Jewish Agency's leading candidate for chairman is Doron Almog

Doron Almog has a storied military and philanthropic history and is the leading candidate among a number of top diplomatic figures.

 Doron Almog, head of the Prime Minister's Office directorate for economic and community development of the Negev Bedouin, during a discussion regarding a bill regulating the bedouin settlements, December 23, 2013. (photo credit: FLASH90)
Doron Almog, head of the Prime Minister's Office directorate for economic and community development of the Negev Bedouin, during a discussion regarding a bill regulating the bedouin settlements, December 23, 2013.
(photo credit: FLASH90)

The Jewish Agency selection committee is expected to choose IDF Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Doron Almog as the agency’s next chairman, according to people familiar with the matter.

Who is Doron Almog?

Almog is founder and chairman of ADI Negev Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village (formerly ALEH Negev Nahalat Eran), which provides residential, medical and social services to the disabled. The village was named in memory of Eran Almog, the late son of Doron and Didi Almog.

As OC Southern Command in the early 2000s, Almog was in charge of securing the border with the Gaza Strip.

 The Israel Prize for lifetime achievement of 2016 seen awarded to Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog by Israeli president Reuven Rivlin at the Israel prize ceremony held in the International Conference Center (ICC) in Jerusalem on May 12, 2016. (credit: HAIM ZACH/GPO)
The Israel Prize for lifetime achievement of 2016 seen awarded to Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog by Israeli president Reuven Rivlin at the Israel prize ceremony held in the International Conference Center (ICC) in Jerusalem on May 12, 2016. (credit: HAIM ZACH/GPO)

“Fueled by his love for Eran, who was born with severe autism and intellectual disabilities, Almog guided the creation of an expansive residential and rehabilitative complex in Israel’s South that has become a home and family for more than 150 children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical conditions,” says the ADI website. “It provides a host of rehabilitative solutions for individuals from all backgrounds and levels of need.

“As chairman of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, Doron Almog continues to lead and guide the village’s progress and advancement."

ADI website

“As chairman of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, Doron Almog continues to lead and guide the village’s progress and advancement. As one of the founders of this unparalleled rehabilitative village and a recipient of the 2016 Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and contributions to society and the state, Doron stands as a symbol of disability care and inclusion who advances a crucial social message: ‘The strength of the human chain is only as strong as its weakest link.’”

Are there other candidates?

Among the other candidates are Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai, Construction and Housing Minister Ze’ev Elkin, and former ambassador to the UK Mark Regev.

The Jewish Agency did not respond to a request for comment.