Over 1,000 pro-Israel students, faculty, and young professionals convened in Washington, D.C., for the Israel on Campus Coalition’s (ICC) annual National Leadership Summit, held in late July 2026. The gathering, hosted at the Grand Hyatt, drew more than 1,200 attendees, including over 800 undergraduate students, approximately 75 pro-Israel faculty members, and a mix of philanthropists, recent graduates, and young professionals participating through ICC’s Geller International Fellowship. The summit took place amid heightened concerns about antisemitism on U.S. college campuses, with ICC CEO Jacob Baime describing the current climate as increasingly hostile toward Jewish and pro-Israel individuals. Baime emphasized that despite the challenges, there was a surge in interest among Jewish and pro-Israel students. He noted that the event had such high demand that it had a waiting list, and ICC could have doubled its attendance if logistical constraints allowed. “It was the most inspiring three days that we’ve had in a year,” Baime stated, highlighting the sense of unity and determination among participants. The summit aimed to equip students with tools to combat antisemitism on their campuses and to cultivate a new generation of pro-Israel leaders. The event focused on themes centered around “American Zionist Proud,” a message meant to counter the rising hostility toward Israel and Zionism on university campuses. Baime acknowledged that the challenges faced by Jewish and pro-Israel students have not diminished, even as highly visible anti-Israel protests have receded from many campuses. He explained that while the overt expressions of hostility have decreased, the underlying tensions remain. “Even though we’re not seeing encampments on the campuses right now, the situation remains very challenging,” Baime said. “I think actually the challenges are increasing.” He added that the hostility is now more subtle, often manifesting in less direct forms, yet it persists across both the political left and right. The summit sought to prepare participants to address these challenges by organizing events that highlight shared values between the U.S. and Israel, building broader coalitions beyond the Jewish and traditional pro-Israel communities, and working to elect pro-Israel student leaders. About 15 percent of the summit’s participants came from outside the Jewish community, illustrating the diverse nature of the pro-Israel movement on American campuses. The broader context of the summit reflects a larger trend within the American Jewish community, which is grappling with a crisis of confidence and identity. As reported by The Times of Israel, American Jews are experiencing a period of significant anxiety, marked by rising antisemitism, declining support for Israel, and the erosion of Zionism as a defining ideology. This shift has led to a reevaluation of how Jewish Americans engage politically and socially, particularly in light of the upcoming Israeli elections scheduled for October 27, 2026. These elections are viewed as pivotal not just for Israelis but for the entire global Jewish community, especially the large diaspora in the United States. The outcomes could influence the future of American Jewish identity and political alignment, as well as the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. The changing perceptions of Israel among American Jews are further complicated by the actions of the Israeli government, which have reportedly damaged its reputation across the political spectrum in the U.S. Amid these developments, discussions around the terminology associated with Jewish identity and support for Israel have intensified. A recent controversy involving Matthew Berger, a communications consultant hired by the Jewish Federations of North America, highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the term “Zionism.” Berger suggested that Jewish groups and supporters of Israel consider avoiding the term due to its negative connotations in certain contexts. His remarks sparked debate, leading to his termination from the position. Berger defended his stance, arguing that the term “Zionism” is often misused and misunderstood, potentially hindering efforts to combat antisemitism and build alliances. The incident underscores the complexity of navigating contemporary discourse around Jewish identity and support for Israel. While some advocate for a more strategic use of language to foster understanding and solidarity, others emphasize the importance of maintaining clear and unwavering commitment to Zionism as a fundamental aspect of Jewish identity. These debates reflect the broader struggles within the American Jewish community as it seeks to redefine its role in an evolving political landscape.
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