Ambassador Marcy Grossman Named Director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding

Grossman Brings Decades of Diplomatic Experience, Expertise in Bridge-Building and International Engagement to AJC's Center for a New Middle East

American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, today announced Ambassador Marcy Grossman as the new Director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding. As part of AJC's Center for a New Middle East, AJC Abu Dhabi is a trusted entity in the Gulf that cultivates connections and deepens diplomatic, economic, and civil society engagement across the region.

Amb. Grossman's new position at AJC Abu Dhabi represents the culmination of a more than three-decade career devoted to bridge-building in the Middle East and across the globe bringing together her deep connection to the region, longstanding commitment to dialogue across cultures and faiths, and dedication to Israel and the Jewish people.

"We are thrilled to have Amb. Marcy Grossman joining AJC to lead AJC Abu Dhabi," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. "Marcy brings an exceptional combination of diplomatic experience, economic expertise, and deep regional knowledge at a pivotal moment for the Middle East. As the only Jewish advocacy organization with a consistent presence in the Arab world, Marcy's leadership will be instrumental in deepening those relationships, building on the historic progress of the Abraham Accords, and advancing AJC's longstanding commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and a more peaceful and prosperous region."

Amb. Grossman served as Canada's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2019 to 2022, during a period of historic transformation in the Middle East that included the signing of the Abraham Accords.

"Having witnessed firsthand the extraordinary possibilities created by the Abraham Accords, I believe deeply in the power of human connection to shape a shared future," said Amb. Grossman "I am honored to return to the region through AJC to advance Arab-Jewish understanding, deepen relationships, and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East."

During her tenure as ambassador, Grossman led Canada's engagement with the UAE, deepening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation across political, economic, security, and regional priorities. Her early diplomatic career was forged in the United States, where she spent more than 15 years in senior roles spanning political and economic affairs, trade, investment, and security, including as Canada's Head of Mission in Miami and Denver, and later as acting Head of Mission in Seattle and Chicago.

"From its home in Abu Dhabi, the Sidney Lerner Center has a unique ability to bring together leaders from across the region and turn dialogue into practical cooperation," said Anne Dreazen, Vice President and Director of AJC's Center for a New Middle East. "At this critical moment of both profound challenges and opportunities, Marcy's perspective and expertise will help us to further expand our reach and impact while strengthening regional ties in support of a more peaceful and integrated future for the entire region."

Amb. Grossman began her public service career at Correctional Service Canada before going on to hold senior positions across several federal government departments. She holds a Master's degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Highest Honours from Carleton University. She is fluent in English and French and has studied Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic.

Bringing together decades of trust, international architecture, and multifaceted programs, the AJC Center for a New Middle East builds bridges, shapes policies, and instills the hope needed to truly create a new Middle East. Through its permanent presence in Washington, D.C., Jerusalem, and Abu Dhabi, as well as constant travel to the region, AJC actively engages leaders from across the Middle East, including through high-level gatherings in Israel, UAE, and its 25 U.S.-based offices that bring together Arab and Israeli partners committed to new opportunities to work together. For more, please visit www.ajc.org/cnme .

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