Keren Hayesod appoints Ambassador Eli Vered Hazan as next World Chairman

Ambassador Eli Vered Hazan has been appointed the new World Chairman of Keren Hayesod, the organization announced Monday. Hazan, who currently serves as Israel’s Ambassador to Singapore, will succeed Sam Grundwerg, who has led the organization for the past eight years.

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Eli brings impressive public leadership experience and years of service to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, and I have no doubt he will lead Keren Hayesod successfully.

Hazan previously served as Vice President for Public Diplomacy at the Jerusalem Institute of Justice. Keren Hayesod stated that he "played a key role in strengthening Israel’s international relations and deepening ties with leaders and Jewish communities around the world." Sam Grundwerg praised Hazan's "impressive public leadership experience and years of service to the State of Israel and the Jewish people," expressing confidence in his ability to lead Keren Hayesod successfully.

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it has been a privilege to lead this organization over the past eight years, and I am proud of what we have achieved-especially in strengthening ties with Jewish communities and Christian friends of Israel, while significantly increasing our fundraising results.

Grundwerg reflected on his tenure, calling it a "privilege" and expressing pride in the organization's achievements, particularly in strengthening ties with Jewish communities and Christian friends of Israel, alongside significant fundraising increases. The appointment followed a "thorough and extensive process" and required formal approvals from various bodies within the World Zionist Organization and Keren Hayesod.

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Eli brings exceptional diplomatic experience, profound commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and a strong record of leadership and professional excellence.

Hazan described the appointment as a "great honor" and expressed his "confidence in me expressed by Keren Hayesod’s leadership." He thanked Grundwerg for his "outstanding leadership" and stated his intention to "build on this strong foundation for the benefit of the people of Israel." Bruce Leboff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, congratulated Hazan, citing his "exceptional diplomatic experience, profound commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and a strong record of leadership and professional excellence."

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The appointment is a 'great honor,' says Hazan