We chose Amy Holtz for her passion, entrepreneurship, business experience and deep commitment to the strength and vitality of the Jewish people.
PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) January 26, 2016
The Israel-Diaspora Initiative today announced Amy Holtz as its Chief Executive Officer. Holtz brings decades of success and experience to her new role.
As CEO, Holtz will lead the Israel-Diaspora Initiative’s collaborative effort to strengthen Jewish identity for the next generation and intensify the connection between world Jewry and the state of Israel.
The Israel-Diaspora Initiative, whose formal name will be announced in the near future, will initially focus on programs with proven success in Jewish identity building, including summer camps, teen trips to Israel, college campus engagement, service learning and career building. One-third of the funds will come from the Government of Israel and the rest will come from philanthropists and the organized Jewish world. In June 2014, the Israeli government approved the funding of NIS 200 million (approximately $70 million) for the Initiative’s first phase.
"The Initiative will be a game changer for the Jewish people throughout the world,” said Holtz. “This effort will inject tremendous resources and energy into organizations and individuals who are doing the best work building Jewish identity across the globe. I am honored to work with our partners to create a strong, unified and secure future for Jews throughout the Diaspora."
Holtz’s appointment is the result of an extensive search process conducted by the Initiative’s Steering Committee. Gary Torgow, chair of the search committee said, “We chose Amy Holtz for her passion, entrepreneurship, business experience and deep commitment to the strength and vitality of the Jewish people. We have great confidence in her ability to lead this Initiative.”
Holtz previously served as president of Jerusalem U, a nonprofit that builds Jewish identity and connection to Israel through films and educational programs. Under her leadership, Jerusalem U grew into an internationally recognized brand that distributes films in 26 countries, educates thousands of students every year and partners with over 600 organizations.
Prior to joining Jerusalem U, Holtz owned, operated and sold a $50 million business, employing 900 people. She also practiced law for a number of years. Holtz holds a law degree from the George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida.
The organization will be based in Philadelphia, where Holtz resides. She will report to the Steering Committee, which consists of philanthropists, representatives of major Jewish organizations, and representatives of the government of Israel.