AJC Salutes Leadership at Annual Meeting

The American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Atlanta Chapter convened its 82nd Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 7, at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation building for the election and installation of new board members.

AJC President Mindy Selig-Schoulberg welcomed attendees and expressed her appreciation to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for hosting, calling it one of her “favorite gathering places.”

Kelly DeGully, Foundation chief of staff, delivered a D’var Torah/sermonette. Speaking from a Black perspective, she wove together themes of liberation, the shared covenant among the three Abrahamic faiths united under one G-d who freed the enslaved.

A video message from Gov. Brian Kemp outlined his administration’s commitment to combatting antisemitism through formal definitions and anti-hate legislation. A second video spotlighted the White Rose Society — a recognition honoring non-Jews who stand against hatred, with Linda Selig explaining its origins in the courageous 1942 student resistance movement against the Nazis. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman was among the recipients. The presidents of Vanderbilt University and the University of Alabama were noted for their steadfast support of Jewish students on campus.

Locally, Julie Rau and Amy Bubes presented the White Rose Award to Atlanta PD Maj. Aline Mitchell as, “He has looked out for us in the most meaningful way with a huge, grateful heart.”

Mitchell shared reflections on his visit to Israel, describing it as a “transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience.” He also noted his role directing the Atlanta Police Training Center where 290 recruits cycle through with a new class beginning every month. He described the department’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, for which he is overseeing all tactical security operations.

Senior Rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim, Daniel Dorsch, delivered the Priestly Blessing and spoke passionately about the twin imperatives of peace and justice. Selig-Schoulberg echoed this spirit, urging the community not to yield to fear. She referenced the book, “Don’t Feed the Lion,” feed your heart as a touchstone for the AJC’s work in cultivating leadership, hope, and resilience. She praised the Atlanta PD’s partnership in ensuring confidence and safety at Jewish gatherings.

Past AJC President Belinda Morris, nominating committee chair, presided over the formal installation of newly elected board members.

A bittersweet moment came with the acknowledgment that Dov Wilker, Atlanta’s longtime AJC regional director, has been elevated to a national leadership role with a search underway for his successor. Wilker reflected on his tenure, recounting a memorable trip to Washington, D.C., with a group of teenagers where they crossed paths with Ahavath Achim Senior Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, allowing the young participants to engage in both programs. He emphasized the strength of Jewish day school education (several from The Epstein School and The Weber School) who now serve as leaders. He praised AJC’s unique multigenerational arc of leadership, singling out Mindy Selig: “She’s special, but not unique … it has been the honor of my life to serve.”

Featured speaker Jason Isaacson, AJC’s chief policy and political affairs officer, who traveled from Washington, D.C., addressed both the annual meeting and a smaller gathering of AJC supporters the previous evening. In a wide-ranging conversation moderated interview-style by Wilker, Isaacson addressed several pressing geopolitical topics.

The dialogue included: Iran’s influence, relations with Saudi Arabia, Palestinian statehood, Iron Dome use by the UAE, a unique cordial relationship with Azerbaijan — he noted Azerbaijan’s recent construction of a Jewish cultural center and restoration of Jewish day schools — calling it “a model, if complicated, partnership despite its non-democratic governance.”

Isaacson also spoke of Morocco’s free trade agreements and legitimacy as a bridge between the Muslim world and Israel, noting that the King of Morocco is believed to be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. He shared that a French Jewish banker serves in the royal palace in Rabat, despite public controversy, remains in his position. “AJC aspires to open an office in Rabat. A seven-figure gift could attach a donor’s name.” He concluded with challenges in Europe, and how media coverage of Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank affects public opinion.

Isaacson closed by recognizing Sherry Frank, founder of the AJC ACCESS young professional program, with whom he shares a meaningful relationship.