The meeting brought together educational and community leaders from different countries to strengthen institutional networks and promote academic exchange.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the 3rd International Congress of Rabbis began in Puerto Rico, marking the official start of an academic and work agenda that brought together religious and educational leaders from different regions of the world.

The opening session underscored that the congress aims to transcend the traditional conference formats to serve as a space for institutional alignment, experience-sharing, and strengthening ties between communities. In that context, Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos, President of the Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center, emphasized the importance of the meeting providing an opportunity for reconnection and on-going partnership, beyond the scheduled panels and presentations.

In his speech, he referred to the formative value of biblical tradition and the universal scope of certain spiritual principles linked to ethical responsibility and the international reach of communities. Likewise, he invited participants to center the efforts of the congress on fostering in-depth learning, respectful dialogue, and the development of collaborative networks.

Rabbi Eliahu Birnbaum, Director of the Straus-Amiel and Beren-Amiel Institute, and Yinon Ahiman, Director General of the Ohr Torah Stone network, also addressed attendees and highlighted the role of contemporary rabbinical training in the face of current social and cultural challenges.

The first day included academic panels with the participation of Roi Abecassis, Head of the Education Department of the World Zionist Organization; Rabbi Doron Perez, President of the World Zionist Organization, who participated virtually; and Rabbi Dr. Katriel Kenneth Brander, President and Rosh HaYeshiva of the Ohr Torah Stone network.

The event was also attended by Rabbi Moshe Bakshi Doron, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yesod HaTorah.

With an agenda focused on education, community leadership, and international cooperation, the 3rd International Congress of Rabbis aims to serve as a platform for global alignment that deepens ties between institutions and promotes joint educational and social initiatives.