American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) today announced the appointment of Ben Pery as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 3, 2025. A proud Tel Aviv University (TAU) alumnus and seasoned nonprofit executive, Pery brings a deeply personal connection to TAU and a bold plan to expand AFTAU’s reach, deepen donor engagement, and strengthen the transformative partnership between American supporters and Israel’s most dynamic university.

“Tel Aviv University is part of my DNA — I am the third generation in my family to study there, and I studied three degrees at TAU,” said Pery. “This is where my values were shaped, where I first experienced Israel’s global spirit, and where I saw the power of innovation and resilience. To now lead AFTAU is both a profound honor and a personal mission: to ensure that American philanthropy helps fuel TAU’s boldest ambitions for Israel and the world.”

A record of growth and impact

Pery is widely recognized for his transformational leadership. As CEO of Momentum, he guided the organization through an era of unprecedented growth, scaling it by more than 1,500% into a $20M+ global movement that now reaches Jewish women and families in over 40 countries. Under his leadership, Momentum became a recognized force for Jewish identity and continuity, launching innovative programs, building high-level partnerships, and cultivating major philanthropic support.

Prior to Momentum, Pery served as Vice President of Operations at the Peres Center for Peace, practiced corporate and commercial law at Barnea & Co., and founded the Israel Educational Travel Alliance (IETA), a network of 100+ organizations collaborating on Israel engagement.

A mission for AFTAU

At AFTAU, Pery’s mission is to mobilize American philanthropy and partnerships to advance TAU’s most ambitious goals, from driving breakthrough research in medicine, technology, climate, and cybersecurity among others, to fostering resilience, democratic values, and global leadership. His vision is to grow AFTAU into a $100M annual fundraising organization, expand alumni engagement across the US, and position TAU as the premier global university partner for American donors at this critical moment.

“Investing in Tel Aviv University is investing in Israel’s future — in healing, discovery, and hope. Together with our supporters, AFTAU will build a movement that stands with Israel and shapes the next era of global innovation,” Pery added.

Under Pery’s leadership, AFTAU will focus on three pillars: reconnect, reimagine, and rebuild. The aim is to strengthen emotional and philanthropic ties between American supporters, alumni, and Tel Aviv University, while positioning AFTAU as a thought-leadership platform and expanding AFTAU’s capacity, outreach, and fundraising to meet Tel Aviv University’s growing global influence.

“Ben is the right leader at the right time,” said Dr. Garry A. Rayant, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFTAU. “He combines a strategic growth mindset with a lifelong passion for TAU and Israel. His ability to inspire people and build global partnerships makes him uniquely suited to lead AFTAU forward.”

The synthesis of his relevant professional success and Pery’s proven capacity for leading organization-wide growth, strategic leadership, and bridge-building are among the many reasons AFTAU looks forward to its exciting, new chapter under his leadership as CEO.