World Zionist Organization Names CEO

The World Zionist Organization (WZO) has named Eli Cohen, a former Jewish Agency professional, CEO. Cohen will report to Avraham Duvdevani, the organization’s Chair. Cohen, the former Director General of the Jewish Agency’s Aliyah Department, found his position – and department – eliminated under the 2010 strategic plan where the Agency shifted its emphasis away from aliyah towards impacting Jewish identity, redefining its very existence in the process.

Cohen’s appointment, while not yet official, has apparently ignited a firestorm within the WZO and is also not being received well in the executive suites of his former employer.

[We’ll update this post if, and when, additional information becomes available.]