Johanna Arbib named president of the Jerusalem Foundation
Internationally recognized business leader unanimously selected by foundation’s executive board.
By DANIEL K. EISENBUDJohanna Arbib speaks with ALEH’s Beit Yahalom residential center director, Jozef Lipszyc.(photo credit: ALEH)
The Jerusalem Foundation’s executive board unanimously appointed international business leader Johanna Arbib as president of the organization this week.Arbib, the outgoing chairwoman of the World Board of Trustees for Keren Hayesod (Israel’s central fund-raising arm), was born in Rome and has been active in Jewish affairs since the age of 16.According to a statement from the Jerusalem Foundation, Arbib founded Keren Hayesod’s young leadership next-generation group in Rome, and later became president of its Rome campaign.She is currently a member of the executive committee of the Jewish Agency, and has supported numerous projects throughout Israel.“In these different capacities, Johanna has chalked up tens of thousands of miles of travel raising funds and getting to know leaders throughout the world,” the statement said.The Jerusalem Foundation, which will mark its 50th anniversary next year, was established by Teddy Kollek a year after he was first elected mayor of the capital city, to raise funds from around the world to help support its communal and cultural activities.“To date, the Jerusalem Foundation has raised over $1.5 billion, which it has invested in thousands of programs, as well as hundreds of sites in Jerusalem that improve the lives of all the city’s residents,” the statement said.The foundation has seven branches overseas, governed by public boards headed by leading figures in each region.David Brodet, chairman of the foundation’s executive committee, headed the search for its new leader and described Arbib as an international star.“Johanna Arbib brings much international experience needed by a city like Jerusalem. The model resembles the successful appointments of Stanley Fisher at the Bank of Israel, and James Snyder at the Israel Museum, who came from overseas to take up their appointments,” said Brodet.“We are certain that Arbib will bring leadership, commitment, talent and energy to the role of president of the Jerusalem Foundation,” he continued. “Together, with us all, she will lead the Jerusalem Foundation and the city of Jerusalem to new heights.”Arbib has a degree in business administration specializing in economics, and has worked for several international companies in business finance and real estate.
