Committee (AJC) is proud to share our virtual stage each day with the faces of American Jewry. Watch the videos.