Elias Saratovsky, who participated in Birthright’s inaugural trip to Israel in 1999-2000, has been named the new president and CEO of the Birthright Israel Foundation.
Saratovsky, who will start the new position on Sept. 1, has worked at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for more than two decades, most recently as national director of regional affairs.
“I remember standing at Birthright’s Mega-Event in Jerusalem alongside thousands of other young Jewish adults from all over the world. That trip shaped my identity and helped me realize that Israel is a central part of our history and our collective Jewish consciousness,” he stated.
Charles Bronfman, the co-founder of Birthright, said that Saratovsky “brings both the skills necessary for this role and a real understanding of the magic of this program.”
“I look forward to leading this organization—one that so greatly impacted my life—as we work to provide tens of thousands of young Jewish adults every year with life-changing experiences in Israel,” stated Saratovsky.
