Jerusalem, August 14, 2024 – Yehuda Setton has been elected CEO of The Jewish Agency for Israel by a nomination committee led by Jewish Agency Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog. He will replace Amira Ahronoviz, who has held the position for the past six years, commencing in October.

Setton, 42, has held a series of senior positions at The Jewish Agency. He currently serves as COO and chief program officer, managing the organization’s global activities in 66 countries. Over the past 16 years, Setton has held a long series of positions at The Jewish Agency’s headquarters and in the field, including as director of the Shlichut (Israeli emissaries) unit. He holds a master’s degree in Israel studies, with a focus on American Judaism, from University of Haifa, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in human resources and management from the College of Management.

Setton will replace Ahronoviz at the end of her six-year term as CEO and after her 30 years of work at The Jewish Agency. During this period, Ahronoviz held a variety of positions at the organization with its chairman at the time, President of Israel Isaac Herzog, as well as with current Chairman Almog, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel, and Chairman of The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors Mark Wilf.

“I thank Amira Ahronoviz for leading The Jewish Agency through challenging times and global crises with commitment, professionalism, and extraordinary vision,” Almog said. “The mark she left on the organization is priceless and will contribute to the success of The Jewish Agency forever. I am confident Yehuda Setton’s extensive experience across The Jewish Agency’s operations will contribute to his success in his new position and know he will continue to lead the organization’s work with great dedication.”

He added, “These days, the role of The Jewish Agency is all the more essential in the face of the complex reality in which we find ourselves. Together with our partners at the World Zionist Organization, The Jewish Federations of North America, and Keren Hayesod, we will continue to work toward the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the State of Israel, to bring tens of thousands of Olim to Israel, to strengthen Israeli society, and to connect Jewish communities around the world to one another and to Israel toward a prosperous and unified future for the entire Jewish people.”

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About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.