For the first time in many years of Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure as Prime Minister of Israel, he has been denied an invitation to address the annual conference of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). The event is set to be held this week in Washington DC.

Instead, President Isaac Herzog will represent the state of Israel at the largest annual gathering of North American Jewish leaders.

When asked why an invitation had not been extended to Netanyahu, a spokesperson for the JFNA said,&nbsp;"No comment."

This is the first major sign of discontent towards Netanyahu and his policies that even Jewish legacy organisations like the JFNA, which have typically refrained from criticising the Israeli prime minister publicly, have snubbed him this time.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-tunnel-found-under-cemetery-with-huge-cache-of-weapons-rockets-video-775101">Hezbollah tunnel found under cemetery with huge cache of weapons, rockets | Video</a>

Last year when the JFNA General Assembly was held in April, the annual event was held in Tel Aviv, to mark Israel’s 75th anniversary.

In 2023 as well, there were reports that people might block roads near the venue where the conference as anti-government protests were hot at that time.

Therefore, to avoid the optics disaster, Netanyahu cancelled his in-person address at the confab.

At the time, the focus of the protest movement was the Netanyahu government's planned attempt to eviscerate the judiciary.

A poll commissioned by the JFNA in April found that while American Jews overwhelmingly support Israel, nearly two out of three were uncomfortable with actions taken by its government.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: What Is The Reason Behind Netanyahu And Gallant's Rift?

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This year's lineup of speakers includes Sheryl Sandberg, the former senior Facebook executive; television personality Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late John McCain; and Mark Mellman, the Democratic pollster and political strategist.

The annual assembly will kick start a few hours after a big rally in support of the state of Israel, organised by both the JFNA and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organisations. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday (Nov 17). Around 30,000 participants are expected to gather at the event.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahus-chief-of-staff-under-fire-over-alleged-involvement-in-blackmailing-of-idf-officer-775142">Netanyahu's chief of staff under fire over alleged involvement in blackmailing of IDF officer</a>

Notably, this is the first big Jewish event since the result of the US presidential election and also marks a year since the big march for Israel that took place last year in Washington – a month after the October 7 massacre.&nbsp;

Though the rally titled "Stand Together," is meant to be a show of Jewish unity and solidarity, several left-leaning Jewish organisations that participated last year will not show up for this one.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time in many years of Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure as Prime Minister of Israel, he has been denied an invitation to address the annual conference of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

For the first time in many years of Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure as Prime Minister of Israel, he has been denied an invitation to address the annual conference of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). The event is set to be held this week in Washington DC. Instead, President Isaac Herzog will represent the state of Israel at the largest annual gathering of North American Jewish leaders. When asked why an invitation had not been extended to Netanyahu, a spokesperson for the JFNA said, "No comment." This is the first major sign of discontent towards Netanyahu and his policies that even Jewish legacy organisations like the JFNA, which have typically refrained from criticising the Israeli prime minister publicly, have snubbed him this time. Also Read | Hezbollah tunnel found under cemetery with huge cache of weapons, rockets | Video Last year when the JFNA General Assembly was held in April, the annual event was held in Tel Aviv, to mark Israel’s 75th anniversary. In 2023 as well, there were reports that people might block roads near the venue where the conference as anti-government protests were hot at that time. Therefore, to avoid the optics disaster, Netanyahu cancelled his in-person address at the confab. At the time, the focus of the protest movement was the Netanyahu government's planned attempt to eviscerate the judiciary. A poll commissioned by the JFNA in April found that while American Jews overwhelmingly support Israel, nearly two out of three were uncomfortable with actions taken by its government. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: What Is The Reason Behind Netanyahu And Gallant's Rift? × This year's lineup of speakers includes Sheryl Sandberg, the former senior Facebook executive; television personality Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late John McCain; and Mark Mellman, the Democratic pollster and political strategist. The annual assembly will kick start a few hours after a big rally in support of the state of Israel, organised by both the JFNA and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organisations. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday (Nov 17). Around 30,000 participants are expected to gather at the event. Also Read | Netanyahu's chief of staff under fire over alleged involvement in blackmailing of IDF officer Notably, this is the first big Jewish event since the result of the US presidential election and also marks a year since the big march for Israel that took place last year in Washington – a month after the October 7 massacre. Though the rally titled "Stand Together," is meant to be a show of Jewish unity and solidarity, several left-leaning Jewish organisations that participated last year will not show up for this one. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu not invited to largest annual gathering of North American Jewish leaders in US

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse.&nbsp;

Addressing an event on combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, Trump lamented&nbsp;that he was trailing his Democrat rival, Kamala Harris, among the community and its voters.

