Jewish Journal: Halie Soifer Named CEO of Jewish Democratic Council of America

By Erin Ben-Moche

Halie Soifer, Jewish Democratic Council of America‘s (JDCA) executive director, has been named JDCA’s first CEO on Dec. 8. The promotion is in recognition of the growth of the organization under her leadership over the past two and a half years.

“We’re proud to recognize the contributions Halie has made to our organization and the Jewish American Democratic community at-large by appointing her JDCA’s first CEO,” JDCA Board Vice-Chair Barbara Goldberg Goldman said. “This title is much deserved and a reflection of the fact that Halie was the very best person to lead this organization at the right time.”

In the lead-up to the 2020 election, JDCA tripled the size of its staff, established a Next Generation Leadership Council, and created 15 state chapters. During the 2018 midterm elections, JDCA endorsements helped elect 49 Democrats. During the 2020 election cycle, JDCA endorsed 121 candidates and ran digital ads for 73 candidates receiving more than 45 million views. More than 4,400 supporters joined over 200 campaign events hosted by JDCA, and JDCA targeted1.7 million Jewish voters in 14 key states.

Following the rise in domestic anti-semitism in the U.S., JDCA’s website created a timeline of anti-Semitic attacks that have taken place. Soifer predicted in Oct. 2019 that according to polling, anti-Semitism would become one of the talking points driving people to the voting booth. President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris and Second Husband Doug Emhoff all referenced the rise in anti-Semitism during their campaign.

“In the past three years, JDCA has demonstrated its vital role in organizing Jewish voters and giving voice to Jewish and American values. The growth of JDCA’s leadership structure is a testament to its success and the overwhelming support we’ve received from American Jews, who played a critical role ensuring Joe Biden’s historic win,” Soifer said in a statement to the Journal. “In a Biden administration and new Congress, Jewish voters will continue to play a critical role advocating for policy aligned with our values, and I look forward to continuing to grow this movement as CEO.”

Over the next four years under the Biden administration, JDCA is set to focus on advocacy, supporting policy initiatives of importance to Jewish voters, while also preparing for the 2022 midterm elections. In the near-term, JDCA will continue its work mobilizing Jewish voters especially in the Georgia Senate run-off elections on Jan. 5. The JDCA is hosting the premiere Jewish community event with candidates Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 12 p.m. PT.

Goldberg Goldman said in the next four years, JDCA has an important role to play supporting Democratic policies and key issues that resonate with Jewish Americans that go beyond Israel. She added, “JDCA has a particularly important role serving as a partner to a Biden White House.”