Executive Director

The Board of Directors and officers of Partners for Progressive Israel (PPI) are delighted to announce the appointment of Iky Salinas as our new Executive Director, effective July 13, 2026.

Iky brings more than a decade of experience in Israeli politics, nonprofit leadership and Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding. A former elected member of the Meretz Assembly, he has held leadership roles with organizations including MEET (Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow) and, most recently, Hashomer Hatzair USA, where he led fundraising and organizational development. He is also a doctoral candidate in Global Governance and Human Security at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where his research focuses on measuring the impact of Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding organizations.

While at Hashomer Hatzair USA, Salinas created the Israel-Palestine Peace and Solidarity Youth Summit, bringing together young Jewish Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians for dialogue, relationship-building, and shared learning rooted in dignity, justice, and human rights. Partners for Progressive Israel is proud to participate in this initiative.

Having lived in Mexico, Israel, and now Boston, Salinas brings both international experience and a deep personal commitment to building a more just and hopeful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

“We are delighted to welcome Iky to lead Partners,” said Professor Paul Scham, President of Partners for Progressive Israel. “At a moment of profound challenges for Israelis, Palestinians, and our own communities, Iky brings the experience, vision, and commitment needed to strengthen our organization and expand our impact. We are especially excited about his proven ability to engage a new generation of leaders committed to peace, democracy, and equality. As we prepare for critical elections in both Israel and the United States, his leadership will help us build the partnerships and coalitions needed to advance our mission.”

“I am deeply honored to join Partners for Progressive Israel at this pivotal moment,” said Iky Salinas. “Growing up in Hashomer Hatzair shaped both my values and my commitment to building a more just future. Today, our communities face growing division. Israelis and Palestinians face profound mistrust, American Jews are deeply divided over Israel’s future, and rising antisemitism and xenophobia continue to threaten our communities.

Partners for Progressive Israel offers a thoughtful and principled alternative to the false choice between being pro-Israel or pro-Palestine. We believe it is both possible and necessary to support the rights, dignity, security, and self-determination of both peoples. PPI can be a home for those who believe Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve equality, justice, and the opportunity to live in peace. I look forward to working alongside our members, partners, and supporters to strengthen progressive voices, support civil society, and help build a more peaceful, democratic, and equitable future for all.”

Salinas succeeds Rabbi Margo Hughes-Robinson, who served as Executive Director for the past two years and helped guide the organization through a period of growth and expanded engagement.