Ambassador Richard Schifter Named Chair of AJC International Relations Commission

American Jewish Committee
Monday, 28 January 2002

Ambassador Richard Schifter has been named Chair of the American Jewish Committee's International Relations Commission.

"With his vast experience in international diplomacy and in the U.S. government, Ambassador Schifter will give a boost to the diplomatic efforts of the American Jewish Committee, especially in the areas of human rights and in matters related to the United Nations," said David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee. "It is an honor to have Dick Schifter serving as Chair of AJC's International Relations Commission."

Ambassador Schifter recently retired from government service after a distinguished career that included serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, U.S. representative to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Commission, and as deputy U.S. representative in the UN Security Council. Most recently, under President Clinton he served as Special Assistant to the President on the staff of the National Security Council and as Special Adviser to the Secretary of State.

"Our country is on the right course in meeting the latest totalitarian challenge to the causes of democracy, equal rights, and the rule of law," said Ambassador Schifter. "I am glad that it have been afforded this special opportunity to help organize AJC's support of our national effort."

He received the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award, Austria's Golden Honor Insignia with Star, and the Order of Commander of Romania's Star.

Ambassador Schifter has been a member of the AJC since 1972.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org