Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL) will become the new CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in October.
Deutch has been serving in the House of Representatives since 2010 and represents Florida’s 22nd District, which consists of Palm Beach County and Broward County. He also currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, House Judiciary Committee and House Ethics Committee. Prior to serving in Congress, Deutch served as a lay leader in the Jewish Federations of Cleveland and South Palm Beach County and was a member of both AIPAC’s National New Leadership Network and United Jewish Appeal’s National Young Leadership Cabinet.
“Since 2013, my colleagues have selected me to lead our critical foreign policy work in the Middle East. Even as Iran continues its illicit quest for nuclear weapons and support for terror groups worldwide, we are also witnessing a new era of cooperation in the Middle East that brings transformative new opportunities,” Deutch said in a statement on his congressional website. “For me, this foreign policy work has been a natural continuation of my deep ties to the American Jewish community and my long-standing advocacy on behalf of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
“Beyond foreign policy, we have also seen an unprecedented rise in antisemitism in our own country and abroad, and I have been at the forefront of the Congressional response as the founding co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. This critical work, and the opportunity to do it on a global scale, is why I am announcing that I will not be running for re-election to Congress as I have accepted an offer to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer of the American Jewish Committee.
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve our community and to serve our country,” he added. “I have been touched and inspired by so many people I have been privileged to meet. I have seen the good that can be accomplished when we work together, and I am forever hopeful about our future. Serving as your representative has been the greatest honor of my life.”
“I am wholeheartedly committed to furthering AJC’s non-partisan, centrist approach, and will be steadfast in my efforts to advance the organization’s mission.”
– Rep. Ted Deutch
Deutch also said in a statement in the AJC’s announcement: “I am wholeheartedly committed to furthering AJC’s non-partisan, centrist approach, and will be steadfast in my efforts to advance the organization’s mission.
“AJC will continue to defend the global Jewish community whenever and wherever it is threatened – in America, Europe, Latin America, online, on campus, at the United Nations. It will prepare Jewish advocates to boldly and knowledgeably stand against antisemitism and other bigotries. And it will use the talent and power of innovative leaders of all ages to defend Israel’s rightful place in the world and expand the opportunities to transform the Middle East and the world under the Abraham Accords.”
David Harris, the outgoing CEO of the AJC, said in a statement, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and collaborating with Congressman Ted Deutch for years. Apart from being a mensch, he has demonstrated time and again his enduring commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship, the well-being of Jewish communities around the world, the fight against rising antisemitism from a multiplicity of sources, the danger of a nuclear Iran, the protection of democratic values and human dignity, the enhancement of interfaith and interethnic relations, and the importance of bipartisanship — all of which are core priorities of AJC.
“I wish him every success in his future at this amazing, one-of-kind global Jewish organization, and will do everything possible to help ensure a smooth transition.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid also said in a statement that Deutch is “a personal friend” and called him “a fantastic choice” to be the AJC’s new CEO. “His record in Congress advocating for a strong, secure Israel is well-known and I look forward to continuing to work with him to strengthen Israel’s standing in the world.”
The Jewish Democratic Council of America tweeted that Deutch has been “outstanding” as a member of Congress and will be “excellent” as the AJC’s new CEO. “We look forward to continuing to work together to advance our shared values,” they added.
.@TedDeutch has been an outstanding representative for #FL22, one of the largest Jewish populations of any congressional district in the U.S.
He will make an excellent CEO for @AJCGlobal, & we look forward to continuing to work together to advance our shared values. Mazel tov! https://t.co/WuonqhBXcO
— Jewish Dems (@USJewishDems) February 28, 2022
Yad Vashem Chairman Danny Dayan similarly tweeted that “not many persons could be able to succeed a real giant of Jewish leadership like @DavidHarrisAJC. Deutch is one of those very few.”
Mazal Tov to @RepTedDeutch – whom I met last week in @yadvashem – on being appointed @AJCGlobal CEO. Not many persons could be able to succeed a real giant of Jewish leadership like @DavidHarrisAJC. Deutch is one of those very few. https://t.co/UiQwTU7Mon
— Dani Dayan (@AmbDaniDayan) February 28, 2022
