David Harris

The American Jewish Committee is one of the oldest and most influential Jewish advocacy organizations. Founded in 1906 by American Jews concerned by the pogroms aimed at Russian Jews, the group’s current mission is “to enhance the wellbeing of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world,” through combating anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry worldwide, advocating for peace and security for Israel, and supporting energy independence. The organization has 22 offices across the United States and nine overseas.

Organization Website | Guidestar Page

David Harris has served as executive director of the American Jewish Committee since 1990. He regularly meets with high profile political officials and was significantly involved in the emigration of over a million Jews from the Soviet Union and in the rescue of Ethiopian Jews in the 1980s. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. In 2014, Harris was paid an additional $538,144 to compensate him for more than 200 accrued vacation days over nearly 20 years.