ABOUT FOCAL POINT

Against the backdrop of October 7th and amidst other global challenges, let's come together to re-envision our commitment to supporting the world's most vulnerable people.

Join us at the premier Jewish gathering for people passionate about international development, humanitarian aid, and global service.

What's in store for Focal Point 2024?

The impact of Oct. 7 on our network

Join meaningful conversations about the war in Israel and Gaza around issues unique to our network: re-engaging donors who've shifted funding, the long-term impact on Israeli partners, whether Jewish and Israeli humanitarians have a role to play in providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, navigating challenging relationships with colleagues and international institutions, and more.

Sector-specific networking

Meet others working in your field and sector, and explore potential collaborations within the OLAM network, for impactful projects across the globe.

Hear from leaders in the field

Meet and learn from leaders in international development and influential members in the Jewish community on a wide array of topics - localization, climate crisis, engaging the Jewish community in global service, and more.

Exclusive Spaces

Join pre-conference meetups specifically tailored for participants from Israel and for those engaged in global service programs, and take part in conference sessions designed for CEOs, Jewish philanthropists, and other groups in our network.

Self-care strategies

Explore strategies to prioritize your well-being in this changing and challenging world, so that you can thrive and continue making a positive difference.

And so much more!

Confirmed Speakers

Robert Bank
American Jewish World Service
Lisa Eisen
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
Lisa Eisen
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE
Chief Rabbi of Great Britain
Lisa Eisen
Co-President, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
Jean-Claude Kulikiyimfura
Executive Director, Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Merril Zack
Vice President of Community Engagement & Executive Director, HIAS
Yotam Polizer
Global CEO, IsraAID
David Wallace-Wells
Columnist & staff writer
Brandon Blache-Cohen
Executive Director, Amizade

Who is Focal Point for?

Registration Rates

OLAM partners & individual members

$250

Everyone else

$350

The registration fee is non-refundable and covers conference attendance and meals. (If you are traveling from Israel or other war-affected areas and an escalation in the war prevents you from attending Focal Point, OLAM will reimburse your registration fee, minus a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.)

Partners that send 3 or more staff members to Focal Point are eligible for a group discount of 15% – to be reimbursed to the organization after Focal Point.

Hotel accommodations have now been filled and the room block rate is no longer available. If you would like to book a room on your own, you may contact the hotel in which OLAM partners and members are staying.

Dive In: Explore the Focal Point Agenda

Registration opens: May 28, 11:00 AM
Focal Point ends: May 29, 5:00 PM

What people are saying

“This opportunity would not have been an option without OLAM. NALA’s network increased drastically from the visit, and it completely changed the way I think about engaging with the Jewish community in North America. The encounters really helped ‘fill my battery’ after an intense period that left me somewhat drained.”

Jacob Sztokman, Founding Director, Gabriel Project Mumbai

“This opportunity would not have been an option without OLAM. NALA’s network increased drastically from the visit, and it completely changed the way I think about engaging with the Jewish community in North America. The encounters really helped ‘fill my battery’ after an intense period that left me somewhat drained.”

Jacob Sztokman, Founding Director, Gabriel Project Mumbai

The opening plenary gave me a great overview of who's in the room and the big issues they are facing. I especially appreciated the fact that everything was framed in the context of Jewish text and values. It was inspiring to see how many Jewish organizations are doing this humanitarian work, and I am left wanting to learn more about each one's unique contribution.

Rabbi Dina Brawer, World Jewish Relief USA

I came away energized after spending time with truly dedicated professionals. I also gained new insights on climate-related disasters and our responsibilities in that field, even if climate is not a primary focus of my organization.

Debra Slonim, Israel Trauma Coalition

Focal Point was a fantastic space to connect with other professionals and colleagues, and to talk about the pillar issues that concern us all.

Jesica Scheimberg, AJEEC-NISPED

Focal Point was an enriching experience that allowed me to learn from experts, network with Jewish peers, and apply the latest trends to my work in bridging development and the private sector in Africa.

Desiree Zwanck, OLAM Individual Member

I learned so much about professional development at Focal Point, while also gaining knowledge from like-minded people - tools that have proven super helpful when I deal with certain issues within my own organization.

Nicole Collins, JBN Foundation, Jewish communal professional

I learned about the Jewish world's beautiful impact across the globe, what motivates the people involved, the challenges they face, and the ways they overcome those challenges. I now have a better understanding of how I can do more, and how to get the people I work with involved.

Chani Kolan, The Jewish Agency

Focal Point Info Hub

Conference Venue

The conference will take place in Midtown Manhattan (you will receive the exact address once you register).

Hotel Subsidies

Hotel subsidies have all been allocated and the room block rate is no longer available.

If you would like to book a room on your own, you may contact the hotel in which OLAM partners and members are staying.

Contact focalpoint@olamtogether.org for questions about the hotel accommodation.

Needs-Based Travel Subsidies

In an effort to fulfill OLAM's commitment to making Focal Point as accessible as possible, we procured a limited pool of need-based travel subsidies for partners and members. However, the subsidy pool has been used, and travel subsidies are no longer available.

