(The following is from The Jewish Agency, which is funded by United Jewish Communities, major Jewish federations in North America — including the Jewish Federation of New Mexico — Keren Hayesod, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, foundations and donors from Israel and around the world.

His name is synonymous with struggle and survival in the face of evil and hatred. Internationally recognized as a human rights activist, accomplished author, acclaimed statesman and esteemed politician, Nathan Sharansky’s iconic history is now set to merge with the Jewish Agency: Following the Nomination Committee’s approval, Natan Sharansky will be presented for election to Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency at our Board of Governor’s Closing Plenary on Thursday June 25th.

20th century Jewish history is deeply intertwined with Sharansky’s personal experience, from anti-semitism and persecution to aliyah and even government. Older generations of Jews and Christians around the world stood by Sharansky when he most needed our vocal outcries of support demanding his freedom. While younger generations know him as an enlightened politician and speaker, including number eleven on the list of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2005 in the “Scientists and Thinkers” category.

As we look back on 80 years of the Jewish Agency’s exciting, challenging and extraordinary accomplishments, Sharansky’s appointment offers a new promise for our collective future. His personal experiences and professional achievements coincide directly with our central mission: from strengthening Jewish identity to rescuing Jews in distress, and from advancing aliyah to securing a strong Jewish peoplehood.

With great pride and deep respect in our hearts, we are proud to call upon Natan Sharansky as the Jewish Agency’s Chairman of the Executive. May we go from strength to strength together in the coming years of our joint venture.
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