David Kirschtel

Among his proudest achievements is his work on the Minute of Silence for the Munich 11, those Israeli athletes and coaches murdered by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Olympics in Germany. Working with Munich widows Ankie Spitzer and Ilana Romano, David galvanized the JCC and Rockland communities behind this effort, which reached around the globe. In 2012, they presented a 112,000-signature petition to the head of the International Olympic Committee asking for a minute of silence remembering the Israelis at the 2012 London Olympiad. Although that effort did not result in recognition, IOC leadership memorialized the 11 Israelis within the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. In 2021, the Olympics finally held a minute of silence in Tokyo Japan.

David began his work at the JCC as a member of the board of directors in 1992. He moved into his professional role at the non-profit after working in business and for himself for many years. Seeking a change, he took inspiration from the example of his late brother-in-law, Leonard Zakim, who had served as head of the Anti-Defamation League in New England and was known for building bridges between communities. 

Raised in Newton, Massachusetts. David received his bachelor’s degree from Bentley University (then College) in 1981. He and his wife, Elayna live in New City and are parent’s to Aaron and his wife Michal, Jason and his wife Erica, and Naomi.