Sustainability Measures



Travel: OLAM is offsetting the carbon emissions all staff flights and encourages participants to do the same. Choose carbon-friendly options such as direct routes and flying with eco-conscious airlines, and then use this emissions calculator to estimate your flight's emissions. Offset the emissions using one of two organizations that we recommend: The Ocean Foundation or Good Energy Initiative.

Food Sustainability: Our menu is fully vegetarian with vegan options, as these have a lower environmental impact. 

Reducing waste: We're asking all participants to bring reusable mugs and water bottles to reduce disposable cup use. We are also digitizing conference materials when possible and skipping the distribution of swag items that often end up in the trash.

Learning: Focal Point will feature discussions on ethical climate practices and what practitioners can do to reduce the harmful environmental impact of their work.

Focal Point Steering Committee

Full name
Job title
Full name
Job title
Full name
Job title
Full name
Job title
Full name
Job title
Full name
Job title
Paul Anticoni
Chief Executive, World Jewish Relief
Robert Bank
President & CEO, American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
Thaiza Dias
Senior Programs Manager, Gabriel Project Mumbai
Tanyah Murkes
Executive Director, SID-Israel
Mark Hetfield
President & CEO, HIAS
Reut Barak Weekes
Academic Head, Glocal
Hannah Gaventa
Education Advisor, Palladium
Brandon Blache-Cohen
Executive Director, Amizade
Michal Bruck
CEO, NALA
Bari Rabin
Focal Point Consultant

Sponsors & Funders

Contact Amy Weiss if you’d like to explore sponsorship opportunities.
Adnim Foundation
Anne Heyman and Seth Merrin Family Fund
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
Kirsh Foundation
Laurie and Jeff Franz Fund
Pears Foundation
Toleo Foundation

FAQs

I am coming from out of town. How do I get to the hotel and the conference center?

The conference will take place in midtown Manhattan. We will send you the address and directions once you register. Directions will also be on the App, which will go live one week before the conference.

I plan to come to Focal Point from Israel. What happens if the situation there escalates and I'm not longer able to travel to New York?

OLAM is carefully monitoring the situation in Israel. If an escalation in the war prevents registrants from coming to Focal Point, OLAM will:

  • Reimburse the registration fee, minus a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.
  • Make all efforts to bring in attendees from Israel virtually, and adjust the conference schedule to account for the time difference.

Those coming to Focal Point from Israel or other war-affected areas around the world are responsible for purchasing travel insurance and/or refundable tickets, in case an escalation in the situation prevents you from traveling. OLAM will not reimburse flights that were cancelled due to the war.

Is financial help available for Focal Point participants?

OLAM offers limited subsidies for partners and members, including subsidizing up to 2 nights of accommodation in a double-occupancy room at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel for the first 80 people who request it (on the registration form).

Please note: This subsidy is only available to those who live outside of the NY area.

The subsidized nights are Monday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 28. Details can be found on the registration form.

A limited pool of need-based travel subsidies is also available. Complete this travel subsidy request form to apply. Subsidies are approved on a rolling basis, until the available funds are used up.

In addition, partners that send 3 or more staff members to Focal Point are eligible for a group discount of 15% – to be reimbursed to the organization after Focal Point.

Is there a dress code for Focal Point?

There is no dress code for Focal Point, but we suggest business-casual attire.Please note that weather in New York City in late May is unpredictable, so we suggest you bring layers in order to easily adapt.

What kind of food will be served at Focal Point? Will the food be kosher?

Focal Point will be providing participants lunch and dinner on May 28 and breakfast and lunch on May 29.

All food will be vegetarian (with vegan options), strictly kosher, and delicious!

Can I come for only part of Focal Point?

If you receive a travel subsidy from OLAM, you are expected to participate in the full schedule. However, we strongly encourage all registrants to be fully present for the entire conference. Trust us, you'll be happy to not miss a thing!

What is the deadline to register for Focal Point 2024?

Registration deadline for Focal Point was May 19th. However we have now reached capacity and registration is currently closed. You can join a waitlist by filling out this form, and we'll let you know if a spot becomes available: https://www.tfaforms.com/5125753.

I'm a Jew working in international development, humanitarian aid, or global service. How can I become a member of OLAM?

OLAM’s individual membership is open to Jewish practitioners working in the fields of international development, humanitarian aid, and global service. Members are employees of a non-sectarian (not Jewish) organization or company, or they're independent consultants, entrepreneurs, retired, or in between positions, with a minimum of 2 years of work experience in these fields or have graduated from a degree related to international development.

OLAM offers exclusive opportunities for members throughout the year, not just at Focal Point. Learn more and become a member.

Why should I attend Focal Point?

Focal Point offers many opportunities for those in OLAM's network and beyond, to meaningfully engage in international development, global service, and humanitarian aid. Participants benefit from:

  • Sessions about current issues that impact our field, such as the effects of the war in Israel and Gaza on our work, climate crisis, localization, trends in global service, and more
  • Learning from others who work in your sector, in an intimate setting
  • Meaningful conversations about our role as a Jewish community in addressing global issues
  • Meetings with NY leaders in international development and in the Jewish community
  • Opportunity to hear about job opportunities or potential partnerships
  • And much more!

Still have questions?

Email us by clicking the Contact OLAM button below, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.