American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) announces the appointment of Ben Pery as chief executive officer, effective Nov. 3.
An alumnus of Tel Aviv University (TAU) and a seasoned nonprofit executive, Pery brings a deeply personal connection to TAU and a bold plan to expand AFTAU’s reach, deepen donor engagement and boost the transformative partnership with American supporters.
“Tel Aviv University is part of my DNA; I am the third generation in my family to study there, and I studied for three degrees,” he said. “This is where my values were shaped, where I first experienced Israel’s global spirit, and where I saw the power of innovation and resilience. To now lead AFTAU is both a profound honor and a personal mission: to ensure that American philanthropy helps fuel TAU’s boldest ambitions for Israel and the world.”
Pery is widely recognized for his transformational leadership.
As CEO of Momentum, he guided the organization through an era of unprecedented growth, scaling it by more than 1,500% into a $20 million-plus global movement that now reaches Jewish women and families in more than 40 countries. Under his leadership, Momentum became a recognized force for Jewish identity and continuity, launching innovative programs, building high-level partnerships and cultivating major philanthropic support.
Before that, Pery served as vice president of operations at the Peres Center for Peace; practiced corporate and commercial law at Barnea & Co.; and founded the Israel Educational Travel Alliance, a network of 100-plus organizations collaborating on Israel engagement.
At AFTAU, his mission will be to mobilize American philanthropy and partnerships to advance TAU’s most ambitious goals, from driving breakthrough research in medicine, technology, climate and cybersecurity, among others, to fostering resilience, democratic values and global leadership.
His vision is to grow AFTAU into a $100 million annual fundraising organization, expand alumni engagement across the United States and position TAU as the premier global university partner for American donors.
“Investing in Tel Aviv University is investing in Israel’s future—in healing, discovery and hope. Together with our supporters, AFTAU will build a movement that stands with Israel and shapes the next era of global innovation,” Pery said.
AFTAU will focus on three pillars: reconnect, reimagine and rebuild. It aims to strengthen emotional and philanthropic ties among American supporters and alumni while positioning itself as a thought-leadership platform and expanding its capacity, outreach and fundraising to meet the university’s growing global influence.
“Ben is the right leader at the right time,” said Dr. Garry A. Rayant, chairman of the board of directors of AFTAU. “He combines a strategic growth mindset with a lifelong passion for TAU and Israel. His ability to inspire people and build global partnerships makes him uniquely suited to lead AFTAU forward.”
