The Israeli Presidential Conference, Facing Tomorrow
was attended by 5000 people this year,
many coming from around the world to Jerusalem, Israel.
This year started with a special 90th birthday celebration
for President Shimon Peres serranaded by Barbra Streisand.
Opening night tickets were harder to get then to the Obama speech.
But the long program was available on-line to watch.
As the motorcades were finally going by after it ended,
and I was already getting into bed,
I was sure I had had a great seat.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair followed Shimon Peres,
and then former US President Bill Clinton entered the opening plenary.
Phones and cameras were out to catch
Bill Clinton get the Israeli President’s special medal and award.
Over two days there were too many speakers and dignitaries to list.
I was disappointed that somehow I kept missing
Prince Albert of Monaco, but maybe I just did not recognize him?
A few of the most popular presenters included:
Dr David Augus from California,
Prof. Dan Arielly,
and once again Ayaan Hirsh-Ali.
New to Israeli politics and this program was MK Yair Lapid.
But the serious press attendance and cameras came out
for Hollywood actress Sharon Stone,
Shimon Peres and Sharon Stone.
And also from Hollywood Robert DeNiro.
Rav David Stav got a little attention in the halls.
At least Arutz 7 noticed John Baird, the Foreign Minister from Canada.
But how many paid attention to Manfred Gerstenfeld?
At least my friend was also excited to see Canadian Irwin Cotler.
And as always everyone was excited to be seen with Dr Ruth!
If you do not know all these names, take time to look them up,
I decided not to link to poor Wiki information.
But what about this conference called Tomorrow,
when most of these names are so yesterday?
Tim Armstrong and Yossi Vardi may have come up with a new plan.
But, there were two things that really do stand out for tomorrow.
As at past conferences the Hebrew University exhibit,
was bigger and better, their brain research simply mind boggling.
But I would like to end with my favorite scene of Facing Tomorrow.
These five young men, ages 15 to 19,
are already involved in tech and start-ups.
This time of year the real streets are so busy and full
of end of year graduations, from gan to University,
they are the real tomorrow.
