AJC ANNUAL REPORT 2012 A WORLD OF IMPACT: GLOBAL JEWISH ADVOCACY
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A J C 2 0 1 2 — An n u a l R e p o r t
“I look at an extraordinary organization like AJC, which is built on a remarkable range of relationships around the world. Early on, AJC defined this as part of its mission.” U .. S S .. A Am mb b assa assa d do or r D De en nn n ii s s R Ro o ss ss U
Wel co m e — A J C 2 0 1 2
Dear Friends, One of AJC’s core strengths is our foresight. We look beyond the horizon to achieve long-term solutions to the most pressing issues of our time: the defense of Israel’s security and legitimacy; the dangers of a nuclear Iran; the need for U.S. energy security; and the advancement of democratic values for all. The year 2012 was no exception. Our supporters witnessed the direct impact of our global diplomacy and advocacy, exemplified through the events below, among many described in this Annual Report. First, when the European Parliament stalled due to anti-Israel sentiment on advancing a trade agreement between Europe and Israel, AJC launched a successful multi-pronged campaign that resulted in the accord’s passage. Second, after meetings among AJC, the Jewish community of Spain, and top members of the Spanish government, a Spanish satellite company no longer hosts the signal for a propagandist Iranian television channel aimed at hundreds of millions of Spanish speakers in Latin America and elsewhere. Moreover, in 2012, the prestigious Ford Foundation again recognized AJC’s expertise in pioneering Latino-Jewish ties with an additional $1 million grant over two years for our groundbreaking Bridging America Project. On a related note, a delegation of AJC and MexicanAmerican leaders, co-chaired by David Harris and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros, traveled to Mexico to help shape U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere and the Middle East. And, for the first time, ACCESS, AJC’s award-winning new generation of leaders program, traveled to the Persian Gulf, where members met with young Muslim women to explore interfaith bridge-building and other opportunities to collaborate. In the following pages, you will read of many other positive results of our global and national advocacy campaigns that highlight AJC’s unique global diplomacy. None of these groundbreaking achievements would be possible without AJC’s highly-acclaimed staff, our world-class leadership, and all of our supporters who ensure that AJC will continue to look beyond the horizon for decades to come.
Robert H. Elman David Harris President Executive Director
Israeli President Shimon Peres, alongside AJC President Robert Elman (left) and AJC Executive Director David Harris, at AJC’s Board of Governors Institute at the official presidential residence in Jerusalem.
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A J C 2 0 1 2 — Co n te n ts
Cover Renowned artist Tobi Kahn graciously shared with AJC one of his “Sky and Water” paintings featuring a contemplation of a horizon in Israel: “In the face of the world’s instability, I want to reveal what is transcendent, not the evident reality, but its essence.”
C o n t en t s — A J C 2 0 1 2
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Global diplomacy
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Global ADVOCAcy — IRAN
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Global ADVOCAcy — ISRAEL
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Global ADVOCAcy — Energy se curity
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BUILDING BRID GES
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AJC’s Global Forum
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AJC’s Global Reach
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AJC ACCESS
20 Global Influen ce 22 Honoring Civic Concern 23 In Memoriam 24 AJC Leadership and Support 26
Treasurer’s Report
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A J C 2 0 1 2 — Gl ob a l Di p l om a c y
DRIVING A GLOBAL ADVOCACY AGENDA In 2012, AJC mobilized its resources on issues critical to its mission: the dangers of a nuclear Iran; Israel’s security and legitimacy; the need for U.S. energy security; and the advancement of democratic values for all. AJC held hundreds of top-level meetings, both at home and abroad, with leaders of some 100 countries, from Azerbaijan to Zambia. During the September opening session of the UN General Assembly alone, AJC met with heads of state and foreign ministers of 67 nations. Across the United States, AJC regional offices intensified their international advocacy with more than 200 diplomatic exchanges. During the NATO summit in Chicago, AJC leaders from the Midwest met with foreign ministers of friendly nations to advance such crucial issues as the prevention of a nuclear Iran. AJC delegations traveled the globe to engage with government officials and leaders of civil society. Of note was AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute mission to Myanmar (Burma), the first by an American Jewish organization since the country’s transition to democracy. The trip preceded President Obama’s visit, the first by a sitting president. AJC also expanded its association agreements with Jewish communities around the world to 31, including new partnerships with El Salvador and Guatemala.
AJC’s Promoting Tolerance program, co-organized with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Germany, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Since its inception, the program has brought more than 200 emerging political leaders from Central and Eastern Europe to the U.S. Several alumni have subsequently become Cabinet officials in their countries, including foreign ministers.
AJC’s permanent offices and country representatives in Berlin, Brussels, Jerusalem, Mumbai, Paris, Rome, São Paulo and Southeast Asia continued to enhance the profile of the organization and its mission. German Chancellor Angela Merkel quoted from an AJC report and publicly lauded Deidre Berger, director of AJC Berlin’s Ramer Institute, in highlighting a law adopted in 2012 to allow circumcision as an expression of religious freedom. The impact of AJC’s global diplomacy is evident in tangible outcomes. As an agreement designed to boost pharmaceutical trade between Europe and Israel stalled in the European Parliament, AJC’s Transatlantic Institute in Brussels worked strategically to overcome the resistance of anti-Israel lawmakers. AJC introduced a multi-pronged campaign, including a dedicated website, an online petition, social media and opinion pieces, strengthened by dozens of appeals to high-ranking officials across Europe, reframing the issue as the right of Europeans to gain access to life-saving Israeli medications. The European Parliament approved the agreement, known as ACAA, by a clear majority. This style of principled and impactful global advocacy has earned AJC respect and attention in capitals worldwide. The Israeli ambassador to the EU praised AJC’s Transatlantic Institute, saying, “Undoubtedly, the impressive passage of the vote could not have been achieved without your hard work.”
80 AJC held some 80 meetings in New York and Chicago with top-level global leaders during its 2012 Diplomatic Marathon, which coincided this year with the opening session of the UN General Assembly and the NATO summit.
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“Institutions like AJC can work even above and beyond the conventional framework of relations between countries.� Dimitris Avramopoulos Foreign Minister of Greece
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A J C 2 0 1 2 — Glob a l A d voc a c y — I r a n
“The strategic effect [of sanctions] is to attach a significant price tag to the continuation of the Iranian nuclear program.” Ronen Bergman, Author of The Secret War With Iran at AJC’s Global Forum 2012
G l o b a l Ad v o ca cy — I r a n — A J C 2 0 1 2
HEIGHTENING AWARENESS OF IRANIAN THREAT In every aspect of its global diplomacy and legislative advocacy, AJC underscored the peril that a nuclear Iran poses to the Middle East and to the democratic world. In 2012, AJC pursued a coordinated global advocacy campaign to help thwart Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons capability and raise awareness of its threats to destroy Israel, its human rights abuses, and its sponsorship of global terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah. AJC heightened the public’s sense of urgency on this crucial issue through opinion pieces, videos and targeted messages in the media worldwide. On Capitol Hill, AJC successfully supported the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act, and other related bills. These measures impose tougher sanctions on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, escalate sanctions against the regime’s human rights violators, and tighten enforcement of existing sanctions. In a coordinated campaign, AJC regional offices and supporters nationwide successfully urged their state senators and representatives to advance legislation to intensify the economic isolation of the Iranian regime. “I sponsored and carried a bill during Missouri’s 2012 legislative session to prevent companies from doing business with those that have ties to Iran’s energy sector, an idea originally brought to me by AJC,” said Missouri state Sen. John Lamping. On the diplomatic front, AJC urged the EU to officially designate Hezbollah— Iran’s proxy and terrorism arm—as a global terrorist group, the same designation it gave Hamas, with active AJC encouragement. AJC’s advocacy campaign generated thousands of direct appeals to Congress to support this initiative. Subsequently, a letter signed by 268 U.S. representatives advocated strongly for the European Union to include Hezbollah on its terrorist list. This vital initiative continues in 2013. In Europe, working along with the Jewish community of Spain, AJC met with the prime minister and members of the Spanish Cabinet to express deep concern about Hispasat, a Spanish company that hosted the signal for a propagandist Iranian television channel aimed at vast Spanish-speaking audiences in Latin America and elsewhere. Hispasat has since announced that it will no longer host the channel. “AJC’s visit and intervention were undoubtedly key,” a senior U.S. official acknowledged. AJC also maintained its unprecedented high-level contacts with Arab countries that share concerns about the Iranian threat and its destabilizing effect on the Middle East. Jason Isaacson, AJC director of Government and International Affairs, led delegations to meet with leaders of Gulf nations to discuss security for both Israel and Arab nations, and the pernicious influence of extremism in the region.
