Distant Relatives: Looking at Emerging Groups and Communities with Affinities to the Jewish People

Israel's President Isaac Herzog Keynote Address: Distant Relatives Conference
Sunday, 9:30am PDT

In recent years, there has been an unprecedented development in the Jewish community: a significant number of people, estimated in the millions, are seeking some form of affinity with the Jewish people. This phenomenon is occurring for a variety of reasons, including discovery of a Jewish ancestor through a rapid increase in genetic testing; newfound knowledge that a parents’ or grandparents’ identity was suppressed; and being part of an interfaith family that desires to explore its connection with Judaism.  

The conference, titled Distant Relatives: Emerging Groups and Communities with Affinities to the Jewish People, will explore this major, emerging trend and will gather prominent scholars, activists, and Israeli government officials for robust discussions on changing demographics and community dynamics. A major focus will be placed on how Israel can actively engage with this new constituency.  

Please join this no cost livestream panel discussion, direct from Israel, launching this first of a kind conference, cohosted by American Jewish University, Herzl Institute and ANU- The Museum of the Jewish People.