The American Jewish Committee (AJC) Los Angeles named former Anti-Defamation League Midwest Regional Director Richard Hirschhaut as their new director on Sept. 3, his first day on the job.
Hirschhaut has also served as the executive director and founder of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center from 2004-2014, senior director of external relations at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee from Aug. 2014 to Jan. 2017 and the American Friends of the Rambam Medical Center National Executive Director from Feb. 2017 to Jan. 2019.
During his tenure with the Illinois Holocaust Museum, Hirschhaut co-produced the Emmy-award-winning 2014 documentary “Skokie: Invaded But Not Conquered” about the neo-Nazi march in Skokie, Ill. in the 1970s. He was also a contributing blogger for the Times of Israel discussing Israel and healthcare.
AJC CEO David Harris said in a statement, “We are excited that Rick Hirschhaut will be bringing his depth of experience and passion for the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel to AJC. A strong and vibrant AJC Los Angeles is crucial to advancing our global mission and we look forward to Rick’s leadership in achieving these important objectives.”
Hirschhaut said in a statement he was “humbled” to be selected for the appointment.
“We are reminded of the urgency of AJC’s mission every day. With dedicated leadership and talented professional staff, we will confront the incivility of our times by standing with communities facing the sting of intolerance,” Hirschhaut said. “Our focus will be upon the issues that matter most – combating rising anti-Semitism and extremism, defending Israel’s place in the world, and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all people. I am excited for the opportunity to build greater support for AJC’s informed advocacy.”
