Algemeiner's Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life in 2024
A Celebration of Leadership and Impact Across the Jewish World
Every year, the Algemeiner publishes its prestigious list celebrating individuals who have made a profound impact on Jewish life worldwide. The Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life in 2024 is no exception, spotlighting leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose work enriches Jewish culture, security, education, and representation. This year’s honorees span diverse fields, including politics, arts, business, and philanthropy. Let’s explore the remarkable contributions of this year’s influencers.
A Diverse Array of Influencers
The 2024 list highlights figures whose efforts have strengthened Jewish identity and combated antisemitism globally. From thought leaders and philanthropists to artists and activists, these individuals represent the vibrancy and resilience of Jewish life.
Spotlight on Key Honorees
Political Advocates
Ritchie Torres, a U.S. Congressman, continues to be a bold advocate for Jewish and pro-Israel causes, using his platform to combat antisemitism and foster understanding.
Javier Milei, President of Argentina, has strengthened Argentina-Israel relations, notably by reopening Argentina’s embassy in Jerusalem, symbolizing a profound commitment to solidarity with the Jewish state.
Cultural Icons
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, an iconic figure in Jewish humor, has used his platform to express support for Israel and Jewish resilience in times of adversity.
The artist Matisyahu continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his unique blend of reggae and Jewish spiritual themes, a testament to his deep cultural pride.
Social Activists
Brooke Goldstein, Executive Director of The Lawfare Project, is a leading voice in combating antisemitism and defending Jewish rights globally.
Natasha Hausdorff, barrister and legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel, tirelessly defends Jewish communities through her expertise in international law.
Philanthropic Visionaries
Michael Bloomberg, philanthropist and business magnate, has been a steadfast supporter of Jewish causes, generously funding initiatives that strengthen Jewish life and support Israel.
Dan Loeb, hedge fund manager and philanthropist, actively supports combating antisemitism through education and impactful initiatives.
Additional Notable Figures
Rabbi Zvi Kogan, of blessed memory, was a Chabad emissary dedicated to serving the Jewish community in the United Arab Emirates. Tragically, he was abducted and murdered in November 2024 by extremists, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication. As the operator of "Rimon," a kosher supermarket in the UAE, Rabbi Kogan played a vital role in fostering Jewish life in a burgeoning community. His passing was mourned worldwide, with leaders and family members emphasizing his innocence and the broader challenges of combating antisemitism and violence against Jews.
John Spencer, a leading authority in the United States on urban warfare and a retired U.S. Army Major, has been one of the most vocal defenders of Israel's military operations in Gaza over the past year. Spencer has refuted defamatory claims of war crimes and genocide against Israel, highlighting the nation's exceptional measures to minimize civilian casualties. In an op-ed for Newsweek, Spencer stated, "Israel has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military in history—above and beyond what international law requires and more than the U.S. did in its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Andrew Fox, a former British Army officer and now a Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, made waves in December 2024 with his detailed study dismantling inflated casualty figures reported by the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza. Fox’s research revealed that the ministry’s statistics included natural deaths, pre-conflict fatalities, and even deaths caused by Hamas itself, while omitting the casualties among Hamas combatants. Beyond his academic work, Fox has been a vocal critic of antisemitism in the UK, asserting that combating Jew-hatred is a responsibility shared by society at large.
Douglas Murray, an author and British commentator, emerged as a leading voice in defending Israel in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas atrocities. His poignant speech at a London synagogue garnered widespread acclaim, reinforcing his reputation as a fearless advocate for Israel and Zionism. Frequently traveling to Israel, Murray has embedded himself with IDF troops and reported directly from conflict zones, passionately debating pro-Hamas opponents. In April 2024, Murray was honored by the Israeli government for his articulate and powerful defense of Israel’s values, receiving recognition from President Isaac Herzog.
A Celebration of Resilience and Unity
The individuals featured on this list are bound by a common thread: their unwavering commitment to the Jewish people and their future. Whether by preserving history, securing safety, or inspiring creativity, their efforts ensure that Jewish life thrives in all its richness. Amid challenges and triumphs, these 100 individuals demonstrate that leadership, creativity, and dedication can build bridges, break barriers, and foster understanding.