The first Druze woman to anchor a newscast in Hebrew on Israeli TV. The first Druze woman to become a Member of the Knesset. And now the first Druze senior Shlichah (Israeli emissary) to represent The Jewish Agency for Israel, in collaboration with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh has been a pioneer on many fronts in Israel and she will now join the more than 2,000 Jewish Agency Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) stationed in over 60 countries and the 10 Shlichim already working in the Greater Washington region.

“I believe the time has come for all segments of Israeli society to be active partners in shaping global consciousness and that my unique identity as a woman from the Druze community will greatly contribute to my service – resulting in meaningful and innovative activities that will challenge and change perceptions,” stated Gadeer. “In the name of pluralism and diversity, we will work to connect, bridge and emphasize what we have in common, for our country and for our future.”

Gadeer earned a degree from Bar Ilan University and a master’s degree with honors from Haifa University. She then attended the Reshet School for TV Professions in Israel, and in 2011, began working for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC), where she hosted a program in Arabic focusing on the social and cultural issues of Arab youth in Israel. In 2015, Gadeer was chosen to host IPBC’s daily newscast in Arabic, and in 2017, she began anchoring its main (Hebrew) Saturday evening newscast, as well as a nightly newscast.

In April 2019, Gadeer became a Member of Knesset, where she served until April 2021. During her tenure, she chaired multiple groups, including the Caucus for the Advancement of Druze Women. She was a member of the Interior and Environment Committee, the Advancement of Women’s Status and Gender Equality Committee, and of the special committee for fighting crime within the Arab sector.

“Gadeer’s personal and professional journey make her a powerful embodiment of Israeli society’s diversity and complexity. We are thrilled that this unprecedented appointment will bring greater awareness regarding that diverse landscape to the US as part of our efforts to strengthen understanding of Israel worldwide,” said Amira Ahronoviz, The Jewish Agency’s Director General and CEO.

By representing Israel in Washington, DC – arguably the most impactful hub for the intersectional issues prioritized by American Jewry – Gadeer will balance national and local responsibilities to forge meaningful connections between Israel and World Jewry. She will also support Israel engagement efforts on North American college campuses by working closely with The Jewish Agency’s network of Campus Israel Fellows, in cooperation with Hillel International.

“An essential part of Israel’s vibrancy is in the diverse populations who call the country home. We are honored to welcome Gadeer to Greater Washington, where our own vibrant community will benefit from her expertise, background and ability to deepen our connections with Israel and Israelis,” said Gil Preuss, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

“I’m proud and excited to be a partner in bringing about this precedent-setting step,” said Gadeer. “This will enable another Israeli voice to be heard, conveying the multifaceted reality of Israel to both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences throughout North America,”

Learn more about Shlichim