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Panelists at AJC’s Global Forum 2012 session “Confronting Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions.” From left, Sohrab Ahmari, contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The New Republic, Ronen Bergman, author of The Secret War With Iran, and Patrick Clawson, research director, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
A J C 2 0 1 2 — Gl ob a l A d voc a c y — I s r a e l
ADVANCING ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO SECURITY, LEGITIMACY Throughout 2012, AJC leaders traveled to Israel to meet with top government officials, the business community, religious authorities, academics, journalists and other decision-makers. AJC also continued to mobilize its resources to help Israel defend itself against threats to its security and attacks on its legitimacy. In the United States and internationally, AJC raised awareness of the negative ramifications of Palestinian avoidance of direct peace talks with Israel and its quest for UN recognition of a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. AJC promoted U.S. congressional backing for Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets such as those fired by Hamas into Israel. AJC activists sent thousands of letters to Washington advocating support for increased funding to save Israeli lives. The year 2012 marked the 30th anniversary of Project Interchange, AJC’s flagship educational institute, which brings global leaders from diverse fields to Israel to promote a better understanding of its complex society and to connect them with their Israeli counterparts. A Project Interchange delegation of U.S. city, county and state officials was in Israel as Hamas rockets were fired at Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other Israeli cities in late 2012. They publicly shared their experiences and their support of the nation’s right to self-defense. “This trip—and the events that occurred during the trip—reinforced my understanding of the region and my concern for the security and well-being of the citizens of Israel,” state Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Nebraska told The Times of Israel. The program’s prestigious alumni—a list that continues to grow—include Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius; U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor; and current members of the Cypriot, French and Greek Cabinets. “Seeing the complexities of Israel first-hand provided a direct learning experience for me and my American colleagues,” said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a 2012 Project Interchange participant. “I can’t imagine a better or more thoughtful introduction to Israel.” Project Interchange alumni are involved in policy decisions, business agreements and bilateral cooperation on initiatives that impact Israel.
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AJC provided Israel’s Barzilai Medical Center with an emergency grant for medical equipment to help the victims of rocket attacks from Gaza. In appreciation, Dr. Hezy Levy, Barzilai CEO, presented a plaque to Stanley Bergman, chair of AJC’s Board of Governors (third from left).
“The seminar has tripled my knowledge of Israel, the peace process, and the political dilemmas. I will use this knowledge in my work.� Klaus Botzet Head of the USA and Canada Division, German Federal Foreign Office and AJC Project Interchange alumnus
6000 More than 6,000 leaders from 73 nations have participated in Project Interchange seminars to Israel. Their involvement continues through a vibrant alumni network that includes monthly conference calls with top Israeli experts and AJC events in the U.S. and abroad.
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“It’s obvious energy dependence equals economic dependence. This means political dependence as well. The diversification of energy [sources] is at the core of democracy and freedom.” PROFESSOR Nikolas Farantouris Greek energy executive and AJC Project Interchange alumnus
G l o b a l Ad v o c a c y — E n erg y S ecu r i t y — A J C 2 0 1 2
PROMOTING ENERGY SECURITY FOR GLOBAL CHANGE The United States’ significant shift away from dependence on oil from hostile countries validated AJC’s prescience and its 40-year history of advocacy for energy security. In the 1970s, AJC pioneered Jewish advocacy for a comprehensive U.S. energy policy that boosts national security, economic benefits and environmental protection. In 2012, AJC continued to call for reducing U.S. reliance on oil from hostile nations, such as Venezuela. AJC’s focus on energy security complemented its global advocacy campaign to halt the flow of petrodollars to terrorist organizations in Europe. Throughout the year, AJC leveraged the expertise of its National Energy Committee and used multiple media platforms to raise awareness and mobilize support for U.S. energy security. Thousands of supporters turned to AJC’s online advocacy tools to reach U.S. and global decision-makers on this and other issues.
A Project Interchange delegation of European energy experts visited the Zenith Solar Plant in Israel to explore cutting-edge technologies for alternative energy.
Across the United States, AJC convened panels of influential energy leaders for local seminars and promoted measures to advance alternative energy technologies, alternative fuels, vehicle efficiency, increases in domestic supplies of oil and natural gas with attention to environmental safeguards, and further diversification of foreign oil sources. Early in 2012, AJC testified before a joint hearing of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in favor of more stringent fuel economy standards. Later that year, the automakers and the Obama administration entered into an agreement to meet those standards by 2025. “The new fuel economy standards will reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil,” said Rep. Anna Eshoo of California. In New York, AJC’s ongoing “Colloquium on North American Energy Policy: Addressing the Problems of the 21st Century” brought together high-level energy policy leaders from Canada, Mexico and the United States with energy experts from related sectors to discuss initial steps toward a comprehensive energy plan for the continent. AJC also continued to support an environmentally safe Keystone XL project as a way to enhance long-term U.S. energy security and create sorely needed private sector jobs. The pipeline would expand U.S. access to Canada’s oil reserves, one of the world’s largest. Through AJC’s Project Interchange, groups of influential domestic and international energy leaders traveled to Israel to engage with government officials and leaders of Israeli companies about the latest ideas for alternative and clean energy solutions, including solar, electric car and renewable energy technologies. To date, 50 global energy leaders have visited Israel with Project Interchange.
40 AJC recognized the need for U.S. energy security 40 years ago, when it began its far-sighted advocacy campaign that continues to this day.
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A J C 2 0 1 2 — Bu i l d i n g B r i d ge s
FORGING COALITIONS TO ADVANCE DEMOCRATIC VALUES In support of its mission to advance human rights and democratic values, AJC forges coalitions with interreligious and intergroup partners to ensure a safer and more just world for all.
Interfaith-Intergroup Coalitions AJC’s initiatives with interfaith leaders exemplify the strong coalitions it builds to foster intergroup understanding. This summer, a group of AJC leaders met with officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at their world headquarters in Salt Lake City. They addressed Jewish concerns about the posthumous baptism of Holocaust victims, as well as interfaith questions raised by the candidacy of the first presidential nominee of the Mormon faith. AJC strongly opposed the calls by some Protestant denominational bodies to boycott, divest from and sanction Israel. AJC reached out to prominent clerics nationwide, and took an active role at several denominational conventions where divestment was defeated.
Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations, was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College at its historic campus in Atlanta. Marans was the only rabbi honored by Morehouse in 2012.
In Jerusalem, 16 Christian scholars, including seminary presidents and deans—the third cohort of the Christian Leadership Initiative (CLI)—completed the first of two study missions under the auspices of AJC and the Shalom Hartman Institute. Through the program, supported by the Berkman Charitable Trust, Christian leaders study Jewish texts to gain a better understanding of Judaism, the Jewish people and the complexity of Israel. CLI alumni often modify their teachings to include a discussion of modern Judaism and the political questions surrounding Israel and its neighbors. In 2012, the King Abdullah International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue appointed Rabbi David Rosen, AJC’s director of International Interreligious Affairs, to its board of directors. The center is a Saudi initiative established in Vienna, with the support of the governments of Austria and Spain. In anticipation of furthering relations with the Muslim world, Rosen, the only Jewish representative to the board, said, “This initiative comes from the very heart of the Muslim world. This gives it a unique standing and, hopefully, the potential to contribute globally.”
Human Rights Advocacy AJC’s esteemed Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights ( JBI) marked its 40th anniversary with a conference setting forth strategies for confronting worldwide human rights abuses. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay praised JBI Director Felice Gaer’s “profound contribution” to combating torture and ensuring women’s rights. Also in 2012, JBI promoted global religious tolerance with an explicit call on UN member states to repeal blasphemy laws and urged them to counter expressions of hatred and bigotry while protecting freedom of speech. JBI and the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea convened 300 participants for a compelling conference on “Hidden Gulag: Exposing North Korea’s Political
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1000 AJC’s Jacob Blaustein Institute petitioned, through the media and nearly 1,000 letters to U.S. lawmakers, for the unconditional release of Pastor Nadarkhani and all other prisoners of conscience held in Iran’s jails. The Iranian Christian cleric was freed in January 2013.
B u i l d i n g B ri d g es — A J C 2 0 1 2
AJC celebrated the 25th anniversary of Freedom Sunday, when more than 250,000 gathered in Washington in 1987 to call on the Kremlin to let Soviet Jews emigrate. This historic event serves “as a case study in what is possible, against all the odds, if only the Jewish people stand together, persevere and join forces with others of good will,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris, who served as Freedom Sunday’s national coordinator.
