Harriet P. Schleifer assumed the role of Chair of the Conference in June 2023.

Ms. Schleifer has a passion for advocating on behalf of Jews around the world, for the security and vitality of the State of Israel, and for ensuring quality of life for people with disabilities. She lives by Hillel’s credo, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”

A retired attorney whose focus was on education law, Ms. Schleifer has extensive experience representing students of various abilities. She is a centrist and consensus-builder who believes in the dignity of people.

Highlights of her philanthropic career include serving in the following roles:
National President, American Jewish Committee (AJC); Chair, Board of Governors, AJC; Chair, Project Interchange, AJC; President, Westchester/Fairfield Regional Office, AJC; Secretary, Board of Trustees of The Jewish Museum in New York; Board Member, Plaza Jewish Community Chapel; Board Member, JBS TV; Member of the Board of Trustees of The Washington Institute on Near East Policy; Member of the Executive Committee of Chapel Haven Schleifer Center; Trustee, Cornell University; President of Bet Torah Synagogue, Mt. Kisco, NY; Member, Executive Committee, UJA Federation of New York, Westchester area; 1st Vice President, Richard Rosenthal JCC, Pleasantville, NY; and extensive leadership roles in the Chappaqua School District PTA, and other community organizations.

Ms. Schleifer earned a BS from Cornell, a Master’s in Education from the University of Virginia, and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. She lives in New York.