Event Chairs
Malcolm Hoenlein, Vice-Chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Courtney & Jeff Blankinship
Blankinship Family Foundation
Menachem Begin's legacy is complex, but his commitment to principles over expediency, and the charisma, courage and passion that were the touchstones of his political and personal life, have much to teach us—about Israel, about Jewish peoplehood, and about strong, ethical leadership.
This international symposium, coinciding with the 40th Anniversary of the Osirak Nuclear Reactor Bombing, will examine Menachem Begin's legacy and relevance in today's world, with a focus on key elements of his leadership. With the real and rising threat of antisemitism in the US and around the world, and crises of democracy across the globe, there has never been a more relevant time to study the legacy of a man who was both uncompromising in his defense of Jewish rights; and committed to the values of freedom and democracy.
Our Guest Speakers
PRESIDENT REUVEN RIVLIN
President of the State of Israel
We are honored to have the President of the State of Israel opening the symposium.
President Rivlin will soon be completing his seven-year term in office. He was previously a long-time Knesset Member, Minister of Communications, and served two separate terms as Speaker.
HERZL MAKOV
CEO of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center
Herzl Makov has led the Begin Center to become one of the leaders of Zionist and democratic education in Israel. He was previously Chief-of-Staff of Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir. He was a Major in the Israeli Airforce and his crew took part in 'Operation Opera', the bombing of the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq in 1981.
Former Member of Knesset
Thank you to our supporters
Sharon & J. Tashof Bernton, MD – Rob & Susan Carrera – Warren Cohen – Pastor Rick Corelli – Robert and Pat Mayer Philanthropic Fund – Andrea Hyatt – Judy Kava – Clarine & Marlin Linder – Evan Makovsky – Terry & Susan Schwartz – Moshe Shoham – Alex & Rebecca Smith – Vicki Trachten-Schwartz