The World Jewish Congress appointed Israeli-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Sylvan Adams as its regional president in the Jewish state during a board meeting in Jerusalem, the NGO said on Sunday.
In this new role, Adams will work to strengthen ties between Jewish communities worldwide and the State of Israel. He will also work to bolster diplomatic support for the country, according to the WJC.
Adams, who will also become a member of the organization’s global Steering Committee, has a long record of leadership and a “steadfast commitment” to the Jewish people and its nation-state, the WJC noted.
The WJC regional president is tasked with forging partnerships with governments and the private sector to strengthen Israel’s international standing and reinforce support among Diaspora Jews in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border terrorist massacre by Hamas.
“I am honored to join WJC-Israel, a body entrusted with the critical task of boosting the essential ties between Jewish communities and the world’s only Jewish state,” Adams said. “At a historic time of great challenges and opportunities, our work is more important than ever.
“We have a responsibility to reinforce Jewish unity and deepen engagement with Israel, ensuring that Jewish communities around the globe feel connected, involved and committed to supporting Israel in meaningful ways. At the same time, we will reciprocally engage with Diaspora communities in their struggle against the ugly antisemitism unleashed by the savage attack on Oct. 7,” he added in his statement.
Since making aliyah in 2016, Adams has been a highly visible advocate for the country on the global stage, playing a key role in organizing significant events, including Lionel Messi’s visits, as well as Madonna’s performance at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.
Adams was also instrumental in bringing the Giro d’Italia’s “Grande Partenza” (Big Start) to Israel in 2019—the largest sporting event in the country’s history.
Adams has also been a strong supporter of scientific and medical innovation in the Jewish state, championing initiatives that highlight its global contributions while improving local healthcare infrastructure.
Through his Sylvan Adams Family Foundation, he has funded numerous Jewish institutions in North America. Two years ago, he was honored with the opportunity to light a torch at Israel’s 75th Independence Day celebrations on Mount Herzl as a representative of Diaspora Jewry.
World Jewish Congress President Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder stated, “Sylvan Adams’ deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people is evident in every aspect of his work.
“As president of WJC-Israel Region, he will play a crucial role in nurturing the bonds between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide at a time when unity and support are more critical than ever,” explained Lauder. “His ability to bring people together and amplify Israel’s standing on the global stage will make him an invaluable asset to the WJC-Israel Region and to the entire Jewish world.”
