Jewish Agency for Israel–North American Council (JAFINA) announced the appointment of Kim M. Heiman, who has spent 25 years in Jewish community life and leadership, as the new chair of its board of directors.
In addition to her service on the JAFINA board, Heiman is a past president of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and past chair of the Cincinnati United Way Campaign. She has also worked as a lay leader with the Jewish Federations of North America’s Young Leadership Cabinet, as well as JFNA’s Global Planning Table, the American Jewish Committee, the Hadassah Foundation, and Bridges for a Just Community. In 2001, The Cincinnati Enquirer named her a “Woman of the Year” and she was honored as “A Woman to Watch” by Jewish Women International in 2011.
JAFINA is a U.S.-based nonprofit created to support the Jewish Agency for Israel and its charitable purposes and activities. Funds raised by JAFINA help bring Jews to experience Israel on short-, medium- and long-term programs; bring Israel to Jewish communities in America and around the world through programs including Partnership 2Gether (P2G), through the work of shlichim “emissaries,” and educational and camping programs; help Jews make aliyah to Israel successfully, whether they are fulfilling lifelong dreams or escaping danger; and assist vulnerable Israelis, including youth-at-risk, new immigrants and victims of terror.
“I am deeply honored to assume this position at a time when JAFINA and The Jewish Agency are responding to Israel and world Jewry’s period of crisis in such a resounding way, by rallying North Americans to support urgent various priorities for the Jewish people,” Heiman said. “So many American Jews want to help at this time of war, as they feel the existential threat that Israel is facing. We are here to answer the call to action.”
Heiman, who succeeds Rachel Hoffer as JAFINA board chair, noted the importance The Jewish Agency’s various initiatives to support Israeli society and build resilience in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, particularly to meet the mental-health needs of young professionals who have been traumatized by the atrocities and to help them get their lives back on track in the workplace and otherwise. She also emphasized the current centrality of Jewish Agency programs like P2G, shlichim, and Masa Israel Journey, which connects Jews around the world with Israel and enable Jews to more comfortably explore and express their Jewish identity in challenging times.
“The Jewish Agency’s shlichim play a crucial role in educating the world about the unique position that Israel is in,” Heiman said. “Simultaneously, young Jews and supporters of Israel on campus and elsewhere need safe spaces where they can learn more about Israel and get engaged.”
As chair, Heiman said she will strive to help raise greater awareness around the Jewish Agency’s program and to educate both the Jewish community and the broader public about the full scope of the organization’s work and impact.
“We are incredibly honored and excited to have Kim take on the role of chair of our North American council at this critical time for people of Israel and Jews around the world,” said Dan Elbaum, head of North America at The Jewish Agency, and president and CEO of Jewish Agency International Development. “Kim is a consensus builder who leads by example and has the respect and admiration of her North American fellow lay leaders, as well as our senior leadership in Israel. I look forward to working closely with her to advance The Jewish Agency’s mission and attracting more North American Jewish leaders to support our work.”
Heiman is managing director at Standard Textile Company, a leading supplier of innovative products for healthcare and hospitality markets worldwide. She was born in Nashville, where her family has been involved in community work for six generations.