Prisoner Camp System,” which called for closing down North Korea’s camps. A Washington Post editorial called the event “unprecedented.”
Latino and Latin American Affairs AJC and Mexican-American leaders traveled together to Mexico City in 2012, where they met with President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto; the city’s archbishop; policy experts; and senior U.S. and Israeli diplomats. David Harris, AJC executive director, and Henry Cisneros, former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development, co-chaired the 35-member delegation. “Our mission was motivated by a sense of interwoven destinies full of promise,” said Cisneros. The trip resulted in a “statement of joint purpose” to collaborate in shaping U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere and the Middle East. Earlier in 2012, Arturo Sarukhan, Mexican ambassador to the United States, received AJC’s Gesher (Bridge) Award for his many years as a close partner with AJC in promoting closer relations among the United States, Mexico and Israel to advance a common Latino-Jewish agenda. AJC delegations regularly met with Latin American officials to urge progress on such issues as Israel’s quest for peace; the Iranian nuclear threat; and global energy security. At the same time, Latino and Latin American leaders routinely traveled to Israel on AJC’s Project Interchange seminars to learn first-hand of the issues and opportunities confronting Israel. AJC is widely recognized for developing educational programs and advocacy campaigns supporting comprehensive immigration reform. The Ford Foundation acknowledged AJC’s leadership and commitment to these goals with a two-year grant of $1 million for AJC’s Bridging America Project, following annual grants of $500,000 for each of the previous three years. The project advances Latino-Jewish relations through shared advocacy and increased opportunities to foster mutual understanding and engagement. Hundreds of Latinos and Jews across the United States participated in Bridging America Project workshops.
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A J C 2 0 1 2 — AJ C’s Gl ob a l For u m
ENGAGING WORLD LEADERS at 2012 Global Forum AJC showcased its unique access to high-ranking world leaders at its 2012 Global Forum, featuring the foreign ministers of Brazil, Canada, Cyprus and Germany, and ambassadors and other participants from some 60 countries. More than 1,500 individuals from across the United States and around the world attended the three-day forum—the premier global Jewish advocacy event held annually in Washington, D.C. “The sound of all those languages spoken by one people, the force of so many points of view converging around a common goal … was AJC’s biggest achievement last week in Washington,” Gina Nahai, a Global Forum participant, wrote in The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. The event offered an opportunity for activists to meet face-to-face with policy-makers and opinion-shapers from Capitol Hill, the White House, U.S. government agencies, foreign embassies, and religious and ethnic organizations. An important component of the Global Forum—its theme was “From Insight to Action”—was direct involvement in advocacy campaigns on AJC’s core issues: ending the Iranian nuclear threat, securing peace for Israel and achieving U.S. energy security. Participants also gathered in intimate groups for working dinners with foreign ambassadors, global policy-makers, Jewish leaders from around the world, and AJC experts. The opening session featured a dialogue between David Harris, AJC executive director, and Ron Prosor, Israeli ambassador to the UN. Prosor pledged to continue Israel’s uphill pursuit of fairness in UN actions on Israel and the Middle East refugee issue. He cited the passage of more than 1,000 resolutions supporting the Palestinians, 172 on Palestinian refugees and “zero on the untold story of the 850,000 Jews from Arab countries.” A discussion with Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota followed. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis promised ever-closer partnerships between their countries and Israel. Then-White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew assured the audience that President Obama “will stand firmly for Israel’s security, for peace, and for the basic rights and freedoms that we all cherish so deeply.” Other forum highlights included a vigorous debate between Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, on key issues in the 2012 presidential election. AJC partnered at the 2012 Global Forum with prominent international bloggers and Jewish social media platforms, resulting in thousands of mentions on Twitter, Facebook and in global blogs.
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U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (left) debated Weekly Standard editor William Kristol on key issues of concern to the Jewish community in the 2012 election season.
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“AJC does such important advocacy work, not only for the Jewish people in America and of the world, but in supporting dignity and respect for all peoples.”
AJC’s Global Forum 2012 included 1,500 participants from more than 60 nations.
John Baird, Canadian Foreign Minister AT AJC’s Global Forum 2012
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AJC’S AJC’S GLOBAL GLOBAL REACH REACH
114 114 COUNTRIES COUNTRIES WITH WITH WHICH WHICH AJC AJC MAINTAINS MAINTAINS ONGOING ONGOING HIGH-LEVEL HIGH-LEVEL RELATIONS RELATIONS
AJC AJC DIPLOMATIC DIPLOMATIC OUTREACH OUTREACH AJC AJC REGIONAL REGIONAL OFFICES OFFICES ARIZONA ARIZONA ATLANTA ATLANTA BALTIMORE BALTIMORE BOSTON BOSTON CHICAGO CHICAGO CINCINNATI CINCINNATI CLEVELAND CLEVELAND COLORADO COLORADO DALLAS DALLAS DETROIT DETROIT HOUSTON HOUSTON KANSAS KANSAS CITY CITY LONG LONG ISLAND ISLAND
LOS LOS ANGELES ANGELES MIAMI MIAMI NEW NEW JERSEY JERSEY NEW NEW YORK YORK ORANGE ORANGE COUNTY COUNTY PALM PALM BEACH BEACH COUNTY COUNTY PHILADELPHIA PHILADELPHIA ST.ST. LOUIS LOUIS SAN SAN FRANCISCO FRANCISCO SEATTLE SEATTLE WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON, D.C. D.C. WESTCHESTER WESTCHESTER WEST WEST COAST COAST FLORIDA FLORIDA
AJC AJC INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL OFFICES OFFICES BELGIUM BELGIUM (BRUSSELS) (BRUSSELS) BRAZIL BRAZIL (SÃO (SÃO PAULO) PAULO) FRANCE FRANCE (PARIS) (PARIS) GERMANY GERMANY (BERLIN) (BERLIN)
INDIA INDIA (MUMBAI) (MUMBAI) ISRAEL ISRAEL (JERUSALEM) (JERUSALEM) ITALY ITALY (ROME) (ROME) SWITZERLAND SWITZERLAND (GENEVA) (GENEVA)
AJC AJC INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERSHIPS (AS (AS OFOF JANUARY JANUARY 2013) 2013) 16
29 29 COUNTRIES COUNTRIES WERE WERE REPRESENTED REPRESENTED ATAT AJC’S AJC’S ACCESS ACCESS 2012 2012 GLOBAL GLOBAL CONFERENCE CONFERENCE
31 31 INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERSHIPS HAVE HAVE BEEN BEEN FORMED FORMED WITH WITH JEWISH JEWISH COMMUNAL COMMUNAL ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS
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A J C 2 0 1 2 — AJ C A ccess
CULTIVATING A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP For the third consecutive year, ACCESS, AJC’s new generation program, was named one of the 50 most innovative Jewish nonprofits in North America by Slingshot, an annual resource guide for Jewish innovation. ACCESS broke other barriers throughout the year as it empowered thousands of young leaders in more than a dozen cities across the United States and in Israel to advocate in their local communities for global change. In 2012, Tel Aviv became the 14th ACCESS group; another Israeli group is based in Jerusalem. In addition to ACCESS’s unique programming, its leaders are involved in every aspect of AJC advocacy and diplomacy, from legislative efforts to meetings with officials at the highest levels of government. In 2012, ACCESS members traveled to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the “Women as Global Leaders” conference in Abu Dhabi. They engaged in interfaith bridge-building, led sessions on intergroup grassroots work, and met with business, political and thought leaders in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Komal Ahmad, a Pakistani-American Muslim woman, took part in this ACCESS mission after her earlier experience on an AJC Project Interchange seminar in Israel for campus leaders. “It is far too rare to have Jewish and Muslim leaders working together to achieve the goals that they should inherently share,” said Ahmad.
Michael Oren, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and keynote speaker at the AJC ACCESS 20/20 Conference, discussed the future of the Jewish community. “Together, we must invest in our future as a people,” he said. “We must not only enable more American Jews to participate in Israel youth experiences, but expand the numbers of young Israeli participants.”
