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Jewish Agency for Israel

Russia-Israel tensions have intensified as Moscow appears primed to force the “dissolution” of the agency operations in the country.
“The Kremlin feels absolutely isolated, and is looking for points of weakness,” says the former Jewish Agency chairman.
Even as Moscow threatens to force the “dissolution” of Jewish Agency operations, experts urge Jerusalem to resolve the issue through “secret diplomacy based on common interests.”
Prime Minister Yair Lapid leads a Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, July 24, 2022. Credit: Marc Israel Sellem/POOL.
Israel eyes political repercussions if Russia shuts down Jewish Agency
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid instructed that measures be prepared if agency forced to close • Israeli delegation to Moscow delayed due to a visa hold-up.
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid leads the weekly Cabinet meeting, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on July 24, 2022. Photo by Marc Israel Sellem/POOL.
Lapid: Shuttering Jewish Agency in Russia could have ‘serious impact on diplomatic relations’
A senior Israeli delegation has been instructed to spare no effort to halt a Russian order to cease the Agency’s operations in the country.
The attempt to punish Israel for its stance on the war with Ukraine is “deplorable and offensive. The Jews of Russia cannot be detached from their historical and emotional connection to the State of Israel,” said Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai.
IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog (L) and Mark Wilf (R), who on July 10, 2022 were elected as the Jewish Agency for Israel's new chairman of the executive and chairman of the board, respectively. Credit: Olivier Fitoussi, The Jewish Agency for Israel.
Jewish Agency elects new chairs of its executive and board
Almog previously served as the head of the IDF Southern Command and is known for his work supporting people with disabilities.
“Many have been waiting for decades for this moment; we see it as a central Zionist ideal to make reunions possible,” said Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
The development comes amid tensions centered on Israel’s position on the war in Ukraine.
“We were also looking for someone with stature within Israeli society,” says Dan Elbaum, noting that Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog fits the bill.
Yaakov Hagoel (left), chairs of the Jewish Agency for Israel Nominating Committee and of the World Zionist Organization and Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog. Credit: The Jewish Agency for Israel.
Doron Almog, advocate for those with special needs, to lead Jewish Agency
He previously served as the commander of the Southern Command from 2000 to 2003. He is the founder and chairman of the Adi Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village.
Mark Wilf. Credit: The Jewish Federations of North America.
Jewish Agency for Israel taps Mark Wilf as next board chair
He has long been involved in efforts locally, nationally and globally for the welfare of the Jewish community and the State of Israel.