About JDL

Here is JDL’s official list of its chairmen (or highest ranking directors):

1968-1971: Rabbi Meir Kahane,  הי״ד זצ״ל, International Chairman¹
1971-1973: David Fisch, National Chairman
1974-1976: Russel Kelner, National Chairman
1976-1978: Bonnie Pechter, National Chairman
1979-1981: Brett Becker, National Chairman
1981-1983: Meir Jolowitz, National Chairman
1983-1984: Fern Sidman, National Director
1985-2002: Irv Rubin, ז״ל הי״ד, International Chairman²
2002-Present: Shelley Rubin, Administrative Director (2002-2006); Chairman/CEO (2006-Present)³

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1. Although he led JDL as its National Chairman prior to the formation of any international chapters, Rabbi Meir Kahane posthumously received the title of International Chairman, a JDL title held by him and Irv Rubin.  After Irv’s passing, the title was retired in recognition of the uniqueness of those two incredible Jewish leaders.

2. While Rabbi Kahane did not serve officially as National Chairman from 1972-1984, he maintained legal control and spiritual authority over the organization until handing over the reigns of leadership to Irv Rubin in 1985. Irv Rubin was Rabbi Meir Kahane’s chosen successor.

3. Shelley Rubin served as Administrative Director of JDL after her husband Irv’s passing in 2002. In 2006, after JDL’s victorious legal defense against a small break-away cabal that attempted unlawfully for a year-and-a-half to usurp control of the organization, Shelley was advised of the legal necessity of taking on the corporate titles of Chairman and CEO, titles she had previously been reluctant to use out of deference to her husband and Rabbi Kahane.