ACCESS also made its first trip to Austria in 2012. Participants met with the foreign minister, the president of the Austrian parliament, and younger leaders to discuss such issues as Austria’s role during World War II and its current relationship with the Jewish community. “We had meaningful, personal conversations with young Austrian Foreign Ministry staffers, many of whom intend to continue to deepen their relationship with us and with AJC,” said Jeremiah Baronberg of ACCESS D.C. “We returned better educated about Austria’s complex history and with a reservoir of good will.” ACCESS delegations also traveled to Germany on three separate trips in 2012 to strengthen German-Jewish ties.
350 The AJC ACCESS 20/20 Conference brought together 350 Jewish and pro-Israel activists from nearly 30 countries.
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“Joining ACCESS strengthened my ability to connect with other powerful, innovative women to create worldwide partnerships.” Komal Ahmad (right), a Pakistani-American Muslim and part of an official ACCESS delegation to Abu Dhabi (with Andrea Varadi, member of the ACCESS NY Muslim-Jewish Task Force).
A J C 2 0 1 2 — Gl ob a l I n f l u e n c e
Showcasing Global Impact And Excellence AJC’s media presence grew steadily over the year, reaching more people in more languages than any other Jewish advocacy organization. Around the world, AJC advanced its mission across a broad spectrum of communications channels, including its newly-launched website, social media such as Facebook and Twitter, targeted e-newsletters, newspaper articles and opinion pieces, radio spots, blogs and videos. Weekly commentary by AJC Executive Director David Harris continues to air on more than 400 stations in the CBS radio network and reaches millions of listeners across the United States. With an eye toward global audiences, AJC leaders and policy experts were regularly featured in such international media as The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Jerusalem Post, The Huffington Post (English, French, Spanish), FoxNews.com, Der Tagesspiegel (Germany), L’Opinione (Italy) and El Pais (Spain), among many other outlets. Regional and international offices also contributed significantly to AJC’s global media presence with hundreds of articles published, including opinion pieces for major outlets on issues ranging from Iran’s nuclear weapons program to Israel’s quest for peace and security. In mid-2012, AJC initiated a focused social media strategy, tripling the number of “likes” on its Facebook page and boosting the number of individuals it reaches weekly by more than 50 times. AJC’s Twitter followers, including the office of the Israeli prime minister and the Mexican ambassador to the United States, doubled during the year. The year 2012 also marked the introduction of “Live From … ,” AJC’s on-location video series. Through this medium, AJC leaders and policy experts report on a range of issues from locations worldwide, including the Knesset, the European Parliament, the United Nations, European capitals, the Middle East, and both the Republican and Democratic conventions in the run-up to the U.S. elections. AJC unveiled its new website in early 2013, solidifying its position as the premier global Jewish advocacy organization and making its mission and programming readily accessible. With sites in Arabic, French, German and Spanish, the new website—www.ajc.org—reflects the organization’s global reach and strong media and communications program.
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“Through our strategic communications initiatives, we mobilize thousands of AJC advocates around the globe to respond immediately to critical issues,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris.
G l o b a l I n f l u en c e — A J C 2 0 1 2
AJC professionals and policy experts are acknowledged leaders in their respective fields. They are frequently honored for their outstanding achievements and groundbreaking work, and featured in global media. Some of the professionals recognized in 2012: Rabbi Andrew Baker, AJC director of International Jewish Affairs, was reappointed for a fifth term as Personal Representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Chair-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism. The OSCE, the world’s largest regional security organization, represents 57 states from Europe, Central Asia and North America. Baker achieved pledges of increased support on security for Jews in Sweden and an agreement in Hungary on an educational program addressing anti-Semitism. Separately, he was awarded the Lithuanian Diplomacy Star by the foreign minister for his work in securing compensation for former Jewish communal property in Lithuania. Steven Bayme , director of AJC’s Dorothy and Julius Koppelman Institute on American Jewish-Israeli Relations, organized a colloquium on the Israeli Chief Rabbinate and its impact on Israel-American Jewish ties. Calls for major transformation were nearly universal among the 50 participants representing a broad cross-section of Jewish communal life from the United States and Israel. Dr. Dov Zakheim, chair of the AJC Contemporary Jewish Life Commission, wrote the paper that served as the cornerstone for the event. Deidre Berger, director of the AJC Berlin Ramer Institute for German-Jewish Relations, was one of five recipients of Germany’s annual Role Model for Societal Integration Prize. Berger was recognized in the category of Achievements for Contributions to Social Harmony, Promotion of Democracy, Mutual Understanding Among Cultural and Religious Groups, and Engagement Against Racism and Xenophobia. Felice Gaer, director of AJC’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, was re-elected in 2012 as vice chair of the UN Committee Against Torture. She was honored for completing 11 years of service on the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom, and became a commissioner on the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO. David Harris, AJC executive director, received Azerbaijan’s highest award for a foreign
citizen, the “Dostlug” Order of Friendship, for his “contributions to the development of friendly ties between the peoples of Azerbaijan and United States,” as presented by the nation’s president, Ilham Aliyev. Harris has also been honored by the governments of Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Spain and Ukraine. Rabbi David Rosen,
AJC international director of Interreligious Affairs, received the Interfaith Award from Search for Common Ground, which promotes global reconciliation and conflict resolution. Separately, Rosen was honored for his historic work in Catholic-Jewish relations by Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley at the Gala Dinner of the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Seminary.
AJC Salutes Outgoing President Robert Elman In his three years as AJC president, Robert H. Elman enhanced the agency by focusing his energies on both external and internal priorities. He led crucial AJC missions worldwide, including several to Israel and the Arab world, as well as to South and East Asia, Europe and Latin America. He also personally engaged with AJC’s regional offices—visiting almost every one during his tenure—and helped to optimize AJC’s fundraising structure. “Bob is a born diplomat, and he brought a trained executive’s eye to the overall governance of the organization, both precious qualities in a lay leader,” said David Harris, AJC executive director. Elman has held AJC leadership positions for the past decade, serving as chair of the Community Services Commission and co-chair of the Task Force on Chapters. In his professional life, he retired as the chairman and CEO of DESA Industries in 1999.
21
AJC President Robert Elman (right) with Israeli President Shimon Peres.
A J C 2 0 1 2 — Ho n or i n g Ci vi c Con c e r n
Real estate and retail industry leaders paid tribute to Sandeep Mathrani, CEO of General Growth Properties, Inc., at the Grand Hyatt New York, when he was presented with AJC’s National Human Relations Award. From l., Sandeep Mathrani, CEO, General Growth Properties, Inc.; Dinner Co-Chair Bruce Ratner, CEO, Forest City Ratner; and Dinner Vice Chair Michael Gould, Chairman and CEO, Bloomingdale’s, and Chairman, AJC Board of Trustees.
Media and advertising leaders joined AJC in honoring Sir Martin Sorrell, Group CEO, WPP Group, with the AJC International Human Relations Award, at Guastavino’s in New York City. From l., Award Presenter Philippe Dauman, President and CEO, Viacom, Inc.; and Sir Martin Sorrell.
Fashion industry leaders joined AJC to honor Richard A. Baker, Governor and CEO, Hudson’s Bay Company; and Ken C. Hicks, Chairman, President and CEO, Foot Locker, Inc. From l., Liz Rodbell, Executive Vice President, Chief Merchant, Hudson’s Bay Company; Joseph Abboud, then President, HMX Group; Richard A. Baker; Ken C. Hicks; Michael Gould, Chairman and CEO, Bloomingdale’s, and Chairman, AJC Board of Trustees; and Richard A. Johnson, Executive Vice President, Group President – Retail Stores, Foot Locker, Inc.
AJC Women’s Leadership Board Special Gifts Luncheon honored (left) Laurie Ann Goldman, CEO of Spanx. Madeleine K. Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State, was the keynote speaker. Cori Berger serves as Chair of the AJC Women’s Leadership Board with Elaine Petschek, AJC Honorary Chair and a Board of Governors member. Mindy Heyer and Stephanie Saft served as the luncheon’s Co-Chairs.
AJC Chicago presented its Civic Leadership Award to Bruce V. Rauner. The award was presented by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. From l., Jack S. Levin, President, AJC Chicago and Partner at Kirkland & Ellis; Laurence S. Geller, Chairman and former CEO, Strategic Hotels and Resorts; Bruce V. Rauner, Honoree and Principal, GTCR; and Ronald J. Gidwitz, Chicago Campaign Chairman.
22
IN MEMORIAM
AJC remembers with sadness and appreciation the visionary leaders whose dedication will be cherished for years to come. Roger Aaron
Roger Aaron, a leading corporate attorney, served AJC with distinction as an honorary Vice President and member of its Board of Trustees and National Leadership Council. In 2000, AJC honored him with the Judge Learned Hand Award in recognition of his legal and philanthropic achievements. “He was a compassionate man with a selfless range of commitments to public causes,” said David Harris, AJC executive director. Aaron also served on the boards of the Legal Aid Society and Teach for America.
