Jewish American Summit 2026 Brings Leaders, Creators and Community Voices Together in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CA – September 03, 2026 – The Jewish American Summit (JAS) 2026 brought together leaders across culture, diplomacy, politics, business, advocacy and community for its third annual gathering in Los Angeles on Sunday, creating a day centered on conversation, connection, leadership, inspiration and action.
The national gathering, showcasing Jewish American strength, resilience and inspiration, brought together established leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, creators, activists, media personalities and community builders for a full day of programming addressing some of the most consequential issues facing Jewish Americans and the broader community.
A FULL DAY OF CONVERSATION AND LEADERSHIP
The Summit’s program opened with conversations spanning Hollywood, higher education, U.S. Israel relations, antisemitism, diplomacy and community leadership.
The morning program featured Jay Sures, Vice Chairman of UTA and UC Regent, in a conversation on Hollywood, Campus & the Courage to Speak Up, moderated by national reporter and anchor Erielle Reshef. This was followed by a conversation between businessman and philanthropist, Adam Milstein and award-winning journalist Jacki Karsh, focusing on how antisemitism is in fact a problem for the US and western civilization, and not just for Israel.
The program continued with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, discussing America & Israel: An Unbreakable Alliance, moderated by Emmy award-winning journalist Stella Inger Escobedo.
Israeli Ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, followed with an insightful and personally moving talk about his experiences as a diplomat, but also as a father who recently lost his own son in battle.
Additional morning conversations addressed antisemitism and anti-Zionism, as well as the courageous search and rescue missions performed by Unit 669 of the IDF, including appearances by Tanya Tsikanovsky, David Englin, Jacki Alexander, Carly Gammill, Liora Rez, and others.
THE NEW FACE OF ADVOCACY
One of the Summit’s conversations, The New Face of Advocacy, brought together voices representing a new generation of digital advocacy and public engagement, including filmmaker and THINK AGAIN founder Zach Sage Fox, beauty queen Melanie Shiraz, journalist and writer Luai Ahmed, actor and advocate Andy Buckley and IDF veteran Eli Wininger, moderated by entrepreneur Erik Huberman.
The discussion reflected the evolving role of storytelling, social media, culture and individual voices in shaping public conversations around Israel, antisemitism and Jewish identity.
FROM GLOBAL DIPLOMACY TO LOCAL COMMUNITY
The Summit’s programming extended beyond global affairs, with sessions focused on Jewish unity, civic engagement, local politics and the experiences shaping Jewish life today.
The program included a discussion on Fixing California between Steve Hilton, candidate for Governor of California, and Elizabeth Barcohana, a discussion titled The Jewish Vote: What the Data Tells Us with Dillon Hosier of ICAN, and a brief stop by Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Later, the conversations continued with some highly engaging speakers. Dr.Gad Saad took the stage to speak about antisemitism, suicidal empathy and the challenges shaping today’s cultural and political climate. Next up was the provocative discussion between author and activist Mosab Hassan Yousef, known as “The Green Prince” and Jonah Platt. Yousef offered us a more personal look at his own life experiences, an insight into what drives him and the perspectives that have shaped his views on Israel, antisemitism and the Jewish American experience.
A PLATFORM FOR CONNECTION AND ACTION
The Jewish American Summit describes itself as a catalyst for connection, leadership and impact, bringing together leaders, builders, thinkers and changemakers from across the Jewish world and beyond.
Now in its third year, the Summit has established itself as a Los Angeles gathering focused on thoughtful dialogue, meaningful connection and forward-looking leadership at a pivotal moment for Jewish life in America.
The 2026 Summit concluded its main program and was followed by the Layla Lavan Young Professionals Mixer, extending the day’s focus on community into an evening of music, entertainment and connection.
A VISION BROUGHT TO LIFE
“The Jewish American Summit is more than an event to me; it’s the realization of a vision built with Aish LA, which began modestly three years ago and was made possible by an incredible team and so many dedicated volunteers. To see more than a thousand passionate, smiling and engaged people from across our community come together under the big tent we created with JAS 2026, inspired and invigorated by such powerful voices, was deeply fulfilling and emotional.
At a time when our community faces enormous challenges, from rising antisemitism and online hate, to questions about Israel, Jewish identity and mass misinformation, the energy in the room made it clear that Jewish Americans are not going to retreat. JAS is a platform for multiple perspectives and opinions and is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Jewish people and our allies, and of what we can accomplish when we stand together with courage, purpose and pride,” said Mike Drath, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Producer of the Jewish American Summit.
ABOUT THE JEWISH AMERICAN SUMMIT
The Jewish American Summit is an annual gathering in Los Angeles that brings together leaders across culture, business, advocacy and community for thoughtful dialogue and meaningful connection.
The Summit reflects the broader mission of Aish LA to strengthen Jewish community, inspire meaningful Jewish life and help ensure a vibrant future for the Jewish people. Proceeds from the Jewish American Summit support the work of Aish LA to connect Jews to the power of Judaism and to each other.
Media Contact
Company Name: Jewish American Summit
Contact Person: Media Relations
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Country: United States
Website: JewishAmericanSummit.com
