Over 3,000 federation lay and professional leaders from North America gathered in mid November, 2008 at the Binyanei HaUma international convention center in Jerusalem to attend the annual General Assembly (GA) of the United Jewish Communities (UJC). During the four days of deliberations, study tours, exhibitions, entertainment and formal and informal contact the cloud of global economic uncertainty and its effect on Jewish fundraising and philanthropy was the constant topic of conversation. The JTA has given the GA comprehensive coverage on its website.