Today is my first day on the job as the new CEO of the IAC, and I want to begin my tenure by thanking you. This wonderful organization is making an impact every day by building a stronger Israeli-American and Jewish-American community, and your support and partnership are critical to making that happen. I am so very grateful to you!
It warms my heart when our friends describe what it is about the IAC that most inspires them. For some, it’s the joyous sense of community and affection that defines our events. For others, it’s the transformative impact we make on our kids, who become prouder Jews and bolder Zionists because of our programs. Some say it’s the power of our National Summits, which assemble top global influencers to address the great issues of our times. For others still, it’s our contributions to American society, for example, through our training of hundreds of public school teachers or our advocacy in the fight against antisemitism.
Whichever aspect of the IAC most touches us, we are blessed to be able to nurture a movement that has done so much to nurture us.
Over the coming months, I look forward with great eagerness to visiting our many regions, meeting our stakeholders and superb staff, further strengthening our programs and partnerships, and working with you to build our future together. My travels begin tomorrow morning, so I’m hitting the ground running!
The IAC has already accomplished so much in so short a time. I am excited to explore with you the many ways we can capture our remarkable potential and chart an even greater future, including by promoting Jewish continuity, deepening Israeli-American identity, and ensuring an ever-stronger U.S.-Israel alliance.
Two IAC leaders no longer with us have meant more to me than I can fully describe. My stepfather, Nissan Pardo, z”l, was one of the founders of the IAC, and my mentor, Sheldon Adelson, z”l, adopted the IAC as one of his beloved causes. I miss both of them very much, and I will work every day to be worthy of all they have done for me and the IAC. I am so proud that my mother, Carmella Pardo, can watch me continue my parents’ legacy. And I am deeply grateful for the support and friendship of Dr. Miriam Adelson, whose commitment to this cause is an inspiration to us all.
A special thank you to the great leaders who sit on our national board and regional councils, as well as to our many donors, whose investments are so essential to our mission. To my friend, Shoham Nicolet, whose leadership turned the IAC into a national powerhouse: It is a true honor to follow you in this role and build upon your magnificent work. We love you, and we will never be able to repay you for everything you have done for us. And behatzlacha in your exciting new role in the private sector.
At this moment, we are celebrating a holiday whose very essence is the feeling of joy that comes from Jewish community. The Talmud teaches us that “it is fitting for all of Israel to sit in one sukkah.” (Sukkah 27b.) Achieving this level of spiritual unity would require nothing less than a perfect community: Love for our fellows, an abiding commitment to our heritage and to Godliness, an embrace of communal responsibility, and the joyful celebration of being connected with one another.
These are the values and aims that define the IAC. I could not be prouder to share that cause with each of you!
Mo’adim LeSimha,
Elan S. Carr
IAC Chief Executive Officer