Mark Mellman, co-founder of Democratic Majority For Israel and a veteran political pollster and advisor, died on Nov. 19 following an illness, according to a statement released by DMFI on Friday. He was 70 years old.
Mellman was “a brilliant political strategist whose intellect and acumen shaped DMFI from the beginning,” the organization stated.
DMFI added that “Mark was not only a deep policy mind but a passionate advocate for American democracy, its institutions, the rule of law, as well as for the security and prosperity of Israel.”
“His leadership and courage in difficult political moments helped turn DMFI into a formidable organization that continues to serve as an essential voice in Washington and in the pro-Israel community across the country,” the statement read.
In addition to his work with DMFI, Mellman founded The Mellman Group, a polling and opinion research firm, and was a past president of the American Association of Political Consultants. He also advised and coordinated political campaigns for a range of officials from former Sen. Harry Reid to former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.
“Mark embodied a love of the strong, successful, democratic Israel we believe in and worked tirelessly to secure the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States,” wrote Lapid, who credited Mellman’s guidance in his 2013 ascension in Israeli politics.
“His contribution to the Jewish people is far greater than most people will ever know,” he stated.
Jon Ralston, a Nevada-based journalist who followed Reid’s career, called Mellman “a mensch” and a “thoughtful, consummate pro, skilled in what has become a lost art.”
Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, wrote that he “always had tremendous respect” for Mellman.
“Mark was brilliant and savvy, wise and gracious. A rare combination in the world of politics,” wrote Nathan Diament, executive director for public policy for the Orthodox Union.
Mellman helped form DMFI in January 2019. In July of that year, the group formed a political action committee, DMFI PAC, which supports the campaigns of pro-Israel Democratic candidates.
A frequent election commentator and TV and print analyst, Mellman stepped down from his leadership role at DMFI in April.
Alma Hernandez, an Arizona state representative who served on the DMFI board, said those familiar with Mellman “know that he was one sharp, good man and an amazing pollster.”
“The news of Mark Mellman’s passing away is devastating. He will be sorely missed, especially within the pro-Israel community,” wrote Todd Richman, co-founder and former co-chair of DMFI.
“His stature, intellect, knowledge of the issues, his ability to understand trends and his overall credibility helped make Democratic Majority for Israel into the powerhouse that it is today,” Richman stated.
A congregant and trustee at Kesher Israel synagogue, a Modern Orthodox community in Washington, Mellman is survived by his wife, Mindy, three children and grandchildren.
