To Members of the Jewish Agency Board of Governors

Re: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jewish Agency for Israel - North America

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to announce that Ms. Maxyne Finkelstein has agreed to our request to serve as the new Jewish Agency CEO for North America. Maxyne will commence work with the Agency by the summer of 2006.

Following the principles set forth in our new Strategic Plan, the CEO will be the senior Jewish Agency For Israel professional in North America and will be responsible both for FRD efforts, relationship with federations and coordination of services.

For the past seven years, Maxyne has served as the Executive Vice President of UIA Federations Canada. She previously served as the Executive Director of Federation CJA of Montreal and has extensive experience both in the Jewish world and the federation system. Maxyne has been an Associate Member of the Agency's Board of Governors since June 2002.

I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for Maxyne's professionalism and willingness to join our senior management team. I know you all join me in wishing her much success in her new position; I am sure that Jewish Agency For Israel will benefit from her knowledge and skills.

Yours sincerely,

Moshe Vigdor

For further information contact:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press
The Jewish Agency for Israel
Cell: 052-6130220
Voicemail: 02-6202780
e-mail: michaelj@jafi.org