Key Facts
Career & Education
About
David Bernstein is an American Jewish communal leader and pro-Israel advocate with a focus on campus activism and countering antisemitism. He earned a B.A. in politics from Brandeis University in 1996 and an M.Phil. in Middle Eastern studies from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in 2002. Early in his career, he was a Wexner Israel Fellow at the Shalem Center in Jerusalem and served as Executive Director of Harvard Hillel from 2002 to 2006, emphasizing Israel education and advocacy on college campuses. He became president of The David Project in July 2010, where he has been a vocal opponent of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, contributing to training programs for student activists and building on prior initiatives like the 2007 documentary 'Obsessed.' Bernstein has authored op-eds in outlets such as The Forward, The Times of Israel, and The Jerusalem Post, critiquing anti-Israel activism and promoting Jewish unity. In 2016, he transitioned to Vice President for Israel and Global Jewish Communities at the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), expanding his influence in federation networks. Prior to these roles, he served as Program Director at the American Jewish Committee (AJC). No major legal controversies, scandals, or financial disclosures are publicly documented. He is recognized within pro-Israel circles for strategic advocacy but has faced criticism from left-leaning Jewish groups for his staunch anti-BDS stance.