The American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Global Forum 2025, held recently, was a resounding success, drawing over 2,100 advocates from around the world. The event, which took place amidst Jewish American Heritage Month, served as a platform to reaffirm support for the Jewish state and the Jewish people. AJC CEO Ted Deutch, in his keynote address, set the tone for the forum, emphasizing the need to fight for a positive Jewish future and the right to live openly and freely as Jews. This gathering comes at a critical time, as antisemitism continues to rise globally, making the work of organizations like AJC more vital than ever.
Ted Deutch’s Keynote: A Call for Jewish Pride and Freedom
In his powerful speech, Deutch reminded attendees that the work of the AJC is not just about combating antisemitism but also about fostering Jewish pride. He stated, “We are fighting for a positive Jewish future. For Jewish pride. And for the right to live openly, joyfully, and freely as Jews — everywhere.” This message resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have been on the front lines of advocacy in their own communities. Deutch’s words underscored the importance of unity and resilience in the face of growing challenges.
Senate Testimony: Urging Bold Action Against Antisemitism
Earlier this week, Deutch testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, where he underscored the urgent need for bold government action against rising antisemitism. He was joined by 95-year-old Holocaust survivor David Schaecter, whose presence added a poignant reminder of the stakes involved. Deutch told the committee, “Rising antisemitism isn’t just a Jewish problem. It’s a crisis for our democracy and our society.” He called for concrete measures to address this growing threat, emphasizing that antisemitism weakens social cohesion and impedes progress on broader societal challenges. Watch the hearing here.
Bring Them Home: A Call to Action
One of the most emotionally charged moments of the forum was the discussion around the Bring Them Home campaign. Deutch emphasized that this is not merely a slogan but a call to action. The campaign focuses on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, including American-Israeli citizens. Attendees were urged to take immediate action to support this critical initiative, which remains a top priority for the Jewish community and its allies. Learn more about the campaign here.
Support for Hostage Families: Stories of Resilience
The forum also provided a platform for the families of hostages to share their stories. Noa Argamani, who was rescued by the IDF after 245 days in Hamas captivity, spoke passionately about the need to bring all hostages home. She was joined by Adi and Yael Alexander, whose son Edan remains captive, and Hagit and Ruby Chen, whose son Itay is also still held by Hamas. Their testimonies highlighted the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for action. These powerful speeches can be viewed here.
New Partnership: Documenting Modern Antisemitism
In a significant announcement, Deutch revealed a new partnership between AJC and the USC Shoah Foundation. This collaboration aims to document and map modern-day antisemitism globally. AJC will contribute to the foundation’s goal of collecting 10,000 testimonies from across the United States and around the world, documenting incidents of antisemitism since 1945. This initiative is crucial for educating future generations about the persistence of antisemitism. More details about this partnership can be found in JNS and JTA.
Bruce Pearl’s Impact: Jewish Pride on Display
Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl brought his infectious energy to the forum, speaking about his deep Jewish pride and his reasons for bringing his teams to Israel. In a conversation with Deutch, Pearl shared his commitment to the Jewish people and his belief in the importance of standing up for Israel. His speech was met with enthusiastic applause and set a positive tone for the rest of the conference. Watch the conversation here.
AJC’s Advocacy Stance: Principled and Non-Partisan
Deutch also took the opportunity to reaffirm AJC’s commitment to principled, non-partisan advocacy. He emphasized that the organization supports actions that protect Jewish life and democracy while being willing to raise concerns when necessary. This nuanced approach has been a hallmark of AJC’s work and was reiterated as a guiding principle for the future. Read more about AJC’s advocacy approach in Jewish Insider.
Dialogue on Global Authoritarianism: Insights from Richard Haass
One of the highlights of the forum was a thought-provoking conversation between Deutch and Dr. Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. They discussed the challenges posed by global authoritarianism and the importance of defending freedom and democracy. Haass’s insights provided a broader context for the issues facing the Jewish community and underscored the need for a united front against threats to democratic values. Watch the conversation here.
Additional Resources: Videos and More
For those who couldn’t attend the forum, AJC has made available a wealth of resources, including videos of key speeches and sessions. These can be accessed at AJC.org/GlobalForumNews2025. Additionally, a powerful video showcasing the resilience of the Israeli people was shared, along with Congressman Ritchie Torres accepting the inaugural Nita M. Lowey Congressional Leadership Award for his advocacy for the Jewish people and Israel.
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