Sylvan Adams named president of World Jewish Congress in Israel

By Zev Stub

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2 March 2025, 2:45 pm

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Zev Stub is the Times of Israel's Diaspora Affairs correspondent.

Philanthropist Sylvan Adams announcing a $100 million donation to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, at an event in Toronto, Canada, on December 3, 2023. (Liora Kogan/Courtesy)

Israeli-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Sylvan Adams is appointed regional president of the World Jewish Congress in Israel.

Adams, a highly visible advocate for Israel, will work to strengthen ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, as well as promoting diplomatic support for Israel abroad, the organization says.

Since moving to Israel in 2016, Adams has played a key role in bringing major sporting and cultural events to the country, including the Giro d’Italia’s Grande Partenza bike race in 2018, a performance by Madonna at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, and visits from soccer star Lionel Messi.

“I am honored to join WJC-Israel, a body entrusted with the critical task of boosting the essential ties between Jewish communities and the world’s only Jewish state,” Adams says. “At a historic time of great challenges, and opportunities, our work is more important than ever.”