Jerusalem, October 25, 2026 — Hundreds of Jewish community leaders convened for The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Board of Governors meeting today (October 25) in Jerusalem, with a focus on the unprecedented mobilization of world Jewry to strengthen Israel since the October 7 attacks. Community representatives are discussing strategic initiatives to strengthen Israel and rebuild its northern and southern regions.

Jewish community representatives will also hold a farewell event for outgoing Jewish Agency Board of Governors Chairman Mark Wilf, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in attendance, and welcome incoming Chairman J. David Heller.

During his tenure, Wilf helped guide The Jewish Agency while the organization stood at the center of the global Jewish response to the unprecedented October 7 crisis. Heller was the National Campaign Chair of The Jewish Federations of North America, and immediate Past Chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

“I know that David Heller will, as Michael Siegal and so many others did before me as chairman, embrace the privilege to represent this board, our partnerships, and a mission that brings together hundreds of thousands of Jews who contribute and care about the Jewish people,” Wilf said.

Over the past three years, The Jewish Agency, together with world Jewry and its partners in Israel and around the world, has assisted hundreds of thousands of Israelis affected by the war, supported families and communities that have suffered, and helped rehabilitate communities in the north and south.

Among other efforts, The Jewish Agency, with the support of world Jewry, has assisted families affected by terrorism and missile attacks; business owners who suffered financial losses; reservists and their families who have shouldered a heavy burden; immigrant lone soldiers serving on active duty and in the reserves; and young people from northern and southern Israel. Alongside its emergency response, the organization has continued encouraging Aliyah and helping new olim (immigrants) take their first steps in Israel. Since October 7, 2023, approximately 70,000 olim from some 100 countries have made Aliyah.

These efforts during the past three years were made possible through the partnership among The Jewish Agency, the Government of Israel, and world Jewry, with support from The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, the World Zionist Organization, friends of Israel, donors, and foundations in Israel and around the world.

Also at the Board of Governors gathering, “Fauda” creators Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff received an award recognizing their contribution to bringing Israel’s story to audiences worldwide through the series’ fifth season, set against the backdrop of the October 7 terrorist attack, and for strengthening world Jewry’s connection to Israel and sense of belonging and pride.

Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, said, “The gathering of The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors reflects the deep bond connecting Israel and Jewish communities around the world, as well as our shared sense of responsibility for the destiny and future of the Jewish people.

“At this critical time, when we face such significant challenges, this gathering, the presence of Jewish community leaders in Israel, and our united commitment carry special importance. We must remember that our strength lies in our ability to stand together, support one another, and work toward our shared future.”

The Jewish Agency’s CEO and Director General Yehuda Setton said, “Jews worldwide have shown Israelis that they are not alone. Thanks to their extraordinary mobilization since October 7, The Jewish Agency has been able to assist hundreds of thousands of Israelis affected by the war and advance initiatives that will help drive renewed growth in Israel’s north and south.

“Alongside the significant challenges we continue to face during this period, the mutual responsibility between Israel and world Jewry is a source of resilience and hope, and a central pillar of our shared future.”

Media Contact:
Jake Sharfman, JCubed Communications
Jacob@jcubedpr.com

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. Today, The Jewish Agency acts collectively to strengthen Israel and the Jewish people worldwide—by advancing Aliyah as a core value, deepening connections between our global Jewish family, supporting the resilience and security of global Jewish communities, and encouraging every Jewish person to engage with Israel. The Jewish Agency also continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address the Jewish people’s greatest challenges and respond to emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.