On November 16, more than 1,100 Jews, Christians, Zionists, and patriotic Americans gathered for Tikvah’s 2025 Jewish Leadership Conference. United by the belief that enduring Jewish wisdom and proud American values are essential to saving the West, we came together to forge connections and chart the work ahead—combatting the rise in anti-Semitism, raising proud Jews, supporting the State of Israel, and saving America from the barbarians.
You can watch the available conference sessions below.
Building Institutions, Defending Truth: Herzl Prize Laureates Dan Senor, Ben Shapiro, and Bari Weiss in Conversation with Jonathan Silver
The Herzl Prize honors leaders who defend Jewish, American, and Western civilization. This year’s ceremony celebrated three public intellectuals—Ben Shapiro, Bari Weiss, and Dan Senor—who have been champions of truth, moral courage, and Jewish resilience during this confused civilizational moment.
Our honorees joined Jonathan Silver for a wide-ranging conversation about the crisis of civic education, the rise of anti-Semitism, the future of American–Israeli partnership, and the work required to secure a flourishing future for America and its Jews.
A Fireside Chat with Amb. Michael Waltz in conversation with Elliott Abrams
As a Green Beret, former National Security Advisor, and congressional leader, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz has been at the center of America’s national security debates. In this conversation with Elliott Abrams, Amb. Waltz reflected on U.S.–Israel cooperation, Operation Midnight Hammer, the threat from China, and the broader fight to defend American interests and values around the world. Together they explored what principled American leadership looks like in an age of geopolitical turmoil—and why a strong, sovereign Israel remains essential to America’s security.
The Christian-Jewish Alliance and Its Enemies – Rabbi Meir Soloveichik
One of the most remarkable developments of the modern era is the emergence of a principled Christian–Jewish alliance. This alliance is rooted in Biblical faith, shared moral commitments, and a common defense of Western civilization. Yet it now faces real opponents, in ideological movements hostile to traditional and the reemergence of historic anti-Semitism on both sides of the political aisle. In this important address, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik explored the theological depth and historic sensibility of this partnership, and explained why strengthening it is vital for the future of both faith traditions.
The Meaning of Jewish Sovereignty – Professor Ruth Wisse
What does it mean for the Jewish people—after millennia of exile, persecution, and powerlessness—to possess political sovereignty in their ancestral homeland? In this lecture, Professor Ruth Wisse explored the moral and civilizational meaning of the modern Jewish state. Drawing on Jewish history, literature, and statesmanship, Wisse examined the obligations and responsibilities that come with power, the threats that seek to undermine Israeli legitimacy, and the courage required to defend Jewish self-determination.
Navigating the New Middle East
Walter Russell Mead and Hon. Elliott Abrams in conversation with Jonathan Silver
After Israel’s stunning military successes and creative American diplomacy, the Middle East is undergoing a dramatic transformation. How should America and Israel understand these changes, and what strategy ought they pursue to secure their shared interests and values? Walter Russell Mead and Elliott Abrams joined Jonathan Silver for a timely conversation about the new regional landscape, the opportunities and vulnerabilities for America and the Jewish state, and the role of the Middle East in the great power competition between China and the United States.
Gratitude or Resentment? How Jews Can Save the West – Eric Cohen
At a moment when dangerous ideologies of both the left and the right threaten all that is best about American civilization, Tikvah’s president and CEO Eric Cohen made the case that the Jews have a special role to play in saving the West. He argued that as our society again faces the fundamental human choices—between wonder and nihilism, gratitude and resentment, love and bitterness—it is the enduring wisdom of the Jewish tradition that offers us the most promising path to civilizational renewal.
The Meaning of America at 250: A Student Symposium Liel Leibovitz and a panel of Tikvah Students and Fellows
As America approaches its 250th birthday, how should the next generation understand this nation’s founding principles and eternal purpose? In this student symposium, Liel Leibovitz introduced a session featuring Tikvah students and fellows on what America means to them—religiously, morally, and civically. Together, they reflected on the tradition of American exceptionalism, the nation’s special relationship with the Jewish people, and the responsibility of the next generation for American renewal in an age of cynicism and doubt.