Join the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for the first program in our 2026 election series.
Hear from Hila Kedar, Federation's Educational Engagement Shlicha, Dean Bagdadi, Director of The Jewish Peoplehood Leadership Academy (JLA) - Kol Ami, and Adam Odesser, director of the JCRC's Dr. Stuart Lessans Israel Action Center.
The three Israeli natives will explain how Israel's electoral system works, who the major political parties are, how governments are formed, and what makes Israeli elections so unique.
Part Two, The Issues, Parties, and Leaders Shaping Israel's Vote, will take place via Zoom in September (date to be announced) and will explore the major political parties, key figures, current polling, and the issues driving Israeli voters ahead of the election.
Part Three, What Comes Next? Israel After the Election, will be held in-person in Montgomery County, MD, on Sunday, October 18, bringing together leading experts to examine what the election results could mean for Israel's domestic politics, its relationships in the region, and the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
The views expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the JCRC, Federation or JLA.
Location
Online
Speakers
Hila Mordechai-Kedar
Educational Engagement Shlicha, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Born and raised in Jerusalem, Hila grew up in the Israeli Scouts, leading her own troop and discovering a passion for informal education and community-building. She studied community social work and earned a master's degree in leadership and social entrepreneurship, going on to lead projects strengthening civic engagement in Israel's periphery.
Together with her wife, Chen Sara, also a Shlicha, Hila managed The Jewish Agency's TEN volunteer center in Cambodia, mentoring young Jews in service and tikkun olam. She has also been active in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Be'er Sheva.
Dean Bagdadi
Director of The Jewish Peoplehood Leadership Academy-Kol Ami
Dean Bagdadi is the former Senior Shaliach (Israel Emissary) for the Northern Virginia Jewish community at the Pozez JCC. Currently the Director of the Jewish Leadership Academy Kol Ami at Ibbim campus, His background is the Israeli political field, Community building & Informal education. An expert in breaking down political subjects and facilitating the conversation.
Adam Odesser
Director of the Dr. Stuart Lessans Israel Action Center
A native of Jerusalem, Israel, Adam Odesser has served as Director of the Dr. Stuart Lessans Israel Action Center at the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington since 2021, after joining the organization in 2019. Prior to joining the JCRC, Adam worked for Gesher, an Israeli nonprofit focused on dialogue and education, facilitating workshops for high school students and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on issues of Jewish identity and social diversity. He also worked at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Business School and served as an Officer in the IDF Home Front Command Unit.
Adam holds degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an MBA from the University of Maryland.
Co-Sponsor
