Two former U.S. Secretaries of State, Antony J. Blinken and Mike Pompeo, will join Jewish Federations of North America on the opening plenary stage at the 2026 General Assembly in Washington, D.C., this November 8-10. 

 

Moderated by award-winning journalist Juju Chang, the conversation will bring these foreign policy leaders together to discuss the challenges facing Israel, America’s shifting role in the world, and their implications for the Jewish community. 

 

As the 71st Secretary of State under President Biden, Antony J. Blinken led U.S. diplomacy through an era of seismic geopolitical shifts including confronting rising authoritarianism, supporting Ukraine’s defense, and contending with conflict in the Middle East. The stepson of a Holocaust survivor, Sec. Blinken’s vision of American leadership is shaped by a deeply personal understanding of what’s at stake when democracy fails and diplomacy falters. His tenure as Secretary followed decades of national service, serving as Deputy Secretary of State and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor under President Obama and National Security Advisor to then-Vice President Biden. 

 

As the 70th U.S. Secretary of State under President Trump, Mike Pompeo led American diplomacy and helped shape the Abraham Accords, advancing peace in the Middle East and championing religious freedom and property rights as central to human dignity. In furtherance of this effort, he supported recognition of the Golan Heights as properly Israeli territory and, in 2019, Mike announced what became known as the Pompeo Doctrine establishing that settlements in Judea and Samaria are not per se unlawful. Serving as an Army cavalry officer patrolling the Iron Curtain forged his lasting commitment to defending freedom and strengthened his belief in the importance of American leadership worldwide. Before becoming Secretary, he served as Director of the CIA and represented Kansas for four terms in Congress. He graduated first in his class from West Point and earned his law degree from Harvard, where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. 

 

Juju Chang is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of ABC News’ Nightline, known for her in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling. Throughout her career, she has covered major national and international events, from terrorism and mass shootings to immigration, civil rights, and social justice. Her acclaimed reporting includes groundbreaking coverage of anti-Asian hate and violence against women, as well as interviews with prominent figures including Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, and Tom Hanks. Chang brings decades of journalistic experience and a unique perspective to conversations about leadership, identity, and the issues shaping our world. 

 

There’s still time to register! Join us for three days of connection, collaboration, and conversations that matter. Register here.