“If I don’t win this election,&nbsp;the Jewish people would have a lot to do with that if that happens because if 40 per cent, I mean, 60 per cent of the people are voting for the enemy – Israel, in my opinion, will cease to exist within two years,” Trump declared.&nbsp;

“I will put it to you very simply and gently: I really haven’t been treated right, but you haven’t been treated&nbsp;right, because you’re putting yourself in great danger,” he added.

The Republican leader said the Democratic Party had a&nbsp;“hold, or curse” on Jewish Americans and that he should be getting “100 per cent” of Jewish votes because of his policies on Israel.

“My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House.&nbsp;But in all fairness, I already am," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-warns-israel-will-be-gone-under-kamala-harris-756318">Watch |&nbsp;Trump warns Israel will be ‘gone’ under Kamala Harris</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Israel won't exist: Trump</h2>

This is not the first instance when the former US president&nbsp;has attempted to galvanise the Jewish votes for his campaign. During the first presidential debate against Harris earlier this month, Trump went on an explosive tirade, claiming that Israel as the state we know today, will cease to exist if Harris came to power.&nbsp;

"She hates Israel. If she is President, I believe that Israel will not exist in two years from now," Trump said.&nbsp;

He also alleged that Harris "hated the Arab population"&nbsp;and that the Middle East was calm during his stint in the White House.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/elon-musk-endorses-trump-but-employees-favor-harris-with-donations-760054">Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk endorses Trump, but employees favor Harris with donations</a>

On her part, Harris denied Trump's claims and said he was trying to "divide and distract from the reality".

"Israel has a right to defend itself... What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately. We need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out.”

Recent polls indicate that while the competition is close, Harris might be edging Trump in a few swings states, primarily due to her performance in the debate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse.

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse. Addressing an event on combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, Trump lamented that he was trailing his Democrat rival, Kamala Harris, among the community and its voters. “If I don’t win this election, the Jewish people would have a lot to do with that if that happens because if 40 per cent, I mean, 60 per cent of the people are voting for the enemy – Israel, in my opinion, will cease to exist within two years,” Trump declared. “I will put it to you very simply and gently: I really haven’t been treated right, but you haven’t been treated right, because you’re putting yourself in great danger,” he added. The Republican leader said the Democratic Party had a “hold, or curse” on Jewish Americans and that he should be getting “100 per cent” of Jewish votes because of his policies on Israel. “My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House. But in all fairness, I already am," he added. Watch | Trump warns Israel will be ‘gone’ under Kamala Harris × Israel won't exist: Trump This is not the first instance when the former US president has attempted to galvanise the Jewish votes for his campaign. During the first presidential debate against Harris earlier this month, Trump went on an explosive tirade, claiming that Israel as the state we know today, will cease to exist if Harris came to power. "She hates Israel. If she is President, I believe that Israel will not exist in two years from now," Trump said. He also alleged that Harris "hated the Arab population" and that the Middle East was calm during his stint in the White House. Also read | Elon Musk endorses Trump, but employees favor Harris with donations On her part, Harris denied Trump's claims and said he was trying to "divide and distract from the reality". "Israel has a right to defend itself... What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately. We need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out.” Recent polls indicate that while the competition is close, Harris might be edging Trump in a few swings states, primarily due to her performance in the debate. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says Jews would be to blame if he lost election, reiterates Israel may cease to exist if 'enemy' wins

Since the end of World War II, American Jews have lived in relative peace and prosperity, convinced that anti-Semitic attacks were a horror left long behind them.

