We the undersigned represent a political and ideological cross section of young pro-Israel Americans.  We sit on the front lines of fighting the battle for Israel on campus, in the workplace, and in social media.  We face mounting risks, discomfort and alienation in these settings identifying ourselves as Zionists--not because there is anything wrong with Zionism, but rather because how Zionism has come to be defined by the enemies of Israel and the Jewish people of the world.  

Additionally, we will be the ones who inherit the consequences of the decisions that are made at the highest level of Jewish American civil society by organizations particularly the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CoP), the umbrella organization that purports to be the unified Jewish voice on matters of the highest political importance. 

Unity can be a challenge as the political viewpoints of the 51 organizations comprising the CoP vary widely. However, the conference mission statement articulates shared principles beyond any domestic policy differences, including the following: advancing the U.S.- Israel special relationship, ending the anti-Israel bias at the United Nations, and countering the global campaign to delegitimize Israel and the Jewish people. 

Unfortunately, the sole person nominated to be the next chair — Dianne Lob — has never shown herself to be a leader towards accomplishing these goals. We could find no articles in Ms. Lob’s name taking the uncomfortable position of advocating Israel’s perspective in the conflict. In fact, she does not appear to have authored a single public piece on the topic.  

Many young Jewish leaders who have exerted time and energy fighting anti-Semitism on college campuses o have never heard of or have any type of relationship with Ms. Lob.  Her name and work is also new to many of the young professionals who chair boards and committees representing a wide array of Jewish organizations. This lack of connection with the next generation of young leaders is troubling. But when some did their due diligence regarding her track record, the information proved alarming to say the very least! Ms. Lob served as board chair for HIAS from 2016-2019. In the midst of her tenure, HIAS signed a letter of support for Linda Sarsour, a prominent advocate of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS) against the state of Israel.  

This is the same Sarsour who says “there is nothing creepier than Zionism” and who after forging an identity as a supposed human rights activist leading of the Women’s March keynoted a 2017 conference with Rasmea Odeh – a terrorist convicted of bombings in Israel which killed multiple victims. The Women’s March eventually came to recognize Sarsour’s bigotry and removed her from her post.  But the letter signed by HIAS stated, “We will not stand by as Sarsour is falsely maligned, harassed and smeared.”  

Meanwhile, when Israel has been falsely maligned, harassed or smeared, for example, at the United Nations, HIAS and Ms. Lob remained silent. In fact, when it comes to the UN, HIAS under Ms Lob’s leadership has taken stances against Israel’s interests. HIAS put out a statement opposing the US administration’s decision to defunding UNRWA — a UN program uniquely designed to prevent Palestinian refugee resettlement in a way that threatens Israel’s security and frustrates the peace process. This position is particularly unfortunate considering that refugee resettlement is what HIAS receives millions of dollars from the government to advance.

With these deep concerns over Ms. Lob, we demand clarity on the selection process.  Were there alternate candidates for consideration? Did any of them possess more experience leading Jewish organizations or show more proclivity for standing up for Israel? If so, why were they passed over in favor of someone who has not put her name out in favor of our eternal homeland?  Are there no leaders from the CoP’s 51 member organizations who possess more fitting experience, demonstrate a commitment to fighting the uncomfortable battles that are unique to the Jewish people and seek to serve in the CoP Chair role?  

Sign this petition to tell Conference of Presidents, Chief Executive Officer, William Daroff, Chairman Arthur Stark, and CoP members to support alternative candidates who have a well-documented and respected record of speaking up against BDS and who has deep ties to the next generation of American Jews from the high school classroom to the college campuses to the Young Leaders board rooms.