AJC’s Dorothy and Julius Koppelman Institute on American Jewish-Israeli Relations presented its Avraham Harman Leadership Award to David J. Skorton, President, Cornell University. From l., David Harris, AJC Executive Director; David W. Zalaznick, Co-Founder, The Jordan Company; Harold Tanner, Chairman, Tanner & Co. and AJC Honorary President; Dr. David Skorton, President, Cornell University; Dr. Harold T. Shapiro, former President, Princeton University and the University of Michigan, and Chair, AJC’s Koppelman Institute on American Jewish-Israeli Relations; and Andrew Tisch, Chairman of Executive Committee, Loews Corp.
Charles Petschek
Charles Petschek, an investment banker, was an honorary AJC Vice President, a member of the Board of Governors and chairman of the Investment Committee. Along with his wife, Elaine Petschek, he founded the William Petschek National Jewish Family Center, which evolved into AJC’s Petschek Contemporary Jewish Life Department. The department strengthens the quality of American Jewish life and seeks to ensure its continuity. “Charles’ ceaseless commitment to building the Jewish future and defending the abiding values of humanity has shaped AJC’s identity and direction,” said AJC President Robert Elman.
Wall Street leaders joined AJC to honor Barry Volpert, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Crestview Partners, who received the Wall Street Division’s 2012 Human Relations Award at a reception at the Harmonie Club in New York. From l., AJC President Robert Elman; Alan Doft, President, Doft & Company; Barry Volpert; and AJC Board Member and Barry’s father, Richard Volpert.
Lawrence Ramer
Lawrence Ramer, a member of AJC’s Board of Governors, founded AJC Berlin’s Lawrence and Lee Ramer Institute for German-Jewish Relations in 1988. The institute supports democracy in the Federal Republic of Germany, advances German-Israeli relations and combats anti-Semitism and extremism. In 2000, the German government honored Ramer with the Federal Cross of the Order of Merit in recognition of his achievements. In February 2013, AJC celebrated the institute’s 15-year anniversary and honored the Ramers with the Ernst Cramer Award for Outstanding Contributions to American-GermanJewish Understanding.
The 2012 National Human Relations Award Dinner in Atlanta. From l., Ambassador Andrew Young; Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed; Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company; Defne Kent; Arthur Blank, Owner, Atlanta Falcons, and Co-Founder, The Home Depot; Bill Schwartz, AJC Board Member; Mona Diamond, AJC Board Member and Honorary Consul of Turkey; and Michael Coles, AJC Board Member and Founder, Great American Cookie Company.
AJC also remembers the following visionary leaders: Henry Bamberger (Los Angeles), Aleck Block (Los Angeles), Elliot Caplow (Los Angeles), Robert Rosenthal (Sarasota). May their memory always be for a blessing. 23
A J C 2 0 1 2 — Go ve r n a n c e S tr u c tu re
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE G OV E R N A N C E S T R U C T U R E PRESIDENT
Robert Elman C H A I R , B OA R D O F G OV E R N O R S
Stanley Bergman C H A I R , P R O G R A M CO O R D I N AT I N G CO M M IT T E E
Jane Silverman C H A I R , B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S
Michael Gould A S S O C I AT E C H A I R S , B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S
Joel Mogy Roy Zuckerberg CHAIR, LEADERSHIP D E V E LO P M E N T
Marvin Israelow C H A I R , O R G A N IZ AT I O N A L D E V E LO P M E N T
David Rousso C H A I R , P U B L I C A F FA I R S
Sherry Weinman S E C R E TA RY/ T R E A S U R E R
Richard Berkman A S S O C I AT E T R E A S U R E R / C H A I R , B U D G E T CO M M IT T E E
Michael M. Davis E X E C U T I V E CO U N C I L M E M B E R S -AT- L A R G E
René-Pierre Azria Ned Dubilo Suzanne D. Jaffe Harris L. Kempner, Jr. Martin Krall Kenneth Levine Linda Mirels John M. Shapiro
VICE PRESIDENTS
Roberta Baruch Marion Bergman Gail Binderman Casey Cogut Bonnie Fuller Karen Levy Lee Miller Debra Smith Saidoff Naty Saidoff
CO M M I S S I O N S
I N S TIT U T E S
CO N T E M P O R A RY J E W I S H L I F E
A F R I C A I N S T IT U T E
Dov Zakheim, Chair Jerry Ostrov, Vice Chair
Stanley Bergman, Founder and Chair Marion Bergman, Founder and Chair Eddie Bergman, Founder and Chair
I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E L AT I O N S
H O N O R A RY V I C E P R E S I D E N T S
Rhoda Baruch Robert A. Belfer Richard H. Davimos Stuart E. Eizenstat Edith Everett Howard A. Gilbert Jerome R. Goldstein Brindell Gottlieb Leonard Greenberg Barbara Hirschhorn Charlotte G. Holstein Gershon Kekst Edward Meyer Walter Nathan Morris W. Offit Louis Perlmutter Charles I. Petschek* Elaine Petschek S. Stephen Selig III Harold Shapiro Carol Siegler Morton Siegler Shale Stiller Richard Volpert Bernard Wallerstein
Allan J. Reich, Chair Andrew Marks, Vice Chair
A S I A PAC I F I C I N S T IT U T E
I N T E R R E L I G I O U S A F FA I R S
Jerry H. Biederman, Chair David Inlander, Vice Chair
D O R OT H Y A N D J U L I U S KO P P E L M A N I N S T IT U T E O N AMERICAN JEWISH-ISRAELI R E L AT I O N S
N AT I O N A L P O L I C Y
Harold Shapiro, Chair
Carol Gown, Chair Robert Weinberger, Vice Chair
Gary Jacobs, Chair
JACO B B L AU S T E I N I N S T IT U T E FO R T H E A DVA N C E M E N T O F H U M A N RIGHTS
CO M M IT T E E S A N D TA S K FO R C E S
E. Robert Goodkind, Chair
E N E R GY CO M M IT T E E
L AT I N O A N D L AT I N A M E R I C A N I N S T IT U T E
Henry Dubinsky, Chair
Thomas Kahn, Chair G OV E R N A N C E CO M M IT T E E
Billie Gold, Chair I M M I G R AT I O N TA S K FO R C E
Roberta Baruch, Chair N AT I O N A L CO M M IT T E E O N R U S S I A N J E W I S H A F FA I R S
Daniel Igor Branovan, Co-Chair Cheryl Fishbein, Co-Chair
L AW R E N C E & L E E R A M E R I N S T IT U T E O N G E R M A N -J E W I S H R E L AT I O N S
Lawrence Ramer*, Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Rita Sussmuth, Co-Chair P R OJ E C T I N T E R C H A N G E
Robert Peckar, Chair T H A N K S TO S C A N D I N AV I A
N AT I O N A L L E A D E R S H I P D E V E LO P M E N T CO M M IT T E E
Laurie Netter Sprayregen, Chair
Marvin Israelow, Chair
T R A N SAT L A N T I C I N S T IT U T E
Harold Tanner, Chair N AT I O N A L L E G A L CO M M IT T E E
Robert E. Lapin, Chair
U N WATC H
N O M I N AT I N G CO M M IT T E E
Alfred H. Moses, Co-Chair David Harris, Co-Chair
Richard Sideman, Chair
CHAIR, PRESIDENT’S CABINET
Lester Crown
A D M I N I S T R ATI V E CO M M IT T E E S
H O N O R A RY C H A I R , B OA R D O F G OV E R N O R S
Jack Lapin
E X E C U T I V E CO U N C I L O B S E RV E R
Jonathan Perelman
A J C I N V E S T M E N T S U B CO M M IT T E E ON PLANNED GIVING ASSETS
AU D IT CO M M IT T E E
Andrew Melnick, Chair
Henry Dubinsky, Chair
A J C N AT I O N A L P L A N N E D G I V I N G A N D G I F T ACC E P TA N C E CO M M IT T E E
Michael M. Davis, Chair
Suzanne D. Jaffe, Chair
H O N O R A RY P R E S I D E N T S R E G I O N A L O F F I C E S CO M M IT T E E
Howard I. Friedman E. Robert Goodkind Alfred H. Moses Bruce M. Ramer Robert S. Rifkind Richard J. Sideman Harold Tanner Maynard I. Wishner*
Alan Melamed, Chair S H O LO M CO M AY F E L LOWS H I P S E L E C T I O N A N D E N G AG E M E N T CO M M IT T E E
Leslie Chatzinoff, Chair S T R AT E G I C P O L I C Y G R O U P
Peter Rosenblatt, Chair WO M E N ’ S C A M PA I G N B OA R D
Cori Berger, Chair
24
B U D G E T CO M M IT T E E
HUMAN RESOURCES AND CO M P E N SAT I O N CO M M IT T E E
