When moving to Jerusalem, Israel, almost 19 years ago, many things were new and different.
On a spring-like day, a favorite sign that winter is over is the colors of the flowers blooming in the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, surrounded by the green new growth.
Also, seeing the white roses blooming in winter rather than the white snow is a Jerusalem favorite.
But this week I was not out every day enjoying the weather when it was warm.
Thursday at the Jerusalem International Conference Center was a conference “Ambassadors of Truth.”
You may have heard of this almost annual Jerusalem Conference Combatting Antisemitism this year.
I have gone in the past. This one was different, besides the calls to boycott it from a few Europeans and US “leaders,” which gave it more media attention.
There was the yellow chair empty – a symbol of remembering hostages and wanting their return.
Amichai Chikli, the Minister of Diaspora Affairs, was criticized for not consulting Diaspora leaders about who should be invited to the conference in Jerusalem.
The media paid close attention to who was invited to the conference, including Jordan Bardella, president of the French National Rally party, who came to Jerusalem and spoke.
He blamed rising antisemitism in Europe on migration and Islamism and stated support for Israel.
The panels included leading defenders of Israel on multiple international stages and media. If you do not know these names, please look them up and learn about their important work sharing the truth.
One national leader was the former President of the Republic of Paraguay, Horacio Cartes.
He was pleased to stop and let me take his photo after he finished his address, translated from Spanish.
Perhaps at these events, what happens in the halls is more important than the main stage.
For example, Lizzy Savetsky has spent countless hours defending Israel since October 7 and stayed around after the morning session with social media influencers to speak to attendees.
Several Ambassadors to Israel attended, notably the South Americans, Guatemala, Panama, and Paraguay.
My friend tells me I take it for granted that others know things when they do not. I have known Shawn Eni for a long time, before he became a media star with his fake Mossad posts on Twitter. On the right, I met “I’m That Jew” Eitan Chitayat for the first time after following his work for years.
The leaders of the Government Press Office were there, however, I only saw a few Knesset Members.
The US Ambassador’s residence is empty, waiting for the newest appointment to arrive.
But former Ambassador David Friedman was on stage for a one-on-one interview.
I am dropping all these names to share some of the people who came, like me, despite calls for a boycott.
The room, which was used in the past for this conference with tables as at a fancy dinner, was packed with chairs and people.
David Collier did important work to expose BBC failures in journalism and reporting. Sadly, they gave him an honored spot, but spelled his name wrong.
Sylvan Adams also spoke strongly about the importance of attending and not boycotting.
The security had been at a high level for the attendance of the Prime Minister, who came to speak.
Crowds and cameras came for Netanyahu and the list of foreign speakers.
My problem was keeping my phone charged to record it all.
I wanted to stay for the evening program, and that is what I feel is most important to share with you.
Before the program began, this was the message projected on the background screen: “If you receive an alert during an event, stay seated, bend over as much as possible, and protect your head with your hands for 10 MInutes. it is important to stay where you are to avoid injury.”
My going to the conference earlier in the day was delayed by an alert siren as I was leaving the house. I was very happy to be home and not outside on the street. The Houtis make sure we don’t forget there is a war raging around us. Again today, there was a ballistic missile aimed at Israel from Yemen and an alert.
A beautiful version of “October Rain” was part of the entertainment with dancers.
The main reason I wanted to come was to hear Ayaan Hirsi Ali. I first heard her speak at a Peres Tomorrow Conference years ago and have been a fan since. It was concerning when, over 10 years ago, Brandeis University withdrew her honorary degree.
Australian journalist Erin Molan received a special award, Beacon of Truth, from Minister Chikli.
What a world where a special award is given for speaking the truth.
There were protests against this conference by old voices in the US and Europe.
However, what I found the most impressive part of a very long day was the US university students who came. Their articulate voices are encouraging and the hope for the future.
The audience had dwindled from hundreds to dozens by the end of the program.
However, I will leave you with two more names to know: Shabbos Kestenbaum and Ami Kozak.
The voices of the IDF choir closed the conference with Hatikvah.
More photos from the day can be found HERE
Back on the real Jerusalem streets, one finds Passover cleaning supplies on display.
Oh, those Jerusalem streets under repair with Eid al Fitr today, they worked last week well past midnight.
The Jerusalem Marathon is on Friday, April 4, 2025, and the streets have to be ready. The Jerusalem streets will be filled with thousands of runners
It’s marathon time and preparing for Passover when everyone concludes –
Next year in Jerusalem
