Jewish Federations of North America are pleased to announce Evan R. Bernstein as the new Vice President for Community Relations.

 

“Community relations are the bedrock of mobilizing our communities and building the strong civil society we need to address rising antisemitism,” said Shira Hutt, Executive Vice President for Jewish Federations of North America. “We know that fighting antisemitism and keeping our communities secure are two wings of the same plane, which is needed now more than ever. Evan’s deep expertise in communal organizing will be essential as Federations pursue this work at this critical time.”

 

In his new role, Bernstein will lead a growing focus to strengthen and support Federations’ community relations efforts. Community relations aim to strengthen civic engagement, counter antisemitism and rising hate, and advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community. 

 

“With Israel front and center in our hearts and minds at this moment, we are reminded how unbelievably consequential our community relations work is,” said Jewish Federations of North America Chair Julie Platt. “Evan brings with him a wealth of experience that will help provide our Jewish Federations with the vital resources they need to carry out their critical community relations work.”

 

Prior to joining Jewish Federations, Bernstein served as CEO and National Director of Community Security Service (CSS)--where he is also a security volunteer–leading some of its most important expansions and working closely with partners across the Federation system and Jewish community. 

 

“Jewish Federations have the most extensive network of community relations professionals and partners across North America, making them indispensable for fighting antisemitism, rallying support for Israel, and strengthening the critical relationships with our fellow citizens,” Bernstein said. “I could not be more proud to be joining this effort at one of the most critical moments for our community in recent history.”

 

As Vice President of the Northeast Division for the ADL, Bernstein led community relations efforts in New York and New Jersey, building partnerships with key interfaith groups and public officials. He developed deep working relationships that included the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, Consul General of Haiti, the NAACP and the 67th Precinct Clergy Council Against Gun Violence. In 2019, The Bridge Multicultural & Advocacy Project honored Evan with the annual Unity Award for his work in community relations.  

 

He has over 25 years of nonprofit experience that includes serving as the State Director for AIPAC in Arizona. He co-founded the New York City Interfaith Security Council in 2021, and appeared on The Algemeiner “Jewish 100” list of people who positively influence Jewish life globally.

To learn more about Evan, click here.