Martin Krall, Chair I N V E S T M E N T CO M M IT T E E
Andrew Melnick, Chair *deceased (as of January 2013)
G o v er n a n c e S t ru c t u re — A J C 2 0 1 2
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Lawrence Adelman
Gerald Franks
Philip Kirsh
Robert Peckar
Michael Srulovitz
Stanford Adelstein
Amy Reisen Freundlich
Samuel Klagsbrun
David Pedowitz
Paul Stanzler
Honey Amado
Lawrence Freundlich
Benedict Kohl
Barbara Perlmutter
John Stein
RenĂŠ-Pierre Azria
Beatrice Friedman
Martin Krall
Louis Perlmutter
Tracy Stein
Rhoda Baruch
Howard Friedman
Marjorie Kuhn
Kenneth Peskin
Carlyn Steiner
Roberta Baruch
Bonnie Fuller
Stephen Kurzman
Elaine Petschek
Sylvia Steiner
Julie Baskes
Beth Furman
Richard Lampen
Kim Pimley
Alfred Stern
Janine Behrman
Laurence Geller
Bruce Lane
Daniel Pincus
Shale Stiller
Robert Belfer
Suzanne Lasky Gerard
David Lang
Ben Plotkin
Jeffrey Stone
Paula Bennett
Howard Gilbert
Ruth Lapidus
Bonnie Podolsky
Harold Tanner
Marion Bergman
Lawrence Ginsburg
Robert Lapin
Fred Pressner
Michael Tichnor
Stanley Bergman
Naomi Gitlin
Jack Levin
Nancy Weil Price
Madeline Unterberg
Richard Berkman
Susan Glass
H. Fred Levine
Stanley Rabin
Thomas Unterberg
Roger Bernstein
Billie Gold
Kenneth Levine
Amy Ragen
Richard Volpert
David Berz
Dorian Goldman
Florence Levitt
Bruce Ramer
Bernard Wallerstein
Gary Betensky
Natalie Goldman
Karen Levy
Nanci Rands
Leonard Weinberg
Jerry Biederman
Clifford Goldstein
Mont Levy
Fred Rawicz
Robert Weinberger
Gail Binderman
Jerome Goldstein
Sally Levy
Bonnie Rechler
Sherry Weinman
Francine Blum
Todd Goodglick
Steven Levy
Allan Reich
Stephen Weinstein
Daniel Branovan
E. Robert Goodkind
Kenneth Lewis
Guy Reiss
Margaret Weinstock
Seth Briskin
Brindell Gottlieb
Eva Lichtenberg
Barbara Resnek
Ellen Werther
Marcia Burnam
Candy Gould
Frank Linde
Stephen Robert
Leonard Wien
David Chaifetz
Leon Gould
Peggy Lowenstein
Elliott Rose
Steven Wisch
Leslie Chatzinoff
Michael Gould
Carol Lowenthal
Deborah Rosen
Elaine Wishner
Matthew Coen
Carol Gown
Stephen Lowey
Peter Rosenblatt
Allan Zachariah
Charles Cogut
Martin Gradman
Dolly Maass
David Rousso
Helene Zadok
Estelle Comay
Eugene Grant
Kenneth Makovsky
Lawrence Ruben
Dov Zakheim
Milton Cooper
Leonard Greenberg
Fred Mardell
Martine Rubenstein
Steven Zelkowitz
Betty Cotton
Robert Gries
Jesse Margolin
Kenneth Ruby
Marshall Zolla
Alan Dana
Leonard Grossman
Andrew Marks
A. James Rudin
Roy Zuckerberg
Richard Davimos
Marshall Grossman
Bertram Massing
David T. Rudman
Michael Davis
Andrew Hall
Thomas Meier
Michael Safdi
Alisa Doctoroff
Joseph Harari
Alan Melamed
Jacques Safra
Ned Dubilo
Leonard Harlan
Andrew Melnick
Debra Saidoff
Stephen Dubin
David Harris
Donald Meltzer
Naty Saidoff
Henry Dubinsky
Frances A. Hess
Anthony Meyer
H. Benjamin Samuels
Gary Eisenstat
Robert Hexter
Edward Meyer
Harriet Schleifer
Stuart Eizenstat
Mindy Heyer
Anne Meyers
Linda Selig
Robert Elman
Barbara Hirschhorn
Edward Miller
S. Stephen Selig
Michael Ettinger
Harriet Hochman
James Miller
Walter Shapero
Edith Everett
Charlotte Holstein
Lee Miller
Harold Shapiro
Bryan Ezralow
Benjamin Hulsey
Barbara Mines
John Shapiro
Patricia Falkenberg
David Inlander
Linda Mirels
Lawrence Shelley
David Farber
Marvin Israelow
Joel Mogy
Richard Sideman
Jack Farber
Gary Jacobs
Belinda Morris
William Siegel
Joseph Farcus
Sue Jacobson
Alfred Moses
Carol Siegler
Michael Feldstein
Suzanne D. Jaffe
Iris Mushin
Morton Siegler
Jerrold Fine
Thomas Kahn
Walter Nathan
Jane Silverman
Jo Renee Fine
Arthur Karafin
Lawrence Neubauer
Leonard Silverstein
Cheryl Fishbein
Judi Kaufman
Robert Newmark
Donald Simon
Samuel Fishman
Manette Kaufmann
Daniel Och
Morton Simon
Martine Fleishman
Gershon Kekst
Morris Offit
Richard Sokolov
Bryant Frank
Harris Kempner
Jerome Ostrov
James Sprayregen
Lois Frank
Bernita King
Beth Paradies
David Squire
25
(as of January 2013)
A J C 2 0 1 2 — AJ C Le a d e r s h i p a n d S u p p or t
national staff OFFICE OF THE E X E C U TIV E DI R E C TO R
ACC E S S : A J C ’ S N E W G E N E R AT I O N P R O G R A M
David Harris, Executive Director Victoria E. Schonfeld, Associate Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Jason Isaacson, Assistant Executive Director Daniel Elbaum, Assistant Executive Director Mindy Ross, Assistant Executive Director for Marketing & Strategic Communications Janet Becker, Director, Strategic Implementation & Director, Human Resources John Thomason, Associate Chief Operating Officer Ellisa Sagor, Chief of Staff Shayne Adler, Deputy to the Chief Operating Officer
Alexis Frankel, Director, ACCESS Global Maggie Fried, Assistant Director, ACCESS NY/ Director, TTS Sara Aeder, Assistant Director and Campus Strategist, ACCESS
R E S O U R C E D E V E LO P M E N T
P U B L I C AT I O N S
Julie Schair, National Director Cathy Bezozo, National Associate Director Michael Gilbert, Director of Regional Office Advancement Debra Rubenstein, National Director, Planned Giving Amy Althoff, Assistant Director, Donor Relations Leonard Myron, Senior Development Director Susan Tanenbaum, Senior Development Director Lilli Platt, Senior Development Director Gary Spruch, Director, Development Communications Alexis Danzig, Development Officer Jeannette Krauss, Development Associate Michelle Kroll, Donor Relations Coordinator
Lawrence Grossman, Director
L E A D E R S HI P D E V E LO P M E N T & B OA R D E N G AG E M E N T
Nadine Greenfield-Binstock, Director Ruby Rosenthal, Coordinator N AT I O N A L E V E N T S
Leslie Klion, Director Joanna Lieberman, National Coordinator, Events & Leadership Initiatives D E PA R T M E N T O F R E GI O N A L O F F I C E S
Daniel Elbaum, Director Kim Kamen, Associate Director Eli Lipmen, Communications & Advocacy Strategist Amanda Mishler, Coordinator
M A R K E T I N G A N D S T R AT E GI C CO MM U N I C AT I O N S
A S I A PAC I FI C I N S T IT U T E
P R OJ E C T I N T E R C H A N G E
Patricia Marcus, Director Neil Sandberg, Consultant/Director Emeritus Yael Amit, AJC Southeast Asia Representative Nissim Reuben, Program Director, Indian American Jewish Relations
Samuel Witkin, Director Nisha Abkarian, Deputy Director Ida Singelenberg, Assistant Director Keren Naveh, Director, External Affairs Myra Clark-Siegel, Director of International Communications and Marketing Miriam Ganem Rosen, Assistant Director, International Programs Allison Tenenbaum, Assistant Director, U.S. Programs Christopher Townsend, Operations/ Office Manager
I S R A E L / MIDD L E E A S T O F F I C E , J E R U SA L E M
Mindy Ross, Director Lisa Hoff, National Director, Direct Mail and Membership David Marks, Marketing and Web Strategist Linda Krieg, Art Director Sharon Gelb, Print Production Manager
Edward Rettig, Interim Director Tzippi Barnea, Director of Operations and Administration Ayelet Zelig, Director of Programs
L e g al B E R L I N R a m er Inst itute
Deidre Berger, Director Fabian Weissbarth, Public Affairs Officer
M E DI A R E L AT I O N S
Kenneth Bandler, Director
T R A N SAT L A N TI C I N S T IT U T E , BRUSSELS
Daniel Schwammenthal, Director Joshua Goodman, Program Director
O F F I C E O F G OV E R N M E N T & I N T E R N ATI O N A L A F FA I R S
JACO B B L AU S T E I N I N S T IT U T E FO R T H E A DVA N C E M E N T O F H U M A N R IGH T S
