Milwaukee’s vibrant cultural scene continues to showcase its deep connections to global events and international communities. Recent and upcoming events in the city highlight this global engagement.
Maccabiah Torch Visit
In April, Milwaukee had the honor of hosting the official Maccabiah torch at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. This torch is a symbol of the Maccabiah Games, a significant international Jewish athletic event held every four years in Israel. The visit coincided with Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, and featured a community walk and various activities celebrating Jewish unity and pride.
Economic Forum 2026
Looking ahead, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is set to host the 2026 Economic Forum on June 2 at The Pfister Hotel. The event will feature keynote speaker Marci Rossell, a renowned economist and former chief economist for CNBC. Rossell will discuss America’s role in the global economy, factors influencing recessions, and provide a forecast for the U.S. economy over the next 18–24 months. The forum aims to address issues critical to Milwaukee’s economic success while promoting community well-being.
Our City of Nations Conference
Another notable event is the upcoming Our City of Nations (OCON) conference, scheduled for November 5, 2026, at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Organized by the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Office of Global Health, OCON is a multidisciplinary conference that brings together academic, community-based, and governmental stakeholders. The goal is to collaborate in making Milwaukee and Wisconsin more welcoming communities for all, reflecting the city’s historical identity as a ‘City of Nations’ due to its diverse immigrant populations.
These events underscore Milwaukee’s commitment to fostering global connections and embracing its multicultural heritage, enriching the local community through international engagement.