Congressman Mark Green, Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee & Founder/Ceo Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce 
 
In a significant demonstration of faith-based diplomacy and unity, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a Congressional Breakfast on Capitol Hill, with Congressman Mark Green, Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, serving as the event’s honorary host. The event brought together an impressive array of leaders from the U.S. Congress, foreign governments, religious institutions, the business sector, and civil society to engage in meaningful dialogue on today’s pressing political challenges.

Renowned for his strong commitment to democratic values and national security, Congressman Mark Green, a decorated combat veteran, physician, and statesman, set the stage with an opening address that struck a chord across political and international lines. “At a time when democracies face existential threats from authoritarian regimes, gatherings like the Congressional Prayer Breakfast remind us of the power of faith to unite people across borders. Our commitment to liberty, to moral leadership, and to standing with our allies—like Israel and Ukraine—is rooted not only in policy, but in principle,” Congressman Green declared, reinforcing the need for moral clarity amidst global unrest.
 
The breakfast, co-hosted by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Democracy and Development “PolitA,” focused on safeguarding the Jewish community from domestic threats and combating global terrorism and extremism. Discussions emphasized the importance of moral clarity, faith-based diplomacy, and unified action in addressing these issues, reflecting the shared concern for democratic integrity and global security.

Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments, calling for consistency and accountability in international alliances. “Peace begins with common sense—poshut seykhl,” Honig asserted. “When we advocate to politicians, especially regarding votes at the UN, we must demand accountability and consistency. If you claim to share our democratic and moral values, do not vote against us. We feel betrayed when allies take actions that contradict those values.”
 
Kateryna Odarchenko, head of the Institute for Democracy and Development “PolitA,” discussed the Mishkan—the sanctuary constructed from modest materials—to illustrate how purpose can elevate effort. She highlighted that it’s not the grandeur of institutions that matters, but the integrity of their foundations. 

Three panels discussed the overlap of faith, governance, and humanitarian recovery. The initial panel looked into the ethical aspects of peacebuilding in Israel and Eastern Europe. The next panel focused on how religious institutions tackle humanitarian crises and uphold family and national identity. The final panel examined long-term strategies for reconstructing societies after war, emphasizing justice, economic revitalization, and democratic collaboration.
 
In highlighting the necessity for global unity in tackling environmental issues, John Herbst, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, emphasized the importance of forming moral alliances to counter the geopolitical threats posed by authoritarian regimes. He noted that the security challenges arising from countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are threatening to the democratic world.
 

 
The Congressional Breakfast and Luncheon not only fostered dialogue on the protection of the Jewish community and the fight against extremism but also underscored the power of faith and commerce in strengthening international relationships.
 
By bringing together influential figures from various sectors, the event served as a poignant reminder that issues of national and global concern can be addressed effectively through collaboration rooted in shared values, showcased a dedication to fostering a future where faith, diplomacy, and commerce converge to support peace and security worldwide.
 

Distinguished guests included: Peter Huessy(president, GeoStrategic Analysis), Paolo von Schirach (president, Global Policy Institute; professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University), Congressmen Chris Smith Chief of Staff Mary Mcdnoonan, Dina Shaikhislam (seasoned political and government relations consultant), H.E. Ambassador Dr. Tiffany Lancaster (UN Ambassador Special Envoy for Public Affairs), Shelby Magid (Deputy Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center), Matt London (Researcher, Georgetown University’sCenter for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies), Ezra Friedlander (CEO, The Friedlander Group), Adam W. Schindler (Chief Digital Officer, America First Policy Institute), Anna Yabluchanska (Medical Aid Program Director, United Help Ukraine), and Yanina Volosna (attorney at law, LL.M, MBA).
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