But the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/synagogue-gunman-kills-11-in-americas-worst-anti-semitic-attack-173906">massacre of 11 people</a> at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday was a brutal reminder that those days are back, resurrected by the advance of extremism and polarization in the Trump era, and fueled by the hatred voiced on social networks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-welcome-in-pittsburgh-174314">Trump 'not welcome' in Pittsburgh</a>

American Jews -- some 5.3 million people, including non-practising Jews, according to the Pew Research Center -- had an "illusory sense of invulnerability," said Jacques Berlinerblau, a professor of Jewish civilization at Georgetown University in Washington.

"European Jews never had that sense.

"Now, that sense of invulnerability has been shattered," he said, echoing sentiments expressed widely by Jewish Americans on social media since a gunman stormed the Tree of Life synagogue.

Kenneth Jacobson, deputy head of the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism and discrimination, said it has been a progressive awakening for American Jews about the dangers they face.

Over the past two decades, "what we were often hearing from American Jews was, 'Why is ADL still in business? anti-Semitism in the US is no longer a problem,'" Jacobson said.

But with the rise in the number of attacks on Jewish targets in France and across Europe in recent years, "there was more of a conversation in the Jewish community, anti-Semitism was more on people's minds," he added.

Invulnerability shattered 
Many were jolted last year when neo-Nazis paraded through the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, chanting "Jews will not replace us," while there has been marked rise in recent years in the number of swastikas being painted on walls and bomb threats against Jewish institutions.

"There is a recognition that anti-Semitism is here as well," Jacobson said.

In February, the ADL reported a 57 percent leap in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, the sharpest yearly spike since the 1970s.

With midterm elections looming, anti-Semitic attacks, in particular against Jewish journalists, have multiplied recently in online forums, according to a new ADL study that listed a number of hashtags and code words used by white supremacists.

Among the most widespread were #NWO, standing for the "New World Order" which Jewish elites are accused by racists of preparing, and "globalist," an expression often associated with the Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros, a favorite target of far-right extremists.

He was one of a slew of Trump critics targeted by mail bombs last week.

"There is a new technology of terror and this technology has not been good for the Jews," said Berlinerblau.&nbsp;

In that context, he admitted the shooting in Pittsburgh was not really a "shock... but a slow moving train wreck."

"Everyone recognizes there is much more of this coming, with the guns in this country," Berlinerblau said.

'Dark times' 
Many American Jews have now accepted that extremism is on the rise &nbsp;-- &nbsp;a sentiment expressed by parents dropping off their kids at the large Jewish community center in New York's Upper West Side on Monday.

"It's a really scary time," said Jana Gold, a 42-year-old mother of two living in the city, the country's largest Jewish community with more than a million members. "I think these are just dark times."

"It just contributes to the overall climate" of violence and divisiveness during the Trump era, she added, even though the president's son-in-law is Jewish and his daughter Ivanka converted to the faith. &nbsp;

Trump "really seems to capitalize on this divisiveness," Gold said, "whereas with our past presidents, Democrats and Republicans, there was a lot more hope, they were still trying to get people together rather than tear us apart."

For 69-year-old Bob Dorf, who dropped his four-year-old grandson off at the center's kindergarten, the president "is trying to get votes by fomenting violence."

Before Pittsburgh, there had been swastikas and graffiti, said the university professor, but nothing on this scale.

"My biggest fear is how many more attacks like these there will be?" he said.

Like many of the great Jewish institutions of New York, the community center is protected by measures that aren't exactly new: an armed guard at the front, and airport-style screening for visitors with bag checks and metal detectors.

Even as the mayor of New York announced heightened protections for Jewish institutions, Jacobson of the ADL said American Jews must not succumb to living in a state of fear like their European counterparts.

"The beauty of American Jewish life is that there was a sense that we are completely equal citizens, and we want to find that right balance between protecting ourselves, our children, our institutions, but also find that natural comfort level we have as Americans and as American Jews," he said.

"America has been overall a great place for Jews, particularly over the past 50-60 years, and we want to keep it that way."

Since the end of World War II, American Jews have lived in relative peace and prosperity, convinced that anti-Semitic attacks were a horror left long behind them.

