America-Israel Friendship League Inc

New York, NY · Founded 1971

Strengthens educational and cultural ties between Americans and Israelis through exchange programs and friendship initiatives

Primary audience
Americans and Israelis
Work area
International Exchange
Topic
U.S.-Israel Relations
Contact
Jonathan Barsade
Website Contact

About Organization

America-Israel Friendship League facilitates educational and cultural exchange programs that promote understanding and friendship between the United States and Israel. Based in New York, NY, the organization was founded in 1971 and operates with 3 employees and 36 volunteers. The organization reported $648,348 in revenue for the 2024 tax year.

What They Focus On

Educational Exchange

Connects American and Israeli students and educators through structured programs that promote academic collaboration and mutual learning

Cultural Programming

Organizes cultural events and initiatives that celebrate shared heritage and foster appreciation between American and Israeli communities

Friendship Building

Creates sustained opportunities for Americans and Israelis to develop meaningful personal and professional relationships

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$648K

-31.2% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$473K

-61.6% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$194K

+41.7% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

3

-62.5% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $648,348 $473,287 $193,954 3
2023 $942,620 $1,232,625 $136,903 8
2022 $1,660,692 $1,921,421 $372,425 6
2020 $1,788,583 $1,336,780 $974,195 6
2019 $1,176,152 $1,289,201 $501,041 5
2018 $1,486,908 $1,367,998 $580,405 5

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Identify Opportunities

    Assess educational and cultural exchange needs between American and Israeli communities

  • 02

    Design Programs

    Develop structured exchange initiatives that connect participants across both countries

  • 03

    Facilitate Exchanges

    Coordinate logistics and implementation of educational and cultural programs

  • 04

    Build Relationships

    Foster lasting connections and mutual understanding between American and Israeli participants

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by America-Israel Friendship League Inc

Educational Exchange Programs

Facilitates educational programs connecting American and Israeli students, educators, and institutions to foster mutual understanding and learning

Cultural Exchange Initiatives

Organizes cultural events and exchanges that celebrate shared values and promote appreciation between American and Israeli communities

Friendship Building Programs

Creates opportunities for Americans and Israelis to develop lasting personal and professional relationships through structured engagement

General Support Grants

Provides funding to organizations advancing educational and cultural connections between the United States and Israel

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind America-Israel Friendship League Inc.

JB

Jonathan Barsade

President
Full-time
JD

June Dempsey

Vice President
5 hrs/week
MZ

Mortimer Zuckerman

Honorary President
Full-time
RS

Ruby Shamir

Vice President
Full-time
EG

Eric Gertler

Chairman
1 hrs/week
AS

Allen Sessoms

Director
AS

Arthur Schneier

Director
CK

Carol Karsch

Director
CC

Catherine Carlton

Director
DG

Dan Gillerman

Director
DM

David Milch

Director
EB

Elsa Ben Shimon

Director
GG

Gary Gladstein

Director
GA

George Arzt

Director
GK

Gol Kalev

Director
JF

Jacob Frenkel

Director
JG

James Gertler

Director
JP

Joseph Potasnik

Director
LB

Len Blavatnik

Director
LB

Lisa Bialkin

Director
MH

Malcolm Hoenlein

Director
RB

Ronald Baron

Director
RL

Ronald Lauder

Director

Milestones

1971

Organization Founded

1971

America-Israel Friendship League established to promote U.S.-Israel educational and cultural ties

1973

Tax-Exempt Status Granted

1973

Organization received IRS tax-exempt recognition to advance its mission

2020

Peak Revenue Year

2020

Achieved highest revenue of $1.79 million supporting expanded exchange programs

2024

Volunteer Network Expansion

2024

Mobilized 36 volunteers to support educational and cultural exchange activities

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AS
Allen Sessoms Director 1.00 hrs/week
AS
Arthur Schneier Director 1.00 hrs/week
CK
Carol Karsch Director 1.00 hrs/week
CC
Catherine Carlton Director 1.00 hrs/week
DG
Dan Gillerman Director 5.00 hrs/week
DM
David Milch Director 1.00 hrs/week
EB
Elsa Ben Shimon Director 1.00 hrs/week
GG
Gary Gladstein Director 1.00 hrs/week
GA
George Arzt Director 1.00 hrs/week
GK
Gol Kalev Director 1.00 hrs/week
JD
J Davis Director 1.00 hrs/week
JF
Jacob Frenkel Director 1.00 hrs/week
JG
James Gertler Director 1.00 hrs/week
JP
Joseph Potasnik Director 1.00 hrs/week
LB
Len Blavatnik Director 1.00 hrs/week
LB
Lisa Bialkin Director 1.00 hrs/week
MH
Malcolm Hoenlein Director 1.00 hrs/week
RB
Richard Brody Treasurer 40.00 hrs/week
RA
Robert Abrams Secretary 5.00 hrs/week
RB
Ronald Baron Director 1.00 hrs/week
RL
Ronald Lauder Director 1.00 hrs/week
EG
Eric Gertler Chairman

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$278K

Highest Paid

$147K

Sharyn J Gallatin

Compensated Officers

2

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Sharyn J Gallatin Executive Director $133,091 $14,035 $147,126 40
Giovanni Cosetti Director Of Operations $117,009 $14,035 $131,044 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$158K

Total Forgiven

$158K

100% forgiven

Jobs Retained

10

Loan Details 2 loans

$86,945
Partially Forgiven
Forgiven: $85,824 99%
Approved Feb 6, 2021
Lender Israel Discount Bank of New York
Jobs Reported 5
Forgiven On Sep 28, 2021
$71,500
Forgiven
Forgiven: $72,044 100%
Approved May 7, 2020
Lender Israel Discount Bank of New York
Jobs Reported 5
Forgiven On Feb 10, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$104K Grants Received
2 Organizations

Top Funders

2 total
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$65K
JC
Jewish Community Foundation Of Los Angeles
$39K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with America-Israel Friendship League Inc

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(516) 325-1990

Social

Visit Website
251 W 30th Street 6th Floor New York, NY 10001