The Board of Directors of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) on Tuesday appointed Ilan Shohat as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, after nearly three years without a permanent CEO following a unanimous recommendation by the search committee chaired by KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky.
Shohat brings extensive experience across KKL-JNF’s areas of activity and will lead the organization’s professional work, advancing its goals and implementing the Board’s policies.
Shohat previously served as CEO of the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, and before that as the Mayor of Tzfat for a decade. He is regarded as an expert in regional development and partnership-building, with extensive experience working alongside government officials and local authorities.
Shohat has also served as CEO of the Northern Branch of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, Chairman of the Peleg Hagalil Regional Water and Sewage Company, and as a government relations advisor to the JDC's TEVET employment initiative for regional development in the Negev and the Galilee.
In his previous roles, he led the establishment of Israel's fifth medical school, situated in the Galilee, and advanced five government resolutions supporting the development of the Negev and the Galilee. Shohat also holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration, specializing in local government.
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky welcomed the appointment, stating, “Appointing Ilan Shohat as CEO will strengthen KKL-JNF. After nearly three years without a permanent CEO, this appointment was top priority at the start of my term, and I am pleased that the organization can now move forward under strong professional leadership. This is especially important at this time, as KKL-JNF leads the rehabilitation and development of the Galilee and the Negev, with a focus on northern border communities. Ilan Shohat is the right person to advance the Board’s policies at this critical moment."
Shohat said, “It is a great privilege to lead the work of the most important Zionist organization, which played a significant role in the establishment of the State of Israel and in its development and growth."
He added, “I thank the KKL-JNF Board for choosing me. Together with Chairman Ostrinsky, the Board members, management, and employees, I am confident that we will continue to advance the organization’s key Zionist goals, foremost among them strengthening Israel’s north and south, especially at a time when these regions are on the frontlines."