GOVERNMENT

Ivanka Trump

Senior White House adviser

Perhaps the most famous and certainly the most powerful Jewish convert in the world, Ivanka Trump is both the “first daughter” and one of her father’s closest and most trusted advisers.

A formidable businesswoman in her own right, Trump ran a successful jewelry company, then took a position in her father’s company and started her own fashion line before her father’s run for president catapulted her to the heights of American politics.

Trump converted to Orthodox Judaism before she married Jared Kushner, now also a senior adviser to the president. She tends to remain private about her faith, but has said, “We’re pretty observant, more than some, less than others. I just feel like it's such an intimate thing for us. It’s been such a great life decision for me.”

During her father’s official visit to Israel in May, Trump was photographed praying at the Western Wall, where she reportedly wept. “I am grateful to have experienced a deeply meaningful visit to the holiest site of my faith and to leave a private note of prayer,” she tweeted afterwards.

Before last November’s election, Trump vowed to be an advocate for women and Israel. She also promised her father would be “an unbelievable champion for Israel and for the Jewish people. You will not be disappointed.”

Asked what she cherished most about Judaism, Trump said, “Especially now being a parent, I deeply appreciate how it feels like everything about Judaism is architected to create connectivity and to create a grounding in what really matters.” (Photo credit: Twitter.)