National Conservatism Conference to Convene in Jerusalem, Challenging Western Liberalism

From October 6 to 8, 2026, Jerusalem will host the National Conservatism Conference (NATCON) at the Binyanei HaUma convention center. This international event will bring together key figures from the global conservative movement to present an ideological alternative to liberalism and strengthen ties among nationalist camps in Western countries. The conference marks the first time NATCON is held in Israel, attracting hundreds of participants worldwide.

Ophir Heveri, one of the conference organizers, explained in an interview that national conservatism has evolved over the past 30 years, especially after the Cold War ended. He described the ideological divide as one between liberalism, which centers on the individual as the primary unit, and conservatism, which emphasizes enduring societal rules and traditions that transcend individual desires. Heveri noted that Israeli society is particularly fertile ground for national conservatism due to its strong nationalist character and high civic engagement compared to Europe and America.

Heveri and his partner, Yoram Hazoni, co-founded the Edmund Burke Foundation and have organized several major international conferences. He highlighted that most attendees at NATCON are non-Israelis, with about 85-90% coming from abroad. Among past participants was J.D. Vance, now the U.S. Vice President, who represents a shift among American conservatives toward viewing Israel through a pragmatic, interest-based lens rather than ideological opposition.

The national conservative movement stresses the importance of nation-states, culture, and tradition, opposing global liberalism’s universalism. The Jerusalem conference aims to showcase Israel’s nationalist model as an example for Western countries facing cultural and political challenges. Organizers hope the event will reinforce nationalist solidarity and provide a counterpoint to liberal ideology in the West.