Avital Leibovich Named Head of AJC Israel/Middle East Office

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Apr 01, 2014, 11:50 ET

NEW YORK, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Avital Leibovich has been named director of AJC's Israel/Middle East Office, located in Jerusalem.

"After a long and fruitful service in the IDF, I feel a natural transition as I begin my mission with the AJC family. I look forward to new challenges and interesting opportunities," said Leibovich.

Leibovich comes to AJC after a distinguished 22-year career in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), where she was the principal spokesperson. She was the IDF face during wars and other crises in which Israel's military was engaged.

Leibovich created and headed for the past two years the interactive media and communications branch of the IDF spokespersons unit. This robust, around-the-clock operation, utilizes the latest in social media and internet outreach in multiple languages --- Hebrew, English, Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish.

Prior to that position, Leibovich served for eight years as the official IDF spokesperson to international media. She was also spokesperson for the Northern Command for three years.

Leibovich retired from the IDF in March, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

"Avital' s commitment to Israel's security, well-being and quest for peace, to the essential ties linking American Jews and Israelis, and to enhancing the bonds between Washington, Jerusalem and other capitals are well-established and a perfect match for the AJC mission," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "AJC is fortunate to have Avital Leibovich join our global advocacy team."

Leibovich has met with numerous AJC delegations visiting Israel and addressed the 2012 AJC Global Forum in Washington, D.C.

Leibovich holds a B.A. in English literature and political science from Bar Ilan University and an M.A. in international relations from the University of Haifa.

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SOURCE American Jewish Committee