Jason Isaacson, Acting Chief Policy Officer & Director, OGIA Aaron Jacob, Associate Director, International Affairs Andrew Baker, Director, International Jewish Affairs Richard Foltin, Director, National and Legislative Affairs Dina Siegel Vann, Director, Latino and Latin American Affairs Juan Dircie, Associate Director, Miami, Latino and Latin American Affairs Stephanie Guiloff, Associate Director, Latino and Latin American Affairs Ann Schaffer, Director, Belfer Center for American Pluralism Ellen Carmell, Director, Bridging America Eliseo Neuman, Director, Africa Institute John Thomason, Chief Administrative Officer of OGIA Julie Fishman, Assistant Legislative Director Chelsea Hanson, Assistant Director for Immigration Policy Maia Blume, Diplomatic Outreach Coordinator Lauren Kimmel, International Affairs Advocacy and Research Coordinator
Felice Gaer, Director Christen Broecker, Associate Director Marra Guttenplan, Advocacy/Editorial Officer CO U N T RY R E P R E S E N TATIV E S
Muriel Asseraf, São Paulo, Brazil Lisa Palmieri-Billig, Rome and the Holy See Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, Paris Priya Tandon, Mumbai, India R U S S I A N J E WI S H CO MM U N IT Y A F FA I R S
Samuel Kliger, Director WI L L I A M P E T S C H E C K CO N T E M P O R A RY J E WI S H L I F E D E PA R T M E N T
Steven Bayme, Director DIVI S I O N O F A N T I -S E MIT I S M & E X T R E MI S M
Kenneth Stern, Director
Marc Stern, General Counsel Betty Robbins, Special Counsel Avital Blanchard, Assistant Counsel FI N A N C E , IT, Fac i l iti es , & C A M PA IG N R E CO R D S
Richard Hyne, Chief Financial Officer Daniel Goldwater, Controller Jeffrey Gass, Finance Manager Romeo Dapito, Senior Accountant Jane Sia, Senior Accountant Valerie Blair, Accountant Carolina Segovia, Account/Systems Coordinator Sharon Chiu, Payroll Administrator David Farron, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer Ruth Harenchar, Chief Information Officer Yukihiro Urisaka, Network Administrator Adam Sundel, Technical Services Administrator Derrick Shearer, Senior Business Analyst Mark Wilson, Business Analyst Candice Price, Managed Desktop Administrator Simcha M. Druck, RE Application Analyst Linda Lansky, Director, Facilities Amy Magdalin, Assistant Director, Facilities Michael Picozzo, Mailroom/Printshop Manager C enter for J e w i s h R esearc h
DIVI S I O N O n MIDD L E E A S T & I N T E R N ATI O N A L T E R R O R I S M
Yehudit Barsky, Director
I N T E R N ATI O N A L I N T E R R E L IGI O U S A F FA I R S
Charlotte Bonelli, Director
David Rosen, Director James Rudin, Sr. Consultant
HUMAN RESOURCES
I N T E R R E LIGI O U S & I N T E R G R O U P R E L AT I O N S
Noam Marans, Director Emily Soloff, Associate Director Ephraim Gabbai, Assistant Director
Janet Becker, Director Shifra Sharbat, Human Resources and Employee Relations Manager Sala Schmigelski, Human Resources and Benefits Manager Sarah Page, Human Resources and Benefits Associate (as of March 2013)
24
AJ C L ea d ersh i p a n d S u p p o r t — A J C 2 0 1 2
regional offices and international partners H e a d q ua r t e r s
Jacob Blaustein Building 165 East 56 Street New York, NY 10022 Regional Offices
Kansas C i t y
Was h i n g ton , D.C .
E urope
David T. Rudman, MD, President Marvin Szneler, Regional Director
David Farber, President Melanie Maron Pell, Regional Director Jason Harris, Assistant Regional Director Ivy Fields, Regional Development Director
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS)
Lon g Islan d
Michael Ettinger, President Robert Socolof, Regional Director
Westc h ester
A r izona
Vicki Cabot, President Atlanta
Leonard Silverstein, President Dov Wilker, Regional Director Lindsay Hirsch, Assistant Regional Director Amanda LaKier, Regional Director, Development Brad Pilcher, Assistant Director, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Balt i m ore
Elliott Rose, President Scott Richman, Regional Director Jill Friedman, Associate Regional Director Vicki Kline, Associate Development Director
Los A n g eles
Clifford P. Goldstein, President Mark Diamond, Regional Director Gosia Weiss, Assistant Director, International Relations Michael Aurit, Assistant Director, Communications and Advocacy Sanaz Meshkinfam, Assistant Director, Interreligious & Intergroup Relations Janice Pitler, Assistant Regional Director, Development Chanelle Ohayon-Crosby, Leadership Development Coordinator
Howard Rosenbloom, Liaison M i a m i an d Browar d Count y Boston
Michael L. Tichnor, President Rob Leikind, Regional Director Rebecca Keys, Assistant Director and Chief of Staff, Boston Diane Lieberman, Assistant Director for Program and Advocacy Synthia Wayne, Director, Development C h i cag o
Jack Levin, President Jonathan Schweitzer, Interim Regional Director Jane Charney, Assistant Regional Director Myrna Frankel, Regional Director, Development Anna Glazer, Assistant Development Director Goldie Langer, Assistant Director, Development and Donor Relations C i nc i nnat i
Michael Safdi, M.D., President Barbara Glueck, Regional Director
Leonard Wien, President Brian Siegal, Regional Director Michael Winograd, Assistant Regional Director
Michael Feldstein, President, Central New Jersey Amy Reisen Freundlich, President, Metro New Jersey John Rosen, Regional Director Amy Hollander, Assistant Director, Communications and Outreach Allison Sachs Klein, Assistant Director, Development
Colora d o
Natalie Goldman, Co-President Roberta Klein, Co-President Matthew Leebove, Acting Regional Director Dallas
Gary Eisenstat, President Anna Popp, Regional Director Detro it
Bryant Frank, President Kari Alterman, Regional Director Houston
Helene Zadok, President Randall Czarlinsky, Regional Director Matthew Kahn, Assistant Regional Director
g uate m ala
Comunidad Judia de Guatemala L at v i a
Jewish Community of Latvia Mex i co
Susan Jacobson, President Brian Lipton, Regional Director/ Development Director
Tribuna Israelita Morocco
I n d e p e n d e n t A f f i l i at e s
Conseil des Communautés Israélites du Maroc
M i lwau k ee A rea J e w i s h Co m m ittee
Pana m a
Harriet McKinney, Director
Consejo Ejecutivo de la Comunidad Judia de Panamá
P itts b ur g h A rea J e w i s h Co m m ittee
P eru
Asociación Judía del Perú P olan d
Union of Jewish Religious Communities P ortu g al
O re g on A rea J e w i s h Co m m ittee
Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa (CIL)
Amy Geoffroy, Development Coordinator
R o m an i a
I n t e r n ati o n a l Pa r t n e r s A r g ent i na
N e w Yor k
Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA)
Betty Cotton, President Michael Schmidt, Regional Director Shira Loewenberg, Associate Regional Director/Director of International Affairs Danielle Cohen, Assistant Regional Director
Austral i a
Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS)
O ran g e Count y Bulg ar i a
Susan Glass, President
Federation of Jewish Communities S lova k R epu b l i c
Union of Jewish Religious Communities S out h A fr i ca
South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) S pa i n
Federación de Communidades Israelitas de España
Shalom
S w itzerlan d
Gary Betensky, President Rachel Miller, Regional Director/ Development Director
C ana da
Fédération Suisse des Communautés Israélites
P h i la d elp h i a / S out h ern N e w J erse y
C h i le
C le v elan d
Seth Briskin, President Lee C. Shapiro, Regional Director Jennifer Kaplan, Program and Development Assistant
Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS)
West Coast F lor i da
Deborah Fidel, Director Susan Simons, Director of Youth Programming Sarah Shotland, Director of Marketing and Communications
N e w J erse y
Greece
Pal m Beac h Count y
Canadian Federation of Jewish Students (CFJS)
Comité Representativo de Entidades Judías Chile (CREJ)
