Malcolm Hoenlein is a somewhat controversial figure in the realm of Jewish politics in America. He is the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, which is the primary defense group of the American Jewish community (US Arafat). The Conference of Presidents is composed of many different Jewish organizations which have varying opinions on Jewish issues. Their goals include fighting terrorism as well as promoting American aid to Israel (US Rabin). Hoenlein has gained notoriety in recent years as the result of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin as well as events prior to it. Even though a number of American Jews did not agree with Rabin's policies on the peace process, the difficulties of Israel were brought back to the forefront after his assassination. This happened despite the appearance that concern for Israel and its problems had been dwindling amongst American Jews (Yosef).
Israeli officials in general were upset with American Jewish leaders who were critical of the peace process (US Rally). Prior to his assassination, Yitzhak Rabin expressed a desire that American Jews stay out of Israeli politics and focus more on benevolence for those who want to emigrate to Israel. Many were upset by these comments, but Malcolm Hoenlein defended Rabin, saying that he was simply being misunderstood. Hoenlein felt that Rabin was merely raising important issues which needed to be discussed (US Rabin). Following Rabin's assassination, Hoenlein and the Conference of Presidents organized an apolitical rally in New York to demonstrate the unity of American Jews.