Jewish Leadership in a Post-October 7th World
Conversation with Sheryl Sandberg and Donna Orender
Jewish Leadership in a Post-October 7th World: Conversation with Sheryl Sandberg and Donna Orender
November 6, 2025 | Maccabi Women's Forum Special Zoom Event
Organized by the Maccabi Women's Forum and held on November 6 via Zoom, the event brought together Sheryl Sandberg and Donna Orender for a deeply moving and thought-provoking discussion on Jewish identity, Israel, and women's leadership in sports and beyond.
Sheryl Sandberg is a bestselling author, business leader, founder of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, and an investor in Bay FC, a women’s football club. A vocal advocate for Israel and the Jewish people since October 7, she led the powerful film 'Screams Before Silence', spotlighting sexual violence committed by Hamas.
Donna Orender is a former WNBA president, senior PGA TOUR executive, CEO of Orender Unlimited, and founder of Generation W. A former proffesional basketball player recognized as one of the most influential women in sports, she serves as a Maccabi USA board member, Maccabi basketball commissioner, co-founder and commissioner of the UPSHOT League — a new women's professional basketball league — and a lifelong advocate for Israel, the Jewish community, and women worldwide.
During the event, Sheryl shared powerful insights on confronting antisemitism with courage and clarity — recognizing the danger while remembering that hate comes from a small and extreme minority.
She emphasized the vital role of the Maccabi Women’s Forum and Maccabi World Union in strengthening Jewish unity in Israel and across the Diaspora, reminding us: “We must continue to show the world that we are proud Jewish Zionists — because that’s where our strength lies.”
We are deeply grateful to Sheryl and Donna for their leadership and partnership, and to all of you who took part in this important discussion. We look forward to many more opportunities to come together!
