Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign has named an outgoing World Jewish Congress official to a steering committee of leaders and activists in the gay and lesbian community. WJC Secretary General Stephen Herbits, 64, who was named to the committee, was a lightning rod during the last few years of infighting at the WJC. The congress has undergone drastic change in the last few months: Its longtime lead professional, Israel Singer, was fired, and a new president, cosmetics magnate Ronald Lauder, was elected to replace longtime President Edgar Bronfman, who announced his resignation in May. Bronfman had hired Herbits to clean up the financial mess at the WJC, which was investigated by New York state’s attorney general for financial improprieties. Herbits has also served as a consultant to several Republican administrations.
“I am proud to have the support of such distinguished leaders in the LGBT community,” Clinton said in a press release. “Together we can move our nation closer to the promise of fairness and equality that all Americans deserve.” Herbits reportedly will be replaced at the WJC by the executive vice president of B’nai B’rith International, Dan Mariaschin.
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