By Elan Carr
LOS ANGELES — Eighteen years ago, the Israeli-American Council was born out of a dream: to unite and empower Israeli-Americans and Jewish Americans, embrace our heritage, and support the State of Israel. With your partnership, that dream has become a vibrant reality.
As we all realize, our world has changed since October 7, and today we face both dangerous threats and unprecedented opportunities. IAC is determined to meet this moment by delivering on our community’s most urgent needs with maximum-impact events and programming.
That’s why we’re proud to announce that over the next five years, IAC’s strategic direction will deepen its focus on community-based activities and programs that promote civic engagement, combat antisemitism, and strengthen Jewish identity across generations. This includes efforts to:
- Keep our families, students, and communities safe, resilient, united, and proud; and
- Keep our elected leaders unabashedly pro-Israel.
These vital priorities demand that we grow bolder, stronger, and more influential than ever before. In short, we will be rooted in community and mobilized for impact.
What does this mean for you?
- More opportunities to come together through inspiring events that empower us in our identity, culture, and connection to Israel.
- More tools and support for communities of every size, ensuring that every Jewish and Israeli-American has a place to belong and a platform from which to exert influence.
- More ways to take action and make our impact felt, from civic engagement and influencing change, to fighting antisemitism and standing proudly for Israel, our community will be able to exert a measurable impact on society around us.
IAC’s strategic focus resulted from a comprehensive six-month evaluation process, during which we engaged nationwide with key stakeholders, partners, and community members to assess our community’s most important priorities. Our strategy is about amplifying our voice, empowering our people, and shaping a safer and stronger future for generations to come.
Here are some of the highlights:
–In the face of historic antisemitism, we will strengthen our national infrastructure to support families, educators, and students in fighting against antisemitic and anti-Israel discrimination in schools, campuses, and community settings. We will expand rapid-response tools that enable community members to share information and mobilize quickly when incidents occur, while also deepening teen engagement and activism.
–To intensify civic engagement, we will broaden our educational initiatives that prepare Israeli-Americans and American Jews to participate effectively in local, state, and national affairs. This includes strengthening the ability of regional chapters to mobilize local communities and expanding leadership training to prepare community members for greater civic impact.
–Additionally, to cultivate Jewish and Israeli identity, the IAC will organize high-impact community gatherings around Jewish and Israeli holidays, expand opportunities for public rallies and commemorations, and build stronger partnerships with other Jewish organizations to counter antisemitic and anti-Israel hatred.
–We will continue to lead major national events that bring together policymakers, cultural and business leaders, and grassroots activists, as well as vibrant celebrations of Jewish and Israeli life that highlight the unique spirit of the Israeli-American community.
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Elan Carr is the Chief Executive Officer of the Israeli-American Council. This article was cosigned by IAC Co