The WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps organized an event marking Yom HaShoah. Deputy Director Gabriel Rosenberg began with opening remarks. Tamara Fathi, a Steering Committee Member, hosted the ceremony. Sara Galico, Steven Guttmann, Sofia Cohen, Ariel Krok, Karina Arlin, and Danny Mosfowitz each lit a candle to honor the six million Jewish victims. Holocaust survivor Yona Laks shared her testimony, followed by the recitation of the Kaddish performed by Eyal Raviv.

Daniel Radomski, Head of WJC Strategy & Programs, and Deputy Director Gabriel Rosenberg outlined the importance of the Diaspora's solidarity with Israel and bringing back the Israeli story to the participants' home countries and the wider international community. The night ended with a performance of the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah (the National Anthem of Israel), by Diplomatic Corps member Ira Rosensaft.

Delegation members walked through Kibbutz Be’eri led by kibbutz members and survivors of the Kibbutz massacre.

At the origin site of the Hamas attacks, three released hostages, Bar Hinitz, Jenny Sividya, and Noam Lev-Ram, spoke about their experiences surviving the Hamas attack. WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Member Samuel Dresel then solemnly recited Kaddish for those who tragically lost their lives.

Members heard from Israel Defense Forces Captain (Res.) Adam Ittah, who briefed them on the challenging process of identifying bodies, which was made difficult due to extensive mutilation.

At Shuva Achim, a rest stop serving security forces and rescue personnel, JDCorps members actively participated in distributing essential supplies. They also heard from Dror Trabelsi, co-founder of Shuva Achim, on the kibbutz of Shuva, how and why Shuva Achim was founded just one day after October 7th.

Under the leadership of Steering Committee Member Amichai Wise, along with support from World Jewish Congress Chief Marketing Officer Sara Friedman and JNF Chief Israel Emissary Talia Tsour Avner, roundtable discussions were held to outline joint projects involving Diplomatic Corps members, young leaders from JNF, and participants from the Negev, fostering collaboration and resilience amidst adversity.

The delegation had the honor of meeting the families of hostages held by Hamas. Listening to their stories our delegation was deeply moved by their unwavering strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. The delegation’s meeting with the families served as a powerful reminder of the importance of Jewish unity and reaffirmed our collective determination to ensure that the hostages are released.

The delegation embarked on a solemn visit to Hostage Square, a poignant reminder of the tragedy of October 7th. The delegation underscored their unwavering solidarity with the families, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to supporting them in their ongoing struggle for justice, freedom, and the safe return of their loved ones held captive by Hamas.

WJC Diplomatic Corps Members had the privilege of engaging in a comprehensive briefing on Israel’s legal battles, including its defense at an International Court of Justice application by the South African government falsely alleging that Israel is carrying out acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Dr. Omri Sender, Partner and Chair of Public International Law at S. Horowitz & Co., led an insightful discussion on Israel's legal responses to terrorism, particularly in light of October 7th. With unmatched expertise, Dr. Sender elucidated the legal intricacies of Israel's defense strategies, shedding light on the nation's efforts to uphold justice amidst ongoing threats and conflicts.

Members of the WJC Diplomatic Corps had the distinct honor of participating in an illuminating panel discussion uncovering the depths of Hamas’ crimes against humanity during the October 7 massacre. Led by esteemed experts in their respective fields, the panel delved into the harrowing realities faced by victims, particularly women and children, and shed light on the legal intricacies and humanitarian implications of such heinous acts.

The speaker panel included:

MSGT. Dean Elsdunne, International Spokesperson for the Israel Police

Simcha Greiniman, Deputy Commandor of Zaka in Modiin Illit .

Adv. Miki Roitman, Former Professional Advisor at the Commission on Status of Women at the Knesset, Member of the WJC JDCorps.

Moderated by Gadi Ezra, Former Director of the National Public Diplomacy Unit at Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, Member of the WJC JDCorps.

The Anu Museum Memorial Exhibition provided a profound and somber experience for members of the WJC Diplomatic Corps. Delegates encountered a poignant array of artistic expressions, including dozens of works by Israeli artists that resonate with the themes of October 7 and the ongoing struggle against terrorism. Themes of grief, loss, and the harsh realities of war were palpable throughout the exhibits, offering a visceral reminder of the human toll exacted by such atrocities.

Launched in Jerusalem in 2023 in collaboration with the Reut Group and the Jewish Peoplehood Coalition, Daniel Radomski, Head of WJC Strategy & Programs, delivered a keynote address to over 50 diaspora leaders and 150 Israeli counterparts on the importance of unity, dialogue, and understanding. Together, they worked tirelessly towards forging a new contract of collaboration, dedicated to supporting our shared future and fortifying Jewish unity.

The World Jewish Congress proudly recognized the dedication of its Diplomatic Corps members who served in the Israel Defense Forces post-October 7, 2023. The evening resonated with reflections from Gabriel Rosenberg, Deputy Director of the WJC JDCorps, and Daniel Radomski, Head of WJC Strategy & Programs, highlighting the valor and commitment of those who stood at the forefront of defending our shared values.

Within the framework of the Jewish Leadership Bridge for the Future, members of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps led roundtable discussions on projects to strengthen Jewish unity, acknowledging the profound impact of events like October 7th and the ongoing war. These discussions aimed to cultivate solidarity and resilience within our global Jewish community, foster collaborative initiatives to navigate challenges, and reinforce our shared values.

The evening also featured a fireside chat with Jordana Cutler, Public Policy Director for Israel and the Jewish Diaspora of Meta, moderated by Sara Friedman, Chief Marketing Officer of the WJC, and a video message by Shira Ruderman, Executive Director of the Ruderman Family Foundation.

WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps experienced an enriching session at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delving into the nation’s foreign policy challenges. Commencing with a warm welcome by Hamutal Rogel Fuchs, Head of the Department for Jewish Communities, the atmosphere was set for an insightful engagement. Uri Rothman, Head of Middle East Bureau at the Middle East Division, provided a comprehensive briefing on Israel’s multifront war, highlighting the opportunities amid the challenges. The session provided a deep dive into Israel’s diplomatic landscape, with a particular focus on navigating complexities surrounding Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

WJC Jewish Diplomatic Members received a thorough briefing on the dynamics of US-Israel relations from Elad Strohmayer, Director of the Congressional Department, North America. Strohmayer's expertise shed light on the intricacies of this crucial bilateral relationship, offering valuable insights into the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The delegation concluded with a poignant session at the Kotel. WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Members were led by Eugen Balin from Germany, who recited the Mi Sheberach L’Tzahal (Jewish Prayer for the Israel Defense Forces). Eli Novershtern, President of the WJC JDCorps, delivered closing remarks, encapsulating the significance of the delegation's journey and emphasizing the enduring importance of unity and solidarity within the global Jewish community.