Ambassador Eli Vered Hazan was appointed the Next World Chairman of Keren Hayesod, the organization announced in a statement on Monday.
Hazan serves as Israel’s Ambassador to Singapore and was previously Vice President for Public Diplomacy at the Jerusalem Institute of Justice. He “played a key role in strengthening Israel’s international relations and deepening ties with leaders and Jewish communities around the world,” Keren Hayesod said.
Hazan will succeed Sam Grundwerg, who has led Keren Hayesod over the past eight years. “Eli brings impressive public leadership experience and years of service to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, and I have no doubt he will lead Keren Hayesod successfully,” said Grundwerg.
He added that “it has been a privilege to lead this organization over the past eight years, and I am proud of what we have achieved-especially in strengthening ties with Jewish communities and Christian friends of Israel, while significantly increasing our fundraising results."
The organization, established in 1920, aims to strengthen Israeli society, promote Aliyah, and enrich the Jewish Diaspora, according to its website.
Its new chairman was selected following a “thorough and extensive process,” according to the organization, and was “subject to formal approvals by various bodies of the World Zionist Organization and Keren Hayesod.”
Appointment is a 'great honor,' says Hazan
Hazan called the appointment a “great honor,” adding that he “appreciates the confidence in me expressed by Keren Hayesod’s leadership.”
He also thanked Grundwerg for his “outstanding leadership,” and says he “looks forward to building on this strong foundation for the benefit of the people of Israel."
Bruce Leboff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Keren Hayesod, congratulated Hazan for his new role, saying he holds “exceptional diplomatic experience, profound commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and a strong record of leadership and professional excellence.”
He also thanked Grundwerg for having led Keren Hayesod “through one of the most challenging periods in Israel’s history with tremendous dedication and unprecedented accomplishment.”