Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long been a central figure in global Jewish leadership. His role as Israel’s leader during the year-long war against Hamas and Hezbollah has solidified his position as a powerful and influential Jew. However, as he continues to steer the nation through one of its most challenging periods, Netanyahu is joined by a new generation of Jewish leaders, each leaving their mark on the world stage. Among them, four individuals stand out: Doug Emhoff, Governor Josh Shapiro, billionaire Bill Ackman, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Jerusalem Post, which compiled this list of the most influential Jews, highlights their remarkable achievements and the distinct paths they’ve taken to become leaders of global significance.
Doug Emhoff, the husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, has taken a prominent role in American public life, but his work goes beyond the ceremonial duties often associated with a “second gentleman.” Since Harris became vice president, Emhoff has used his platform to address the rising tide of antisemitism in the United States and abroad, making him the world’s most influential Jew in 2024, according to The Jerusalem Post.
As Harris vies for the presidency, Emhoff stands at a pivotal moment in history. If Harris were to win, Emhoff would not only become the first male spouse in the White House but also the first Jewish one. This significant possibility has placed him at the intersection of history and the future of American Jewry. Emhoff has embraced his role, carrying the weight of Jewish hopes and aspirations with him. His work has made him a symbol of resilience, especially since the devastating attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which spurred a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents globally.
Emhoff led the Biden administration’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, launched in 2023, a comprehensive initiative aimed at curbing hate and intolerance wherever it arises. The strategy, which has become a cornerstone of his public identity, was developed with a sense of urgency as antisemitism escalated across the United States, particularly on college campuses.
“Even now, as we are getting ready for school, we are making sure students are going to be safe,” Emhoff recently said. “Protests are fine, but when they cross the line… [students] need to be able to attend class.”
His commitment to combating antisemitism has been a personal and public endeavor. In 2023, he visited Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, a site that embodies the darkest chapter in Jewish history. Emhoff’s efforts to confront hate, alongside Harris’s political campaign, continue to make him an essential figure in Jewish-American life, with his work resonating far beyond US borders.
A year ago, Josh Shapiro was a relatively obscure political figure on the national stage, but 2024 saw his rapid rise as one of America’s most promising Jewish leaders. Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, had a breakout moment in July when he was floated as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in her presidential bid. Though he eventually lost the spot to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Shapiro’s oratory skills and strong Jewish identity have propelled him into the political limelight.
Shapiro’s story is quintessentially American. Proud of his Jewish heritage, he grew up attending a Jewish day school in suburban Philadelphia, studied in Israel, and now keeps a kosher kitchen in the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg. He’s become a key figure in the Democratic Party, with many drawing comparisons between his charismatic style and that of former President Barack Obama.
Even though he didn’t secure the vice-presidential nod, Shapiro’s political career is just beginning. His governance of Pennsylvania has been closely watched, especially given his commitment to civil rights, social justice, and the Jewish values of fairness and equity. His influence continues to grow, and many believe he has a bright future in national politics.
Bill Ackman, a billionaire investor and philanthropist, has leveraged his considerable influence to tackle antisemitism in higher education, particularly in response to the pro-Palestinian sentiments that surged following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Ackman, who runs the New York-based hedge fund Pershing Square, has been vocal in his criticism of his alma mater, Harvard University, after 30 student organizations signed a statement placing blame for the Hamas-Israel conflict squarely on Israel.
The statement, which Ackman viewed as egregiously misguided, spurred him into action. He called for the names of the students involved to be made public, urging potential employers, including his own company, to know where they stand on such issues. His hardline stance has sparked a national conversation about the role of free speech, accountability, and antisemitism on American campuses.
Ackman’s wealth and influence have allowed him to organize other major donors to apply financial pressure on universities perceived as fostering antisemitic or anti-Israel environments. His stance has led to the retraction of statements from some student groups and has left many students reconsidering their public positions out of concern for their future career prospects.
This battle is personal for Ackman, whose Jewish identity is central to his life and philanthropy. He has a long history of donating to Jewish causes and Democratic candidates, and his voice has become one of the loudest in the fight to curb antisemitism on university campuses across the US.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been at the forefront of American diplomacy for years, but the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel thrust him into an even more critical role. As the Biden administration’s top diplomat, Blinken has made nine visits to Israel since the attack, underscoring the US’s unwavering support for Israel in its battle against Hamas and Hezbollah.
Blinken’s deep connection to his Jewish identity has shaped his leadership in these difficult times. He has often linked his role in the US government to the broader history of the Jewish people, referencing the Holocaust when discussing the atrocities committed by Hamas. “After October 7, I come before you not only as the US Secretary of State but also as a Jew,” Blinken said during a speech, drawing a direct line between the attack on Israel and the echoes of Jewish suffering throughout history.
One of Blinken’s most crucial achievements in the wake of the attack has been his efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages. Working tirelessly through diplomatic channels, he helped negotiate the release of over 100 captives held by Hamas. His efforts have solidified his standing not only as a diplomat but as a global Jewish leader who understands the weight of his role during this turbulent period.
Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta, has been instrumental in shedding light on the atrocities committed against Israeli women during the October 7 Hamas attacks. Sandberg oversaw the creation of the documentary Screams Before Silence, which highlights the horrific sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas. Released in April 2024, the documentary has already garnered over 1.2 million views and is available in multiple languages, making her a fierce advocate for victims of war crimes.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, continues to be a symbol of Jewish entrepreneurship. Ranked 28th on the Jerusalem Post’s list, Zuckerberg’s influence extends beyond business as he navigates the complex relationship between technology, media, and society.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the first Jewish woman to lead Mexico, has been a trailblazer in Latin American politics. As the first female and Jewish president of Mexico, she has introduced a new era of leadership in the region and has become a global symbol of Jewish political success.
Victoria Starmer, wife of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also made headlines as the first Jewish first lady of the UK. Ranked 43rd on the list, her influence has been felt as she helps manage Downing Street in a uniquely Jewish way.
