Farewell to Dr. Misha Galperin | CEO of JAFI

The Jewish Agency for Israel has announced that Dr. Misha Galperin, President and CEO of its External Affairs arm, Jewish Agency International Development (JAID), will be stepping down at the end of his five-year term in June of 2015. Click here to read the official press release. 

The Jewish Agency for Israel has announced that Dr. Misha Galperin, President and CEO of its External Affairs arm, Jewish Agency International Development (JAID), will be stepping down at the end of his five-year term in June of 2015.

Dr. Galperin, formerly CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and COO of UJA-Federation of New York, was recruited to build The Jewish Agency’s resource development and marketing operations worldwide. According to Sharansky: "Misha's commitment to the Jewish People and his vision of what it takes to strengthen the global Jewish family were essential drivers of his success within The Jewish Agency. He was a true comrade-in-arms in our quest to connect and inspire Jews worldwide with their people, their heritage, and their Land."

During Dr. Galperin's tenure, he oversaw the growth of philanthropic revenues from donors beyond the Agency’s traditional funding sources. In 2014, contributions from donors other than JFNA and Keren Hayesod reached approximately $40 million. According to Chuck Ratner, Chairman of the Agency’s Board of Governors: "Misha's creativity, energy, and professionalism transformed The Jewish Agency's culture to become donor-sensitive while continuing to be mission driven. His success with individual donors and foundations and his leadership of the team he created have revolutionized the Agency's ability to raise funds and attract supporters".

In looking back over his five years with The Jewish Agency -- much of it traveling around the globe -- Dr. Galperin observed that "I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish, but I am looking forward to spending more time with my young kids and my wife. I also look forward to resuming my work as an advisor to major philanthropists and foundations, and to writing and teaching. I wish The Jewish Agency well, as it continues to carry out its sacred work.”

In commenting on the notice of Galperin's departure from the Jewish Agency, Michael Sonduck, CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, said, "I have known and worked with Misha for many years. His personal story, commitment, and accomplishments serve as inspiration for all of us who work for the Jewish people."