WJC President Edgar M. Bronfman
Photo: AP
WJC names Shapiro deputy secretary general
Pinchas Shapiro will direct New York Headquarters office, manage WJC's global affairs
The World Jewish Congress named Pinchas Shapiro Deputy Secretary General of the WJC. The announcement came Tuesday from Secretary General Stephen E. Herbits following two days of meetings in Israel with the WJC Steering Committee and Budget and Finance Commission.
"This appointment solidifies Pinchas' central role in the WJC and recognizes his promising future," said Herbits. "Pinchas was central to the WJC's recently completed institutional transition and its senior leadership is more than confident in his intellectual, political and administrative abilities."
"Pinchas is one of the brightest young leaders I have met," said WJC President Edgar M. Bronfman. "His energy and expertise make him a valuable asset to the WJC and the Jewish people."
As Deputy Secretary General, Pinchas will direct the New York Headquarters office and manage the WJC's global affairs in concert with the Secretary General and senior WJC leaders.
In addition, Pinchas will represent the WJC to relevant governments and organizations will continue to specialize in directing and overseeing the WJC's Security, Counterterrorism and Mid-east Policy; Department of Inter-religious Affairs; and will formally supervise global communications and US fundraising content.
"The right balance of intelligence and political instinct, Pinchas is the kind of competent, committed young leader that all institutions are looking for," said WJC Policy Council Chairman Israel Singer. "He expertly navigates the worlds of politics, diplomacy, religion, academia and media with the skill of a seasoned veteran."
Throughout his tenure at the WJC, Pinchas worked across all divisions of the organization, most recently serving as director of inter-religious affairs and director of special projects on governance and restructuring.
Worked for Clinton
During the past two years, Pinchas was the principal professional working on the restructuring and rebuilding of the governance, administration and operations of the WJC. He also participated in and organized with others numerous international meetings with government and religious leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
An award winning public speaker and accomplished writer, Pinchas came to the WJC after working for the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs in the Department of Health and Human Services during the Clinton Administration. Pinchas also previously worked on Capitol Hill and served as a political strategist on campaigns in the US and Israel.
Pinchas studied at Yeshiva University, Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh in Israel, and the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. He joins WJC Vice President and Deputy Secretary General Dr. Maram Stern of Brussels, Belgium and Chaim Reiss, Director of Finance and Administration as the principal lieutenants to Secretary General Stephen E. Herbits.
