The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations announced that the international Jewish fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), has been voted into membership of the national umbrella organization. Conference Chairman Robert G. Sugarman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, said that the admission of AEPi reflects the commitment to involve the next generation of leaders. “AEPi is a remarkable organization with affiliates on campuses across the country and provides an array of educational and advocacy training programs. We have seen first-hand not only the quality of the members but also their commitment to promoting Jewish involvement and Israel on campus. Their alumni include outstanding leaders of our community.”
Acting on the unanimous recommendation of the Membership Committee reached after a careful review of AEPi’s qualifications and activities, the full Conference voted to approve their admission.
“This is recognition by the Conference member organizations of the need to engage future leaders of our community and to give them a voice in our deliberations. We look forward to AEPi’s participation as we continue to work with Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life and the Israel on Campus Coalition,” said the Conference leaders.
“Students are a vital and vibrant constituency in the Jewish community, and we are confident that AEPi’s professional and lay leadership will add important perspective to the deliberations of the Conference,” said Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, Chairman of the Conference of Presidents’ Membership Committee. At this pivotal time for Israel and American Jewry, a coordinated, inter-generational approach can strengthen our joint efforts to build broad-based support and make the case for Israel in the United States.
AEPi’s international president Elan S. Carr and Executive Director Andrew S. Borans said, “Our membership in the Conference means that AEPi will be able to make an even greater impact on Jewish identity, Jewish leadership, and Israel advocacy in the years to come. We look forward to joining with our colleagues in helping to address the urgent challenges facing the Jewish people throughout the world. AEPi’s proven track record of Jewish leadership, philanthropy, and unequivocal support for the State of Israel will be an important asset for the Conference.”