While maintaining its own corporate governance structure, AMIIE operations is now managed in collaboration with JNF as part of its education department. In addition, JNF assumes responsibility for AMIIE's marketing, accounting and information technology functions, and the AMIIE national office now shares office space with JNF in NY. This represents a strategic move for both organizations, capitalizing on their respective strengths and on new synergies created by working together.

Adding his own sense of excitement, JNF CEO, Russell Robinson said, "The alliance with AMIIE dovetails perfectly with the mission of JNF's Israel Advocacy and Education Department, which has created the mechanism to fulfill its mandated task as set forth by the World Zionist Organization, 'to provide Zionist education in the Diaspora.' Our work that begins on the elementary school level and continues all the way up to the university level brings greater understanding and pride to every Jew for the miraculous achievements of the people and the State of Israel and its supporters around the world."

 

In addition, AMIIE is proud to announce the tenure of its new Chief Executive Officer. Stationed in Israel, CEO Mr Gideon Shavit, former JNF Israel Emissary and Regional Director for Miami, brings with him to the company over 35 years of experience in management. For the last 10 years, he has worked for JNF in varying capacities of fundraising, and he was the JNF Emissary in Sydney, Australia; Vancouver, Canada; and Miami, Florida. AMIIE is proud to welcome him on board.

Recognizing Gideon's ability to take AMIIE to the next level, Board Treasurer and immediate past-Board Chair, Bob Werner adds, "The future for AMIIE is exciting, both from the perspective of its potential growth and the educational value it imparts to its students. Imagine what achieving an annual enrollment of 5,000 students a year will mean to our people."

Further to this exciting news, AMIIE also now has a new Chairman. It was in 1981 when real estate developer and well-known community activist, Stephen Muss, endowed the Alexander Muss High School in Israel in memory of his father, to help support Jewish education in Israel. The school's mission was then expanded in 2003 when AMHSI fell under the new wings of AMIIE, to better provide Israel educational experiences for learners of all ages. It is without question that Stephen Muss brings with him many years of unbeaten zeal, passion and commitment to not only the school, but to Jewish education and community support at large.

AMIIE's unique approach to education -characterized by classroom education for high school and college credit combined with tiyulim to historic sites in Israel - will remain based in Hod Hasharon, Israel, under long time Executive Director and school Headmaster, Chaim Fischgrund.

 

AMIIE and JNF will join forces to expand and enhance the core program, the Alexander Muss High School in Israel, and the uniquely designed programs offered to day school partners. New programs are also planned for the future for other target groups, making the two organizations a one-stop shop for many teen and adult education trips. Discussions are also underway for as many as four new AMIIE campuses in Israel, to accommodate a total of 5,000 students each year.

Stay posted!