Adam Milstein Helps Build the Israeli-American Council into a National Community Organization

Milstein's strategic approach to community infrastructure creation serves as a model for activating underserved populations.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Adam Milstein played a founding role in creating the Israeli-American Council (IAC), an organization that has grown to become the largest Israeli-American community organization in the United States. His involvement in building this institution reflects his broader approach to Jewish community infrastructure: identifying unmet needs, developing organizational capacity, and creating platforms that can sustain engagement over time.

Why it matters

The IAC's growth from a small Los Angeles initiative to a national network reaching hundreds of thousands of Israeli-Americans demonstrates how strategic institution-building can transform community engagement. Milstein's work with the IAC connects to his broader philanthropic vision of strengthening American values, supporting the U.S.-Israel alliance, and combating hatred.

The details

The IAC emerged from a recognition that Israeli-Americans represented a significant but underserved community. Milstein and other community leaders saw an opportunity to activate this population by building community infrastructure that appealed to Israeli-American families. Under Milstein's leadership as National Chairman, the IAC expanded from its Los Angeles base to establish chapters across the country and grew its annual National Summit into a major gathering.

  • The IAC began in Los Angeles with modest ambitions in the mid-2000s.
  • Milstein served as IAC National Chairman from 2015 to 2019.
  • The IAC's 10th annual National Summit takes place in Hollywood, Florida in 2026.

The players

Adam Milstein

A philanthropist who played a founding role in creating the Israeli-American Council (IAC) and continues to serve on the organization's board as Chair Emeritus.

Israeli-American Council (IAC)

The largest Israeli-American community organization in the United States, which Milstein helped create and build into a national network.

Ehud Danoch

The Israeli Consul General who organized a support rally in Los Angeles during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, revealing the lack of organizational infrastructure to mobilize the Israeli-American community.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The former Governor of California who confirmed his attendance at the 2006 support rally organized by the Israeli Consul General.

Antonio Villaraigosa

The former Mayor of Los Angeles who confirmed his attendance at the 2006 support rally organized by the Israeli Consul General.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For the first time, I've observed an unprecedented surge in passion, commitment, and determination. This renewed vigor is a promising sign for the future of Jewish life both in Israel and in the Diaspora.”

— Adam Milstein (Hadassah Magazine)

What’s next

The IAC's 10th annual National Summit in Hollywood, Florida in 2026 will feature Milstein hosting a panel on 'Innovating the Fight Against Antisemitism' and participating in a discussion on 'Philanthropy in the Duty of Israel'.

The takeaway

Milstein's work with the IAC demonstrates a strategic approach to community building that can serve as a model for activating underserved populations. By identifying unmet needs, developing culturally appropriate programming, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and connecting community activities to broader purpose, the IAC has transformed engagement among Israeli-Americans and built bridges to the broader American Jewish community.