Jewish Defense League - JDL Chairmen

JDL Chairmen

According to the organization's official list of Chairmen or Highest Ranking Directors:

• 1968-1971 - Rabbi Meir Kahane, International Chairman.
• 1971-1973 - David Fisch, a religious Columbia University student, who later wrote articles for Jewish magazines and the book "Jews for Nothing."
• 1974-1976 - Russel Kelner, originally from Philadelphia. Formerly a U.S. Army lieutenant trained in counter-guerrilla warfare, he moved to New York City to direct the JDL's paramilitary summer camp JeDeL located in Wawarsing, New York, and later to run the national office as chairman.
• 1976-1978 - Bonnie Pechter.
• 1979-1981 - Brett Becker, originally from South Florida, came to New York City to become chairman.
• 1981-1983 - Meir Jolovitz, originally from Arizona, also came to New York City.
• 1983-1984 - Fern Sidman, Administrative Director.
• 1985-2002 - Irv Rubin, International Chairman.
• 2002–present - Shelley Rubin, Administrative Director (2002–2006); Chairman/CEO (2006–present).