Malcolm Hoenlein. Photo: Algemeiner.

Malcolm Hoenlein

Executive vice president of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

It has been said that when foreign heads of state need to meet with one person who represents the interests of American Jewry, they go to Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice president of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, an umbrella organization representing some 50 Jewish groups. As one of the foremost ambassadors of the Jewish people worldwide, he has met with presidents prime ministers, and kings, often in private sessions.  A recently reported example of his often behind-the-scenes influence: The New York Times published a Dec. 14, 2014, article stating that Hoenlein had brokered the secretary of state appointment of Hillary Clinton by President Barack Obama because of her strong pro-Israel credentials.