A new international initiative of Jerusalem partnerships has been launched by the Leichtag Foundation in partnership with Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat. The initiative is part of the Leichtag Foundation’s ongoing commitment to transformative support of renewal and bridging of social gaps in Jerusalem, and in an effort to build philanthropic and other partnerships toward advancing Jerusalem.

The International Office of Jerusalem Partnerships will serve as a point of contact to help expand the city’s reach and impact globally, connecting between the city of Jerusalem, the Mayor’s office, the Jerusalem Municipality, organizations around the world such as the Jerusalem Foundation that are working to promote Jerusalem, and the international community. The Office will serve as a platform to advance important philanthropic projects for the City of Jerusalem. The Director of the International Office of Jerusalem Partnerships will work closely with the Mayor’s office and the Leichtag Foundation to develop a joint work plan and agenda.

Brachie Sprung has been appointed as the Director of the International Office of Jerusalem Partnerships, effective January 2017. Brachie served as Mayor Nir Barkat’s Senior Advisor for International Affairs from 2013 through 2016 and will be relocating to the United States as she takes on this new role. Before joining the Mayor’s team, Brachie was the Associate Director of Business Development at PresenTense Israel. She and her family will be based in New York City.

Speaking to eJP earlier today, Brachie Sprung said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the Mayor’s Office and with the Leichtag Foundation to expand our partnerships and the connections of people around the world to Jerusalem. Jerusalem, with its diverse population, is a microcosm of Israeli society at large. This strategic collaboration will benefit Jerusalem’s residents by strengthening the city’s ties with partners on the ground in the United States and abroad.”