Since the end of World War II, American Jews have lived in relative peace and prosperity, convinced that anti-Semitic attacks were a horror left long behind them. But the massacre of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday was a brutal reminder that those days are back, resurrected by the advance of extremism and polarization in the Trump era, and fueled by the hatred voiced on social networks. Also read: Trump 'not welcome' in Pittsburgh American Jews -- some 5.3 million people, including non-practising Jews, according to the Pew Research Center -- had an "illusory sense of invulnerability," said Jacques Berlinerblau, a professor of Jewish civilization at Georgetown University in Washington. "European Jews never had that sense. "Now, that sense of invulnerability has been shattered," he said, echoing sentiments expressed widely by Jewish Americans on social media since a gunman stormed the Tree of Life synagogue. Kenneth Jacobson, deputy head of the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism and discrimination, said it has been a progressive awakening for American Jews about the dangers they face. Over the past two decades, "what we were often hearing from American Jews was, 'Why is ADL still in business? anti-Semitism in the US is no longer a problem,'" Jacobson said. But with the rise in the number of attacks on Jewish targets in France and across Europe in recent years, "there was more of a conversation in the Jewish community, anti-Semitism was more on people's minds," he added. Invulnerability shattered Many were jolted last year when neo-Nazis paraded through the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, chanting "Jews will not replace us," while there has been marked rise in recent years in the number of swastikas being painted on walls and bomb threats against Jewish institutions. "There is a recognition that anti-Semitism is here as well," Jacobson said. In February, the ADL reported a 57 percent leap in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, the sharpest yearly spike since the 1970s. With midterm elections looming, anti-Semitic attacks, in particular against Jewish journalists, have multiplied recently in online forums, according to a new ADL study that listed a number of hashtags and code words used by white supremacists. Among the most widespread were #NWO, standing for the "New World Order" which Jewish elites are accused by racists of preparing, and "globalist," an expression often associated with the Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros, a favorite target of far-right extremists. He was one of a slew of Trump critics targeted by mail bombs last week. "There is a new technology of terror and this technology has not been good for the Jews," said Berlinerblau. In that context, he admitted the shooting in Pittsburgh was not really a "shock... but a slow moving train wreck." "Everyone recognizes there is much more of this coming, with the guns in this country," Berlinerblau said. 'Dark times' Many American Jews have now accepted that extremism is on the rise -- a sentiment expressed by parents dropping off their kids at the large Jewish community center in New York's Upper West Side on Monday. "It's a really scary time," said Jana Gold, a 42-year-old mother of two living in the city, the country's largest Jewish community with more than a million members. "I think these are just dark times." "It just contributes to the overall climate" of violence and divisiveness during the Trump era, she added, even though the president's son-in-law is Jewish and his daughter Ivanka converted to the faith. Trump "really seems to capitalize on this divisiveness," Gold said, "whereas with our past presidents, Democrats and Republicans, there was a lot more hope, they were still trying to get people together rather than tear us apart." For 69-year-old Bob Dorf, who dropped his four-year-old grandson off at the center's kindergarten, the president "is trying to get votes by fomenting violence." Before Pittsburgh, there had been swastikas and graffiti, said the university professor, but nothing on this scale. "My biggest fear is how many more attacks like these there will be?" he said. Like many of the great Jewish institutions of New York, the community center is protected by measures that aren't exactly new: an armed guard at the front, and airport-style screening for visitors with bag checks and metal detectors. Even as the mayor of New York announced heightened protections for Jewish institutions, Jacobson of the ADL said American Jews must not succumb to living in a state of fear like their European counterparts. "The beauty of American Jewish life is that there was a sense that we are completely equal citizens, and we want to find that right balance between protecting ourselves, our children, our institutions, but also find that natural comfort level we have as Americans and as American Jews," he said. "America has been overall a great place for Jews, particularly over the past 50-60 years, and we want to keep it that way."

American Jews confront rising tide of anti-Semitism

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Netanyahu not invited to largest annual gathering of North American Jewish leaders in US

Trump says Jews would be to blame if he lost election, reiterates Israel may cease to exist if 'enemy' wins

American Jews confront rising tide of anti-Semitism