Jacob Israel Herzog

For Israeli diplomat, see Yaakov Herzog.

Rabbi Jacob Israel Herzog (born 1976), is a rabbi and tycoon active in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among the Jews in the kingdom, and promotes interfaith dialogue. He was trained to serve as a rabbi, shochet, a volunteer in the Chevra kadisha Eda Maraviim, and a mohel. He is involved in Jewish religious life in multiple Arab countries and self identifies as Saudi Arabia's chief rabbi, although it is not an recognized public office by the Saudi Government. [1][2][3][4] [5]

In 2022 he was banned from a Future Investment Initiative Institute investment conference for unknown reasons.[6][7] He also visited Iran using his American passport, despite being an Israeli citizen.[8]

In December 2024, in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime, he announced he was traveling to Syria to meet with the new Syria leadership.[9]

Career

Herzog is the owner of ShneorSeed, a company that distributes tomato and pepper seeds.[4]

Personal life

Herzog was born and raised in New York City. During his high school years, he relocated to Israel. He is married to Devorah Leah and together they have eight children.[1]

References

1. Kalin, Stephen; Jones, Rory (2021-11-02). "A Rabbi Searches for a Congregation in Saudi Arabia, Birthplace of Islam". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
2. "Meet Jacob Herzog, Saudi Arabia's self-proclaimed chief rabbi". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2022-07-23. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
3. Moosazadeh, Sarah. "US-Israeli rabbi helps preserve religious heritage for Jewish residents of Saudi Arabia". The National. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
4. Keller-Lynn, Carrie. "In Saudi Arabia, a rabbi angles to lead a Jewish community that doesn't exist". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
5. "Israeli military officer and 'Chief Rabbi of Saudi Arabia' to visit Syria". Retrieved 26 December 2024.
6. Fattah, Zainab (25 October 2022). "Rabbi Says He Was Barred Entry to Saudi Investment Summit". Bloomberg. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
7. Kalin, Stephen (2022-10-27). "Israeli Business in Saudi Arabia Emerges From Shadows at Investment Conference". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
8. "The curious case of the Israeli rabbi in Iran". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
9. "Chabad Rabbi Jacob Herzog flies to Syria to congratulate, meet with Syrian officials". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2024-12-26. Retrieved 2024-12-26.