Rabbi Gary Greenebaum takes national leadership position
Rabbi Gary Greenebaum takes national leadership position
by Tom Tugend, Contributing Editor at the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
 Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, a key figure in Los Angeles civic and ecumenical relations for the last 16 years, has been appointed national director for interreligious affairs by the American Jewish Committee (AJC).
As director of AJC's Los Angeles chapter and Western region since 1990, Greenebaum has worked closely with leaders of the city's varied ethnic and religious communities to further mutual respect and understanding.
He plans to project the same skills and goals on the national scene in his new post, succeeding David Elcott, who has joined the Israel Policy Forum as executive director.
"I realize now more than ever how strongly religion affects American society," Greenebaum said.
Greenebaum played another crucial role when Mayor Richard Riordan appointed him president of the Los Angeles Police Commission in 1993, in the wake of the previous year's riots, sparked by the acquittal of police officers involved in the Rodney King beating.
"I think that my appointment to the Police Commission and my work there helped alleviate a sense among African Americans that Jews didn't care any longer about their community," he said. "I also believe that we have established a tremendous relationship with the Latino community over the years."
In a different arena, Greenebaum and his chapter have spearheaded Jewish communal relations with some 45 countries represented by consulates in Los Angeles. In recognition of this work, he was recently awarded the National Order of Merit by the French government.
Greenebaum, 57, will retain his family residence in Los Angeles and expects to spend one week each month in New York.
Among highlights of his California tenure, Greenebaum recalled taking several delegations of Protestant and Catholic leaders to Israel and the 2003 AJC mission to Salt Lake City to meet with top Mormon leaders.
"Gary is a wonderful judge of people," said Sherry A. Weinman, president of the Los Angeles AJC chapter. "He knows exactly when to lead with his rabbinical side and when with his statesman side."
Debbie Smith Saidoff, who serves on the national AJC board of governors, praised Greenebaum's sensitivity in dealing with representatives of other faiths.
"Gary is a multidimensional leader of great insight, but he is never afraid to speak truth to power," she said.
In his new position, Greenebaum will work closely with Jerusalem-based Rabbi David Rosen, AJC's international director of interreligious affairs.
-- Tom Tugend, Contributing Editor
Date: 10/27/2006
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