Israeli American Council

The Israeli American Council is an organisation for Israeli ex-patriots living in the US.

History

It was reportedly founded in Los Angeles in 2007 by a group of Israeli-American businessmen. It was initially called the Israeli Leadership Club and then the Israeli Leadership Council.

In 2014 'as part of a drive to expand from its Los Angeles base to US cities with major concentrations of Israeli expatriates', an office was established in Las Vegas, following the opening of others in Boston and Miami.

Miriam Adelson, wife of Sheldon Adelson is chair of the Las Vegas branch. She said at the launch: 'The Israeli- American Council is changing the landscape of the Jewish community in America… through the full spectrum of educational, cultural, traditional and social programming. We are always thinking of strengthening the Jewish and Israeli identity of future generations and their endless support for the State of Israel'

Activities

Tom Tugend in the Jerusalem Post reports that IAC’s three-fold mission is: 'to support Israel, strengthen Jewish identity among young Israeli-Americans, and enhance communication between the Israeli-American and older Jewish-American communities.'

'Among its major programs are the Israel Independence Festival; Sifriyat Pijama B’America, which distributes Hebrew children’s books throughout the United States; Mishelanu, to set up young leadership groups on college campuses; and Tzav 8, which organizes activists to participate in demonstrations and other pro-Israel activities.'

Supporting other organisations

The IAC's website states that it supports StandWithUs, Act for Israel and Project Interchange as well as Hillel and Garin Tzabar, 'a program that provides assistance and transitional support to Jewish young adults, ages 18-23, who have chosen to move to Israel and serve in the Israeli Defense Forces'.

Affiliations

• StandWithUs
• Act for Israel
• Project Interchange

People

• Miriam Adelson

Contact

Website: IsraeliAmerican.org