What appeared to be a sure thing is now facing opposition from prominent personalities in the United Jewish Communities, from none other than the chairman of the board himself, Joseph S. Kanfer and a former chief executive officer of the organization, Steven Hoffman.

According to a report appearing in the daily HaMevaser, the two are opposed to the appointment, the personal selection of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who made the decision early into his new term in office.

It appears the objections stem from the fact that the selection of the Jewish Agency’s next leader came from the prime minister and not from within the agency, a move which the opponents explain contradicts the agency’s ongoing actions towards reform and restructuring.

Sharansky is regarding as a premier choice for the top Jewish Agency for Israel position, a former Prisoner of Zion as well as a recipient of America’s prestigious Congressional Gold Medal followed by the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008.  He is the only Israeli to ever have become a recipient of both, viewed in the international community as a major figure in the battle for democratic rights and principles.

Kanfer on the other hand plays a vital role in fundraising in N. America on behalf of Israel and his objections will not be taken lightly.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)