Mark Wilf is a successful American businessman, philanthropist and community leader whose passion for Jewish continuity and the strength of Israel is deeply personal. As chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), which is holding its annual meeting in Israel this week, Wilf plays a key role in mobilizing global Jewish support for Israel, particularly in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.
“It’s the firehouse that needs to be there when a crisis strikes,” he tells JNS when asked about JAFI’s priorities today. “Whether it’s rescuing Jews from war zones, facilitating aliyah, or strengthening Jewish identity worldwide, the agency is uniquely positioned to mobilize in times of need.”
But Wilf is not just an advocate for Israel—he is also co-owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings, managing the NFL team’s day-to-day operations with the same level of commitment and precision that he applies to Jewish leadership. He also serves as a trustee at Yeshiva University and on the Board of Trust at Vanderbilt University.
Wilf’s dedication to Jewish causes is embedded in his family history. As the son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, he carries with him a profound understanding of Jewish resilience and the necessity of a strong Jewish state. His family’s deep Zionist commitment and philanthropic giving have fueled his own mission: to ensure Jewish survival and prosperity in an increasingly uncertain world.
With antisemitism on the rise and global Jewish communities under threat, Wilf has redoubled his efforts to secure Jewish education, strengthen Jewish identity, and bolster Israel’s security. Under his leadership, the Jewish Agency has expanded its efforts in aliyah, community resilience, and financial support for struggling businesses and communities impacted by conflict.
In this exclusive interview, Wilf shares his vision for the Jewish Agency, his thoughts on the state of global Jewry, and how his experiences in business and professional sports inform his leadership. Calm, deliberate and unwavering in his convictions, Wilf is leading with both head and heart at a time when the Jewish people need it most.
JNS: Mark, you have an incredibly busy schedule, balancing your role as chairman of the Jewish Agency with running a professional sports franchise, among many other commitments. How do you do it?
Wilf: It all comes down to passion and priorities. I’m fortunate to have an incredible support system, especially from my family. My parents and grandparents, Holocaust survivors, taught me what it means to persevere, to fight for the Jewish people, and to ensure that our community remains strong. They passed down a love of Judaism, family, and Israel. That’s what drives me. When you’re working on something you believe in so deeply, you find a way to make it work.
JNS: The Jewish Agency has been central to Jewish life for generations. Why is its work more crucial than ever today?
A: Since October 7, our work has become even more urgent than ever. We’ve already helped over 30,000 Jews make aliyah since that day, and we’re working closely with the Israeli government to streamline the process, digitize applications, and remove barriers for those who want to come home to Israel.
JNS: The October 7 attacks were a turning point for global Jewry. How do you see the Jewish world responding?
A: There’s been an awakening. A tragic one, but an awakening nonetheless. For years, many in the Diaspora felt disconnected from Israel. Some questioned its policies. Some thought they could live safely as Jews without worrying about Zionism. October 7 shattered that illusion. The massive rise in antisemitism worldwide has made it clear: There is no Jewish future without a strong Jewish state.
We’re seeing people who were previously disengaged stepping up. They’re supporting Israel financially. They’re making aliyah. They’re speaking up in their communities. At the Jewish Agency, we’re ensuring that this awakening isn’t temporary. We’re strengthening Jewish education, doubling down on security, and making sure that Jews everywhere understand that Israel’s fight is their fight.
JNS: Speaking of antisemitism, what role does the Jewish Agency play in addressing the crisis facing Jewish communities worldwide?
A: Security is priority No. 1. We’re working with governments and communities to fortify synagogues, schools and Jewish institutions. In North America, we’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for physical security enhancements. In Europe and other regions, we’ve issued over a hundred grants for security upgrades—things like reinforced doors, security cameras and emergency training.
But security isn’t enough. We also need resilience. That’s why we launched JReady, a program that trains Jewish communities to prepare for crises, whether they be physical attacks, political threats or online hate. Education is another pillar—if we don’t understand our own history, we won’t have the strength to fight for our future.
JNS: As someone with extensive experience in business and professional sports, how do you apply those leadership skills to philanthropy and communal work?
A: Leadership is leadership. Whether you’re running a football team, a real estate business or a nonprofit, it comes down to building the right team, setting clear goals and staying disciplined in execution. At the Jewish Agency, we have an incredibly complex structure with multiple partners and stakeholders. There’s a lot of politics, a lot of moving parts. My job is to ensure that despite all that, we stay mission-focused and get the right people in the right positions to make the biggest impact.
JNS: One last question, and I know this is what many of our readers really want to know—who will be the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings next season?
A: (Laughs) Yes, I get that question almost as much as I get asked about Israel’s future! We’re working on it. We just had our scouting combine, and I have a lot of faith in our head coach and general manager. We love the way our football organization is running, and we have a solid plan moving forward. The season starts on March 12 with free agency, and we have about 10 days left to work through our strategy. So stay tuned.
JNS: Mark, it’s always a pleasure speaking with you. Your leadership is an inspiration to so many.
A: Thank you. It’s an honor to serve, and I truly believe that the best days of the Jewish people are still ahead.