Each and every one of them rose to their feet when Israeli singer David D’or took the stage and belted beloved Israeli classics during the organization’s 17th Plenary Assembly.

Young men and women, many from the diaspora, huddled together, danced in the aisles, and some even lifted each other on chairs, as if at a Jewish wedding—transforming the space into a pure celebration of Judaism and a shared love of Israel. That earnest, enthusiastic energy was a clear sign of how deeply those present yearned to be part of a joyous collective that honors Jewish heritage and the resilience of its people.

This vibrant spirit perfectly reflected the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem’s mission: to serve as a hub for community and unity, where meaningful conversations, personal stories, and art come together to inspire and connect Jews from all backgrounds. The Plenary’s blend of solemn remembrance and joyous celebration was a living expression of this goal.

It was an emotional moment in an evening filled with nuanced conversation about Israel and its standing on the world stage. The gathering—held in Israel for the first time since 2009—marked the official launch of the WJC’s highest decision-making forum.

Ronald Lauder, President of the WJC, spoke of the organization’s unique role as Israel’s ambassadors to the world, especially in supporting small Jewish communities with no one else to turn to. Lauder stressed that “we can't do it alone,” and urged unity across all Jewish denominations. "Our enemies are trying to divide us. They cannot divide us. We are one people."

Philanthropist and MOTJ board member Sylvan Adams, who was recently appointed as the WJC Israel Region chair, echoed these sentiments: “The strength of the Jewish people lies not only in our history but in our shared commitment to one another. This assembly here in Jerusalem is proof that our unity is our greatest power.”

He added, “Now more than ever, we must bridge divides, embrace our collective destiny, and ensure the safety and flourishing of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. This is our moment to stand together.”

The WJC also presented its first Israel Resilience Award to Tal Shoham and his family as symbols of endurance and hope in the face of unimaginable terror. Tal Shoham, freed after 505 days in Hamas captivity, shared his harrowing experience, saying, "90 days ago, I was born for the second time."

His remarks painted a vivid picture of the brutal conditions underground, the torture endured, and the unyielding spirit that sustained him. Shoham called on the community to remember the 58 hostages still held captive and to confront the reality of Hamas’s terror-driven ideology.

Moved by his testimony, Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, was in awe of Shoham’s resilience and offered words of support for Israel in this time of crisis.

"The State of Israel will never fall and the Jewish people will never be annihilated because we have a secret weapon—we have nowhere else to go," he said, echoing Golda Meir’s famous quote.

Urging unity, Huckabee warned against divisions both within Israel and among its allies: "Israel may have seven different servers coming out of the kitchen with different plates, but all those plates come from the very same kitchen—in Tehran, the serpent with the poison from the rest of the world."

He called on Americans and Jews worldwide to stand firmly with Israel, as Iran has placed the United States in the crosshairs alongside Israel. "We can’t afford to turn our backs on Israel—that’s turning our backs on our people. We need to stand with you, not behind you."

It is fitting, then, that at the opening of the ceremony, the crowd was stunned to see Israeli singer Eden Golan take the stage in a surprise performance. Looking ethereal in white, the Eurovision finalist gave a rousing rendition of her hit song Hurricane, which was a finalist in last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Her evocative words of grief filled the room, but the song’s promise of peace in the aftermath of tragedy served as an apt opening to an evening that interspersed moments of joy with serious and weighty conversations about the future of the Jewish people.

The 17th Plenary Assembly profoundly affirmed Jewish resilience, solidarity, and commitment to Israel’s future. From the heartfelt testimonies to the dancing sparked by D’or’s music, the gathering embodied the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem’s mission: to be a beacon of unity, hope, and meaningful dialogue for the global Jewish community.