As the Jewish world continues to grapple with the aftermath of October 7 and the sharp rise in antisemitism across the globe, representatives of the World Zionist Organization are set to bring a message of resilience, identity, and unity to the upcoming Jerusalem Post Conference on Monday in New York.
Rabbi Doron Perez, President of the WZO, will focus on the challenge of redefining and strengthening Zionism in the aftermath of October 7. Perez’s remarks are expected to center on the need to “rebrand Zionism” for a new generation — presenting it as a living expression of Jewish identity, responsibility, resilience, and connection to the State of Israel.
Another major theme of his address will be Jewish unity — not through uniformity of thought, but through an ability to work together despite religious, political, and ideological differences. Perez is expected to emphasize the importance of fostering unity rather than uniformity, arguing that disagreement within the Jewish world should not come at the expense of collective responsibility and shared destiny.
His appearance at the conference also comes against the backdrop of his personal story, which has resonated deeply throughout the Jewish world since October 7, after his son, Captain Daniel Perez, was killed during the Hamas attacks and later confirmed to have been taken hostage and murdered. Since then, Perez has emerged as one of the prominent voices speaking about Jewish resilience, faith, and unity in the face of tragedy.
Yifat Ovadia Luski, head of the Department for Combating Antisemitism at the World Zionist Organization, and former chairwoman of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund, will address one of the defining challenges facing world Jewry today: the battle over the meaning and perception of Zionism in a post–October 7 world.
At a time when antisemitic incidents have surged internationally, and Jewish communities have found themselves increasingly under pressure, Luski is expected to emphasize the importance of responding not with fear or retreat, but with Jewish pride, confidence, and a renewed sense of Zionist identity.
Her remarks will also underscore the inseparable relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry, particularly during periods of crisis, and the need for resilience and collective responsibility in confronting the challenges facing the Jewish people today.
Together, Perez and Luski are expected to deliver a message centered on Jewish pride, Zionist identity, resilience, and the enduring bond between Israel and Diaspora Jewry during one of the most challenging periods in recent Jewish history.
This article was written in cooperation with the World Zionist Organization.