Israeli-American Council (IAC)

The Israeli-American Council (IAC) was founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, California, initially under the Israeli Leadership Council (ILC). The impetus for its creation arose after a community rally in support of Israel during the Second Lebanon War in 2006 saw limited participation from the local Israeli-American population. Community leaders in Los Angeles recognized the need for an organization to better connect this demographic around their shared Israeli culture, language, and history. The ILC aimed to integrate Israeli Americans into the broader American Jewish organizational landscape, as it was observed that they were less likely to join existing Jewish institutions like synagogues. The organization also intended to offer unique Israeli-themed programs and serve as a voice for the specific concerns of Israeli Americans.

In its early years, the organization received significant financial support from Israeli-American entertainment executive Haim Saban. A central turning point came in 2013 when casino magnate and Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, whose wife Miriam is Israeli, began providing substantial annual funding, enabling the organization to expand its operations nationwide. That same year, the Israeli Leadership Council rebranded itself as the Israeli-American Council (IAC). By the end of 2014, the IAC had established six regional offices across the United States, with its national headquarters in Los Angeles and additional offices in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Miami, and Las Vegas. The IAC held its first Israeli-American Community National Conference in Washington, D.C., in late 2014.

Under the leadership of co-founder Shoham Nicolet, who served as CEO for seven and a half years before stepping down in June 2023, the IAC experienced significant growth and development. Nicolet oversaw the expansion of the IAC into dozens of communities across the United States and the implementation of core strategic programs. He also played a key role in developing a nationwide activism network focused on combating anti-Semitism and bolstering support for Israel. He spearheaded the creation of the IAC National Summit, which became a significant conference in the Jewish world. Following Nicolet’s departure, Elan S. Carr, a former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, became the CEO of the IAC in October 2023.

The IAC’s mission is to build an engaged and unified Israeli-American community that strengthens the Israeli and Jewish identity of the next generation, the American Jewish community, and the bond between the United States and Israel. The organization wholeheartedly supports the State of Israel and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship based on shared values. The IAC offers a range of programs for children and teens, cultural initiatives on college campuses, and training for community leaders and activists. It also engages in civic engagement initiatives and fights anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment.

In response to rising anti-Semitism and anti-Israel protests, particularly on university campuses following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel, the IAC has taken a more active role in counter-protests and advocacy. For instance, in April 2024, the IAC led a counter-protest at the University of California, Los Angeles, where CEO Elan Carr addressed pro-Israel demonstrators. The IAC also provides training to teachers on understanding anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, discrimination against Israelis, and the Holocaust.

The organization generally refrains from engaging in Israeli political debates, emphasizing its unwavering support for Israel that transcends the policies of any particular government. The IAC strives to foster a joint Israeli-American identity, encouraging Israeli Americans to integrate into the American Jewish community while promoting an understanding and appreciation of Israeli identity among American Jews.

In March 2025, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations admitted the IAC as its newest member, recognizing its efforts in uniting Israeli-Americans, promoting Jewish identity, and supporting U.S.-Israel relations. This decision reflects IAC’s growing role in Jewish advocacy and community engagement.

Sources: “About the IAC,” IAC.
“Beyond politics policy,” IAC.
“Israeli-American Council,” Influence Watch.
Aiden Pink, “What Is The Israeli-American Council?” Forward, (December 9, 2019)
Zvika Klein, “Over 40% of Israeli Americans don’t plan on returning to Israel - survey,” Jerusalem Post, (January 3, 2023).
Zvika Klein, “Shoham Nicolet steps down as CEO of Israeli-American Council,” Jerusalem Post, (June 7, 2023).
Michael Starr, “Fighting antisemitism, bolstering identity: Elan Carr on IAC’s post-Oct 7 future - exclusive,” Jerusalem Post, (March 22, 2024).
“Israeli-American Council (IAC) Joins the Conference of Presidents,” Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, (March 17, 2025).