Dear community members, We’ve embarked on this journey for the same reason we’ve come together as a community over the last four years: We are determined to do everything we can to secure a safe, just, and democratic future for Israel. Until a few weeks ago, all of us following the US presidential campaign were deeply anxious and concerned about the tight race and, at times, unfavorable prospects of a Democratic victory. The thought of Donald Trump, an imminent and immediate threat to American democracy and the liberal world order, winning was deeply upsetting and frustrating. The combination of President Biden’s leadership and impressive mobilization of political pressure, philanthropic power, and rich data analysis, led to a dramatic shift with President Biden stepping down and Vice President Harris leading the ticket instead. Immediately, enthusiasm sparked, excitement grew, money was raised, strategy was formed, and despair turned into hope and determination. And yet, behind the scenes all along the work had never stopped: in hopeful days and days of despair, political, civil society, and philanthropic leaders kept at work, building, investing, and preparing. If there is a time to learn what American political philanthropy can teach us in our efforts to protect Israel’s democracy, now is that time. During the course of our seminar, we will engage with several determined and courageous philanthropists, strategists, and leaders who, over the past 8+ years, have built a robust ecosystem of efforts to defend and advance American democracy – all through thoughtful planning and immense investment. We are truly looking forward to embarking on this journey together: We will learn how to convey liberal democratic messages to audiences that are reluctant to listen; how to build political power for democracy; how to use quantitative and qualitative data to better understand the public; and how grassroots groups organize and mobilize voters. We will delve into the complex reality facing liberal Jews in the United States and hear how to create a different, sophisticated, and unapologetic media discourse. And of course, we will draw inspiration and insights from American philanthropic leaders and networks. We have tried to pull together the brightest and the best to teach us. We are grateful that you’ve joined us. We trust that these days together will be enriching and will help guide us for the journey ahead. Let’s go.