JERUSALEM—The World Jewish Congress (WJC) concluded its second Judicial Educational Mission to Israel, bringing a distinguished delegation of U.S. federal judges for an intensive five-day program exploring the country’s legal landscape, security challenges, and the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks.
This mission, held from March 2-6, 2025, provided participants with high-level briefings and firsthand experiences to deepen their understanding of Israel’s legal system, international law, and the threats facing the country.
Speaking about the importance of visits like this in the post-October 7th era, WJC-Israel CEO Sara Friedman, said, “The best way to understand the reality of life in Israel, and the hardships caused in the wake of the brutal attack carried out by Hamas, is to experience it firsthand. We are committed to bringing key leaders here so that they know the truth, and that they become inoculated against the hateful propaganda that is being promoted in the media and shared in halls of power.”
Engaging with Israeli Leaders and Legal Experts
Among the mission’s most significant moments were meetings with key Israeli officials, including:
- President Isaac Herzog, who shared insights on Israel’s resilience and the challenges it faces.
- Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, who offered a deeply personal testimony about the impact of the October 7 attacks on his family and Israeli society.
The delegation also visited the Supreme Court of Israel, where they engaged in discussions on Israel’s legal system and its approach to international humanitarian law.
The group traveled to northern Israel, where they met with officials and members of the Druze community in Majdal Shams – where a Hezbollah missile struck a soccer field in July, killing twelve children – to understand the tensions along the Lebanese and Syrian borders amid ongoing Hezbollah threats. In the south, the judges bore witness to the devastation of October 7, visiting several key sites that illustrate the tragic impact of the terrorist attack. At Kibbutz Kfar Azza, one of the hardest-hit communities on October 7th, they saw firsthand the destruction left in the wake of Hamas’s assault. They also visited the Nahal Oz Base, where both soldiers and civilians were brutally attacked and murdered. At the Nova Festival Memorial, they paid tribute to the young lives lost and taken hostage in the horrific attack. Finally, in Moshav Netiv HaAsara, they met with residents who continue to rebuild their community in the aftermath of the violence. Strengthening Legal and Moral Understanding
Throughout the mission, in other closed-meetings with IDF officials, legal experts, and diplomats, the participating judges engaged in discussions on international law, the legal challenges of asymmetric warfare, and the global response to the Hamas-Israel conflict.
This initiative builds on WJC’s ongoing efforts to provide judicial leaders with firsthand exposure to the complexities of Israel’s legal and security challenges. By fostering informed dialogue and legal exchange, WJC continues to strengthen international understanding and support for Is
