In her keynote address, Ovadia-Luski reflected on the profound challenges facing the Jewish people following the October 7th terror attack in Israel. She described a worrying rise in global antisemitism, including attacks on synagogues and Jewish institutions, while criticizing international actions that embolden terrorism. Despite these challenges, she underscored the resilience of the Jewish people and the unbreakable bond between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
"On October 7th, we endured a day of destruction and pain beyond compare—events etched into our national memory," said Ovadia-Luski. "But the Jewish people have always risen to meet adversity. This year, we saw the incredible strength of the connection between Diaspora Jewry and Israel. Together, we have shown that our bond is unbreakable."
She highlighted KKL-JNF's extensive efforts to support Israel’s most vulnerable regions, from building new neighborhoods to provide safe housing for displaced families, to investing in education, agriculture, and security, as well as leading firefighting initiatives to protect lives and property. "From the very first moments of the war, KKL-JNF has played a leading role in rebuilding communities that were devastated. Over the past year, we’ve worked tirelessly to rehabilitate the north and south, ensuring a secure future for generations to come," she added.
Concluding her address, Ovadia-Luski expressed gratitude to KKL-JNF’s partners in Israel and abroad for their unwavering support. She emphasized the shared mission of upholding Zionist values and ensuring the Jewish people remain united and resilient in the face of challenges.