10/17 | Jerusalem Conference at the Jerusalem Great Synagogue

Today, I had the opportunity to attend the Jerusalem Conference for English speakers at the Jerusalem Great Synagogue.  The event was sponsored by the Arutz Sheva media network, so it had a strong right-wing Zionist perspective (just the way I like it).  The conference offered a great chance to hear leading rabbis, ministers, and members of the Knesset speak about three different topics: the Jerusalem-Washington axis, relations between the Diaspora communities and those that dwell in Zion, and the fires raging in the Middle East.  Each session had a chairman to deliver opening remarks and a moderator to guide the conversation.  The entire conference was opened with greetings from former Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau and closed with songs sung by the head cantor of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue.  It was a memorable experience and one that I will not soon forget.

The hall on the lower level of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue where the Jerusalem Conference was held.

Former Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau delivering his opening greetings.

Yaakov "Ketzaleh" Katz, a member of Knesset and the chairman of the National Union party.

Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a professor at Bar-Ilan University and an expert on the Arab states.

Ayoob Kara, a Druze member of Knesset (Likud party) and Deputy Minister for Development of the Negev and Galilee.

Danny Ayalon, a member of Knesset (Yisrael Beiteinu party) and Deputy Foreign Minister.

The head cantor of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue delivering a closing song.