The fields of international development, humanitarian aid, and global service are changing dramatically. The questions Jewish and Israeli practitioners face today are not simply about how we respond to global crises, but what responsibility looks like in this moment, and how Jewish values shape what comes next.
Focal Point 2026 conference brings together practitioners, Jewish leaders, and funders who support vulnerable communities globally to wrestle with these questions honestly, thoughtfully, and in community.
Join us for two days of deep conversation and practical learning, hear directly from experts on the ground driving change in these fields, and strengthen the relationships that make our collective impact possible!
Big Questions, Powerful Connections:
What Awaits You at Focal Point 2026?
Kick off Focal Point with purpose
Join us on May 31 for a pre-conference experience where you can roll up your sleeves and give back, network with fellow participants, and support the work of OLAM's partner Afya Foundation. See the Focal Point Info Hub below for details.
Jewish global responsibility in this moment
Take part in honest, thoughtful discussions about the Jewish and humanitarian values guiding how we respond to global crises, navigate multiple identities, and address the unique challenges that Jewish and Israeli practitioners face in today's global arena.
Telling stories that matter
Upgrade your storytelling skills to better resonate with funders, partners, and your broader audience, and consider how to communicate your organization’s mission and the realities of the communities you work with for greater impact.
Tools for change
Participate in hands-on workshops to develop practical skills you can put to work immediately as you navigate the complex challenges of your daily work.
Deliberate networking
From facilitated networking activities to the conversations you’ll have in the food line, Focal Point is designed to maximize your connections, deepen relationships, and spark collaborations with peers who can advance your work.
CEO-only space
CEOs and executive directors will have an exclusive opportunity to network and discuss strategic priorities unique to Jewish and Israeli organizations - with those who best understand their challenges.
And so much more!
Who is Focal Point for?
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Global Development Practitioners
Join OLAM's individual members, staff of our partner organizations, and other practitioners.
Practitioners at all levels are welcome! Those who will most benefit include CEOs and staff focused on programming, communications, and fundraising. Local staff are encouraged to join and bring their perspectives. If you are between positions but plan to remain in international development, humanitarian aid, or global service, we’d love for you to participate.
Jewish Leaders & Funders
Meet, share ideas, get inspired, and network with other Jewish leaders, foundation professionals, and philanthropists supporting some of the most vulnerable populations.
Think together about Jewish global responsibility, and the Jewish community's role in addressing global issues.
New to the Field
Early career professionals will have the opportunity to expand their network with practitioners on all levels and from all sectors, and gain new insights on the fields of international development, humanitarian aid, and global volunteering
.Meet potential mentors, learn about the Jewish and Israeli organizational ecosystem, and adopt skills and knowledge that you can bring back to your work.
Are you seeking your next job in international development or humanitarian aid?
Focal Point offers networking opportunities, practical training on finding a job during a time of turmoil in our sector, and a welcoming and supportive environment with people in similar situations.
Confirmed Speakers
Our global speaker lineup is still growing.
Check back soon to see who else we'll be hearing from.
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Registration Rates
OLAM partners & individual members*
Early-bird rate $200 (Register by March 23 and save!)
Regular rate $250 (after March 23)
Everyone else
Early-bird rate $300 (Register by March 23 and save!)
Regular rate $350 (after March 23)
Focal Point is highly subsidized, and registration fees cover only a small portion of the conference cost. Accordingly, fees are non-refundable.
Please see the Focal Point Info Hub below for information on travel subsidies for partners and members.
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What people are saying about Focal Point
Maya Kroitoru, Individual Member
Rabbi Dina Brawer
Debra Slonim, Israel Trauma Coalition
Jesica Scheimberg, AJEEC-NISPED
Desiree Zwanck, OLAM Individual Member
Nicole Collins, JBN Foundation, Jewish communal professional
Chani Kolan, The Jewish Agency
Focal Point Info Hub
The conference will take place in Midtown Manhattan. The precise location will be shared with attendees following registration.
