Before the Ballot: Insight into Israeli Politics and Society

About this event

Gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping Israel’s 2026 elections in this timely and engaging conversation with Westchester’s community shlicha (emissary) Hila Madar Itzkovitz. You’ll explore how Israel’s electoral system works, the major issues influencing voters, and the political and social dynamics driving the national conversation. Designed to make a complex topic accessible and relevant, this session will provide valuable context for understanding Israel’s diverse society and the perspectives of its many voter groups. A kosher lunch will be served. Admission: $25 About the Presenter Hila Madar Itzkovitz is a senior community shlicha (emissary) for Westchester and the director of the Westchester Israeli Emissaries in Westchester. In this role, she works to strengthen the relationship between Israel and local Jewish communities, fostering meaningful connections through education, dialogue, and cultural engagement. Before her current role she developed programs, delegations, and seminars that fostered broad collaborations between communities, served as educational program manager at the Jewish Agency for Israel and worked as a project manager at Lotem NGO, advancing accessible nature education, and as an educational tour guide with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and Birthright. Hila holds an MA in Jewish-American and Israeli Relations and BAs in Geography and Israel Studies, both from the University of Haifa. This program is eligible for the JCCMW Arts & Culture Passport.

Description from jccmw.org