Ben Pery

CEO of Momentum

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Momentum was founded in 2008 to empower Jewish mothers and fathers to strengthen their families, communities, and the world through Jewish values.

The Board hired Ben Pery as CEO in 2012. Over the years he has amplified our founding mission and vision. Ben has overseen significant growth in Momentum’s impact. Under his leadership, Momentum forged a significant partnership with the Government of Israel resulting in five consecutive Government contracts worth a total of $50 million. With this significant increased support along with growing our donor base, the organization catapulted from a single program— focused on a transformative Israel experience for North American Jewish women— to a robust international movement with programming that includes leadership development, digital engagement, and spiritual resources relevant to Jews worldwide.

Momentum’s accomplishments since 2012 have been remarkable; we have engaged more than 23,000 Jewish mothers and fathers and reached over 42,000 children across 440+ diverse Jewish community organizations in 36 countries.

Ben has advanced the organization’s guiding principle of “unity, not uniformity.” His commitment to bridging divides is evident in the growth and cultivation of our strategic partnerships across the spectrum of religious and non-religious Jewish organizations, globally.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Together with Momentum’s Founding Director, Lori Palatnik, Ben thinks outside of the box to inspire the board and professional team to expand and strengthen Momentum’s work. Ben’s focus on building a strong international, remote team and a growing diverse board of directors has been key to Momentum’s ability to serve a diverse Jewish audience globally; Momentum has become a premier force in strengthening Jewish identity, fostering a sense of Peoplehood, and cultivating leadership.


Following October 7, Momentum's work has gained new urgency as the power of fostering Jewish identity and community connections has proven vital in combating antisemitism and strengthening ties to Israel. Ben has shepherded Momentum through this excruciating time for the Jewish world.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

In addition to Ben’s direct work on behalf of Momentum, he is an active member of many organizations across the global Jewish spectrum, including the Jewish Funder’s Network, Israel American Council, Israel Economic Forum and most notably the Young Professionals Organization (YPO). Ben promotes joining these organizations, and others, as personal and professional enrichment opportunities for us members of the board.