The Jewish Agency for Israel has named J. David Heller chairman of its board of governors, tapping the Cleveland real estate executive and longtime Jewish communal leader as the organization works to support Israel’s recovery and strengthen Jewish communities worldwide.
Heller, president, CEO and co-founder of The NRP Group, succeeds Mark Wilf, who wrapped up a four-year term at the agency’s semiannual board gathering in Jerusalem on October 25. Wilf, president and co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, helped guide the agency through the global Jewish response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. Heller’s term runs three years, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog attended the gathering where he was welcomed as incoming chairman.
“David brings a deep love for the Jewish people and extensive leadership experience to The Jewish Agency,” Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, chairman of the agency’s executive, said. “I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to help communities rebuild, and give people the support they need to look toward the future with hope.” Almog also thanked Wilf for his “compassionate and steady leadership” during what he called an extraordinarily difficult period.
Heller previously served as national campaign chair of The Jewish Federations of North America and chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. He was appointed to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council in 2009 and sits on the boards of Parkwood Corporation, the Mandel Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Foundation and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, among other institutions.
Partnership between Israel and world Jewry is vital, Heller says
“I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility at a time when the partnership between Israel and global Jewish communities is so vital to our shared future,” Heller said. “Behind every effort to rebuild communities and strengthen Jewish life are people who need to know that they are not alone. I look forward to working with our partners and fellow Board of Governors members to help families recover, create opportunities in Israel’s north and south, and deepen the connections that unite us as one Jewish people.”
JBizNews Desk | Jerusalem
© JBizNews.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution is strictly prohibited.
