Key Facts
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About
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CoP), commonly known as the Presidents' Conference or the Conference of Presidents, is the preeminent umbrella and coordinating body representing the American Jewish community. Founded in 1955, it unites over 50 (specifically 53) national Jewish organizations spanning the political spectrum to foster a unified voice on critical foreign policy issues, particularly those concerning Israel, antisemitism, global terrorism, and the security of the Jewish people. The CoP works both publicly and behind the scenes to influence U.S. policy, build bipartisan support for Israel, and combat threats such as Iran's nuclear ambitions and efforts to delegitimize the Jewish state, often aligning with AIPAC on policy priorities. Its activities include advocacy in Washington, D.C., international diplomacy, and coordination among member groups to amplify their collective impact on American foreign policy and domestic Jewish concerns, with a focus on Middle East issues and Israel-related advocacy. Over its more than six decades of operation, the Conference has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S.-Israel relations, especially during key historical moments like the strengthening of American support for the newly established State of Israel in the mid-20th century. It serves as a consensus-building forum where diverse Jewish organizations—from progressive to conservative—collaborate on shared priorities, ensuring a broad-based representation of American Jewry. The organization's efforts extend to addressing contemporary challenges, including rising antisemitism, countering delegitimization campaigns against Israel, and promoting peace and security in the Middle East. Through missions, briefings, strategic partnerships, and coordinating advocacy among major U.S. Jewish organizations on Israel-related issues, the CoP remains a vital force in advancing the interests of the American Jewish community on the national and global stage. Its leadership transitioned in 2019, when William Daroff succeeded the previous chief executive who had served until that year. The organization was transformed into the key coordinating voice for American Jewry on international affairs under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman/CEO from 1986 to 2020, who now holds the title of Vice Chairman Emeritus.