New York, NY – The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) announced that Alejandro Okret will serve as the global Jewish humanitarian organization’s new Executive Director of International Programs. Okret, who currently serves as Moishe House’s Chief Global Officer, will begin this position in September and be based in London. In this new role and streamlined management structure, Okret will have overall responsibility for JDC’s work in Europe, Africa & Asia, as well as Latin America, JDC Entwine, and JDC’s international development and disaster relief operation. Okret was JDC’s Ralph I. Goldman Fellow in 2010-2011, based in the former Soviet Union, Europe, and Israel focusing on programs furthering Jewish identity, community development, and social services.
“I’m incredibly proud to welcome Alejandro back to the JDC family and know he will benefit our organization with his talents and passionate dedication to global Jewish responsibility. As the Jewish world continues to grapple with pandemic and other challenges, Alejandro brings precisely the kind of leadership we need to set a course for a Jewish future that’s forward-looking, anchored in the values of care and community, and builds bridges between grassroots Jewish life, local communities, and legacy institutions,” said JDC CEO Ariel Zwang.
Okret joins JDC after a decade of success at Moishe House, where he was responsible for designing and managing international strategy, operations and programs. During his tenure, he established Moishe House’s first overseas office and Moishe House Europe. He also managed the opening of 40 social and cultural hubs for young Jewish adults across 26 countries. Okret built partnerships with Jewish communities, leaders, and major philanthropists on the European and wider scene and served as the international representative to Moishe House’s Board of Trustees.
“I’m delighted to be returning to JDC and it’s mission of strengthening Jewish communities around the globe. I am especially inspired by the impact we’ll make on the lives of the most vulnerable and the opportunity to put Jewish values into action everyday. I know I’ll draw on my treasured time at Moishe House and carry forward our two organizations’ shared commitment to Jewish life that is innovative and inspired,” said Okret.
Born and raised in Argentina, Okret previously held positions in Israel touching on the social sector, research, and Israel-Diaspora relations. His undergraduate and graduate studies focused on political science and social policy with a focus on poverty alleviation.
