American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) CEO Elliot Brandt assumed the mantle formerly worn by ex-CEO Howard Kohr at the end of 2024, replacing the 27-year pro-Israel lobbying veteran at a time when the US-Israel relationship has never been more important.
Joining AIPAC the same year Kohr became CEO, Brandt has contributed to the mission of AIPAC, developing bipartisan support among US lawmakers for Israel as a beneficial American ally.
He served as the vice CEO, overseeing the organization’s regional offices, national development campaign, events, marketing, and communications before being selected last June by the AIPAC Board of Directors. As vice CEO, and previously as national affairs managing director, AIPAC fundraising reportedly doubled. In 2002, Brandt became AIPAC’s western states director, overseeing coalition building in over 100 congressional districts. He served a number of roles in the AIPAC Pacific Northwest Office before climbing to the top of the national pro-Israel body.
Bernard Kaminetsky
Brandt joins AIPAC president Dr. Bernard Kaminetsky at the helm of the 60-year-old pro-Israel organization. Kaminetsky has served on the AIPAC National Board since 2012, and also sits on the group’s Executive Committee.
The New York native’s background is in medicine, graduating from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and becoming certified in internal medicine and nephrology. He was formerly an assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine.
Following the October 7 Massacre, AIPAC, with its 5 million-strong member base, has been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem. Amid the war in the Levant, it has been argued to lawmakers that support for Israel is in American interests, aiding in the rejection of arms embargo bans and engendering resolve when facing Iranian nuclear ambitions.
AIPAC has fought to ensure that Israel has not become the cause of any one political party at a time of increasing radicalism and polarization in American politics.