On March 29, the WJC-Israel Executive unanimously elected Hadassa Getsztain as its new chairperson, replacing Gad Arieli, who recently resigned from the position to take up a senior government posting. She is the first woman to chair the Israeli branch.
Hadassa has served on the board for many years representing the Likud and is a member of the WJC Executive. Born in Brazil and raised in Israel, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Hadassa brings to the post a special appreciation of the ties between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora and is strongly committed to enhancing that relationship.
"I hope that Jewish communities overseas will always see WJC-Israel as their partner and Israel as their second home," Getsztain said. "With Passover fast approaching, we are again reminded that we are one people, and of the importance of Jewish unity consonant with the message of WJC President Ronald S. Lauder."