The Israeli-American Council (IAC) announced on Monday the appointment of former US Special Envoy Elan S. Carr as the organization's new CEO.
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He will replace Shoham Nicolet, who has served as co-founder and its CEO for the past eight years, on October 1. The IAC, the fastest-growing Jewish organization in North America, describes itself as a "living bridge" between Israelis and American Jews, with its members having experienced what it is like to live on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. It has helped integrate Israelis within their new communities in the US and Canada while defending the Jewish state and helping both communities understand each other.
Its annual summit is a major event and has been attended by high-profile officials from both countries over the years. In 2019, then-President Donald Trump attended the gathering as the keynote speaker.
Video: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks about aliyah rescue flight from Ethiopia / Credit: GPO
Carr is a second-generation Israeli-American who speaks fluent Hebrew and will be able to contribute to the organization through his "his extensive experience as a US diplomat, military officer, criminal prosecutor, and community leader," the organization said.
According to a statement by the IAC, he said the following upon his appointment: "I am deeply honored to assume the helm of the IAC at this important time, and I'm excited by the organization's enormous potential. Our community of Israeli-Americans and Jewish-Americans is grappling with significant challenges, including assimilation and antisemitism. By combining community engagement and civic activism, youth programs and educational courses, leadership development, and Israel advocacy, the IAC is strongly positioned to respond to those challenges and build a vibrant, committed community for generations to come. I am privileged to help lead that cause."
"We could not be more excited that Elan will be leading the IAC. His personal connection to the IAC, profound dedication to the Israeli-American community, commitment to strengthening the ties between the US and Israel, accomplished leadership, and achievements in fighting antisemitism brings to the IAC an exceptional track record and makes him a perfect fit for the role," Naty Saidoff, chairman of the IAC board of directors, said. "We are also thankful to our departing CEO Shoham Nicolet for his exemplary leadership and are certain that his legacy will forever be etched in the annals of the IAC's history. We are confident that Elan and Shoham will work on a seamless transition for our organization."
Carr has previously served as the White House's special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism and worked as a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles County. He also has military experience and assumed leadership roles in Jewish organizations.
"Leading the IAC has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life," outgoing CEO Nicolet said in a statement. "Elan embodies the values and vision of the IAC, and I am confident that with Elan at the helm, the organization will continue to flourish and achieve new milestones."
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