Monday, June 1
10:00 AM: Registration
11:00 AM: Focal Point officially begins
9:00 PM: Day 1 ends, following an evening dinner and reception
Tuesday, June 2
9:00 AM: Sessions begin
5:00 PM: Focal Point concludes
Kick off Focal Point early on Sunday, May 31, with a unique volunteering, learning, and networking opportunity.
Learn how OLAM partner organization Afya Foundation redistributes surplus medical supplies to compromised health systems. Then roll up your sleeves to sort and prepare medical supplies for shipment to communities in need around the world.
Following the activity, join us for networking and noshing in an intimate setting, and start building the relationships that make Focal Point unparalleled.
This service opportunity is in partnership with Afya Foundation and the Jewish Service Alliance, powered by Repair the World.
Schedule
3:30 PM: Arrival and registration
4:00 PM: Volunteer training and activity
6:00-6:30 PM: Networking and noshing
Space is limited to 50 people. Sign-up via the conference registration form.
A discounted hotel room block has been reserved at the Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown East, at 866 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022 (about a 10-minute walk from the conference venue) for the nights of Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1.
Single room with king bed - $x/night + tax
Double room with two queen beds $x/night +tax
Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their own hotel accommodations. We have reserved a limited number of rooms, so please make the booking as soon as possible.
Reserve your accommodation here [hyperlink]
Travel to and from Focal Point is the responsibility of each participant. We recommend that anyone flying into New York for Focal Point purchase refundable or flexible airline tickets in case you need to cancel your attendance for any reason.
OLAM is committed to making Focal Point as financially accessible as possible and has secured a limited pool of need-based travel subsidies. Eligible individual members and partner organizations (up to one staff member per organization) are invited to apply. Subsidies will be awarded based on demonstrated need and the availability of funds.
Maximum subsidy amounts:
From Israel: up to $1500
From the UK/Europe: up to $700
From Northeast US: Up to $150
From rest of US: Up to $400
Other locations: Case-by-case basis
All travel subsidies will be paid as reimbursements, following Focal Point. If you are in need of a travel subsidy, please complete this form and OLAM will respond to your request within a week of submission.
Subsidies may be used for economy class round-trip flights or trains and will not cover the costs of taxis, gas use in personal vehicles, cancellation fees, flight or train class upgrades, visas, or any other travel-related expenses.
Security personnel will be present at the entrance to the building throughout the conference. Access to the conference area will be limited to registered Focal Point participants and speakers, and a valid photo ID will be required for entry.
All bags will be subject to search, and all visitors will be screened through magnetometers upon arrival. Weapons of any kind are not permitted.
Focal Point will provide lunch and dinner on June 1, and breakfast and lunch on June 2.
All food will be strictly kosher, mostly vegan, ethical, and delicious!
There’s no dress code for Focal Point, but we recommend business-casual attire during the conference sessions.
Early June in New York City is warm, but rain is possible, so we suggest bringing layers to stay comfortable both indoors and outside.
OLAM is committed to minimizing our carbon footprint in all our programs and engaging in sustainable climate practices when possible.
Travel: If you choose to offset your travel, you may use this tool to find out the approximate amount of carbon emissions associated with your flight(s). Then you can use this website to pick a project that feels relevant/ affordable to you.
We also recommend combining objectives during your trip to New York (for example by scheduling meetings and speaking arrangements) in order to reduce the need for future trips.
Food sustainability: In order to reduce our collective greenhouse gas emissions, we continue to offer a fully vegetarian menu, with many vegan options that will appeal to many palates.
Reducing waste: We ask that 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 will explore how practitioners can improve the environmental impact of their work.
Thank you to our Focal Point sponsors and OLAM funders, including: including Adnim Foundation, Anne Heyman and Seth Merrin Family Fund, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Crown Family Philanthropies, Laurie and Jeff Franz Fund, Pears Foundation, and Toleo Foundation.
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