Morton Simon, President Marcia Bronstein, Interim Regional Director/Development Director Vlad Khaykin, Assistant Regional Director
Colo m b i a
Centro Israelita de Bogota Costa R i ca
T un i s i a
Communaute Juive de Tunisie T ur k e y
Turkish Jewish Community (TJC) Venezuela
Confederación de Asociaciones Israelitas de Venezuela (CAIV)
S t. Lou i s
Centro Israelita Sionista
worl dw i d e
Benjamin Hulsey, President Nancy Lisker, Regional Director
C zec h R epu b l i c
World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS)
The Federation of Jewish Communities
San F ranc i sco
Nancy Weil Price, President Mervyn Danker, Regional Director Jennah Craig, Assistant Regional Director
E L SA LVA D O R
Comunidad Israelita de El Salvador E ston i a
S eattle
Jewish Community of Estonia
Amy Ragen, President Wendy Rosen, Regional Director
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(as of March 2013)
A J C 2 0 1 2 — Tre a s u re r ’s R e p or t
treasurer ’s report
As Treasurer of AJC, I am pleased to submit this report of AJC’s financial condition and financial activity for 2012. We are very appreciative of the contributions from new and longstanding donors who have kindly and generously supported the important work of AJC. AJC’s unrestricted contributions, membership dues, and legacies and bequests in 2012 of $36.3 million increased by $2.1 million as compared to 2011, which together with continued tight control over operating expenses, resulted in an operating surplus of $3.9 million, before a $5.6 million non-operating charge for increased pension and other benefit obligations. This non-operating charge was required primarily to increase the underfunded pension plan liability recorded in the financial statements due to lower interest rates used to calculate the future pension obligation. AJC’s temporarily restricted contributions in 2012 of $7.9 million increased $2.2 million as compared to 2011. AJC also benefited in 2012 from very strong returns of $7.2 million on its endowment investments. Net assets released from restrictions in support of AJC’s operations totaled $10.1 million. The operating surplus along with the gains on investments more than offset the nonoperating charge and net assets released from restrictions, which primarily resulted in a net increase in AJC’s net assets of $2.6 million to $102.9 million at December 31, 2012. AJC’s Balance Sheet remained strong. AJC’s total assets of $135.3 million exceeded total liabilities of $32.4 million, which resulted in the total net assets of $102.9 million. Current assets of $41.0 million exceeded current liabilities of $9.7 million by $31.3 million, indicating a favorable liquidity position. AJC continues to pursue revenue growth from all sources, which will further enhance its financial strength and allow for expansion of the vital work it does each and every day. AJC will continue to act in a fiscally responsible manner to safeguard all of its assets. We thank you for your support of the vital work of AJC. AJC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, tax ID # 13-5563393.
Richard L. Berkman Treasurer
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Trea su rer’s R ep o r t — A J C 2 0 1 2
financial report AJC, Institute of Human Relations, Thanks to Scandinavia , and Transatlantic Institute
C o n solidated B ala n ce S heets , D ecember 3 1 , 2 0 1 2 a n d 2 0 1 1 (in thousands) A SS E TS
C o n solidated S tateme n ts of Acti v ities , Years E n ded D ecember 3 1 , 2 0 1 2 a n d 2 0 1 1 (in thousands)
2012
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 14,673
Contributions receivable, net Investments, at fair value
2011 $
99,411
Prepaid expenses and other assets
707
650
Beneficial interest in third party trust
2,646
-
Fixed assets, net
6,662
Total assets
$ 135,320 2
2011
O p e r ati n g R e v e n u e
12,858 93,420
2012
NET ASSETS
13,412
11,221
1
CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED
Contributions and special events, net $ 33,987
$ 31,299
Membership dues
1,848
2,262
Legacies and bequests
504
595
Investment income
6,406
$ 126,746
and net gains on investments
399
503
Other income
1,437
1,222
Net assets released from restrictions
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Total operating revenue
Li a b i l iti e s
Accounts payable
10,134
10,225
48,309
46,106
O p e r ati n g E x p e n s e s
and accrued expenses
$
5,593
$
5,138
Program services (33,938) (33,330)
Accrued pension and other benefit obligations
24,793
19,220
Liability under
Supporting services
(10,462)
Total operating expenses
(44,400)
(43,027)
(9,697)
3,909
3,079
(5,578)
(1,940)
1,139
Excess of operating revenue
split-interest agreements
2,025
2,048
Total liabilities
32,411 2
26,406
over operating expenses N o n o p e r ati n g It e m
Increase in accrued pension
Net Assets
Unrestricted
6,520
8,189
Temporarily restricted3
37,592
33,360
Permanently restricted (corpus)
58,797
Total net assets
102,909
100,340
Total liabilities and net assets
$ 135,320
$ 126,746
and other benefit obligations Increase/(decrease) in
58,791
unrestricted net assets
(1,669)
C H A N G E S I N T E M P O R a R I LY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
1 Includes investment funds that invest in 1-3 year U.S. Treasury index funds. 2 Current assets of $41,007 exceed current liabilities of $9,680 by $31,327. 3 Includes unexpended gains on endowments
Contributions
7,857
5,678
Investment return
7,246
(3,185)
Net assets released from restrictions (10,134) (10,225)
combi n ed e x pe n se allocatio n s , y ear e n ded D ecember 3 1 , 2 0 1 2 (in thousands)
Other
(737)
(28)
4,232
Increase/(decrease) in temporarily restricted net assets
(7,760)
C H A N G E S I N P E R M A N E N T LY RESTRICTED NET ASsETS
Contributions
6
program
Other
-
ser v ices
Increase/(decrease) in corpus of permanently restricted net assets
6
(19)
total
T otal e x penses
$44,400
$33,938
50 (69)
SU M MARY OF NET ASSETS
Increase/(decrease) in net assets 76% Total Program Services 15% Fundraising 9% Management and General
42% Regional Offices/
Local Advocacy
35% International Affairs 8% Public Relations,
Strategic Communications
6% Interreligious and
Intergroup Affairs
5% National Affairs 3% Contemporary Jewish Life 1% Other
27
2,569 (6,640)
Net assets at beginning of year
100,340
106,980
Net assets at end of year
$ 102,909
$ 100,340
president’s cabinet L ester C row n , c h a i r
S h erry L ans i n g
S . Dan i el A b ra h a m
L eonar d A . L au d er
J effre y S . Ber g
R alp h L auren
E li Broa d
Marti n Li pton
Matt h e w Buc k s bau m
Bernar d Marcus
Ja m es S . C row n
J osep h N eu bauer
Barry D i ller
Morr i s W. O ffit
Jac k Far b er
A l b ert B . R atner
Paul Fi re m an
S tep h en R o b ert
S tep h en Fr i e d m an
Henry Sa m ueli
R onal d J . G i dw itz
Mur i el S i e b ert
M i c h ael Goul d
S h el d on H . S olow
A lan C . Green b er g
S te v en S p i el b er g
J . Ira Harr i s
Lou i s B . S us m an
K i n g Harr i s
A . A lfre d Tau b m an
S . R o g er Horc h ow
Morry We i ss
Fre d er i c k A . Kli n g enste i n
L esli e H . Wexner
Henry R . Krav i s
Written with: Alissa Kaplan Michaels/Michaels Communications Designed by: NR2154 This report was printed ON finch fine using 10% post-consumer waste — 100% recyclable www.ajc.org
AJC’S MISSION To enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values around the world.
Jacob Blaustein Building 165 East 56 Street New York, NY 10022 www.ajc.org
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