Jewish Group Ousts Controversial Leader

The World Jewish Congress, a small nonprofit group in Washington that pushed European banks to pay billions of dollars in Holocaust restitution, has ousted its longtime leader, reports The New York Times.

The dismissal of Israel Singer, the group’s head, follows three years of controversy that began when the organization’s Swiss affiliate discovered $1.2-million in questionable transfers of money among accounts in London, New York, and Switzerland.

The money was eventually returned, but the transfers led to questions about Mr. Singer’s lavish expenses and whether the group’s financial controls were adequate.

Donations to the organization fell in 2005, and, according to its financial statements, the group’s expenses were $17-million and its revenue was $9.4-million.

A 2006 investigation by the New York State attorney general’s office concluded that Mr. Singer had violated his fiduciary responsibilities and found problems with the organization’s financial controls and fund-raising practices.

Mr. Singer did not respond to the newspaper’s request for comment, and Stephen E. Herbits, the executive overseeing an overhaul of the organization, said he could not discuss the specific reasons for Mr. Singer’s removal, but said, “It is important that the World Jewish Congress stand for integrity around the world.”

(Free registration is required to view this article.)