November 22, 2010 / 15 Kislev 5771

On November 23, 2010, Jewish Agency Chairman Mr. Natan Sharansky and Director-General of the Jewish Agency Mr. Alan Hoffmann attended the closing ceremony of the Jewish Agency and World Zionist Organization North American Shlichim (Emissaries) Conference at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center in Maryland.
 
Bemy Rychter, Director of the Shlichut Center, noted that the conference was attended by all Agency Shlichim and their families: Shlichim for Youth, for Aliyah, Community Shlichim; the Shlichim to College Campuses came without their families.

Hasia Israeli, Head of North America delegation organized the convention with Ariella Feldman and Chen Shoham – who work locally with the Shlichim, and assisted greatly in the planning and implementation of the successful event. The conference was attended by Chairman Natan Sharansky and Director-General Alan Hoffmann.

The first part of the conference was held from Nov. 19-21, and attended by Shlichim who were divided according to their fields. The second part of the conference included a general assembly from Nov. 21-23.

"The purpose of the conference was strengthening the Shlichim’s identification with the organization as well as their regional image, and creating for them a sense of belonging, both to the organization and to the greater concept of their mission as Shlichim. In addition, we updated the Shlichim regarding the organizations goals and activities, and they had the opportunity to listen to senior officials discuss what is happening within the organization. The convention facilitated both learning and the exchange of ideas between Shlichim", says Rychter.

Rychter added, that the Shlichim felt empowered by meeting with other Shlichim, as well as the Jewish Agency Chairman and  Director-General, who spent two days at the retreat, conversing privately and publically with the participants.