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For Immediate Release June 12, 2025
[New York, NY] – June 12, 2025 — American Friends of Sheba Medical Center (AFSMC), the U.S. advocacy and fundraising arm of Israel’s world-renowned Sheba Medical Center, proudly announces the appointment of Karen L. Berman as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Berman’s hiring marks a critical new chapter for AFSMC as it rebuilds and expands its operations in the United States to match Sheba’s global leadership in healthcare, innovation, and humanitarian medicine. The announcement also comes on the heels of Sheba Medical Center’s recent strategic partnership with Massachusetts to establish a medical innovation center in Boston.
A seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience, Berman has led transformational growth in Jewish and Israeli institutions. She previously served as CEO of the American Society of the University of Haifa and the Youth Renewal Fund, doubling fundraising, leading global campaigns, and overseeing strategic mergers. In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Berman advises foundations and private companies on governance, operations, and growth strategy, and currently serves as an Independent Director on several corporate boards.
“Sheba Medical Center is not just a world leader in medicine—it’s a beacon of hope, healing, and innovation in Israel and across the globe,” said Karen L. Berman, CEO of AFSMC. “I’m honored to lead the next chapter for AFSMC and to help rebuild and expand our presence in the United States, so Sheba has the visibility and support it needs to continue to save lives and shape the future of healthcare.”
“Karen’s deep experience, bold vision, and unwavering commitment to Israel make her the ideal leader to guide AFSMC forward,” said Bill Silbey, Chairman of the AFSMC Board. “We are thrilled to have her at the helm as we reimagine and reinvigorate our mission.”
“Karen Berman could not come at a better time to lead American Friends of Sheba Medical Center and help support our deeply impactful, innovative work,” said Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, Director General of Sheba Medical Center. “Our cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship will benefit immensely from her leadership as we expand strategic partnerships across the United States.”
Berman holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated cum laude from Harvard College. She lives in New York City and has two adult sons. She serves on the boards of the Jewish Book Council and URJ Eisner & Crane Lake Camps, and is a former president and board chair of Congregation Rodeph Sholom.
About American Friends of Sheba Medical Center American Friends of Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer (AFSMC), is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Sheba Medical Center’s mission by raising awareness and philanthropic support across the United States. AFSMC supports Sheba’s pioneering research, clinical excellence, medical innovation, and training programs that serve communities around the world. Learn more at www.afsmc.org.
About Sheba Medical Center Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, is the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East and has been consistently ranked among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals. Located outside Tel Aviv, Sheba’s “City of Health” includes acute care, children’s, rehabilitation, geriatric, and cancer hospitals, along with research institutes, a simulation center, a virtual hospital, and disaster response capabilities. It serves as a global hub for medical innovation and humanitarian response. Learn more at www.sheba-global.com.
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