Gidi Mark is an Israeli educator and diplomat who has served as the longtime CEO of Birthright Israel since his appointment in 2006, overseeing the organization's global operations and strategic growth. He grew up identifying primarily as Israeli, but a pivotal experience after his military service—spending Yom Kippur in Germany, where he fasted for the holiday for the first time—deepened his awareness of his Jewish identity. Mark began his professional career in 1983 as a diplomat for Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving for 15 years in embassies and consulates in Istanbul, Bonn, and New York. During his posting in New York, he developed a strong appreciation for Jewish organizational life and volunteerism in the community. He has been recognized for his influence, ranking #47 on The Jerusalem Post's 50 Most Influential Jews list in 2018 and No. 32 in 2022. Under his leadership at Birthright Israel, the organization faced allegations related to a sexual assault reported by participant Julia Peck in March 2014, allegedly perpetrated by an Israeli mifgash (encounter) participant who was a soldier. In response, Mark detailed policy enhancements in a March 23, 2015, letter to Peck's parents, including mandatory conferences on conduct, visual aids on sexual harassment, signed commitments from Israeli participants, and group leaders to monitor compliance. The incident was reported to the Israeli army, but no police report was filed by the victim, and Birthright stated it lacks investigative authority; these changes were implemented, with subsequent training updates confirmed by Hillel.