Rachel Chertkoff

Rachel is a senior community and public affairs leader with more than 25 years of experience working with governments, public institutions, and community organizations. She is Senior Vice President, Community Engagement at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), where she leads national efforts to support effective community involvement in public life and strengthen relationships with decision‑makers.

Throughout her career, Rachel has focused on helping communities make their voices heard and navigate public systems. She previously served as Chief of Staff and Deputy to Canada’s Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons, where she worked closely with senior officials and community organizations. In that role, she played a key part in guiding the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism from early development through to publication.
She later served as Vice President, Countering Antisemitism & Hate at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, helping lead responses to rising antisemitism and working closely with partners across the community. Earlier in her career, she held multiple roles at CJPAC, focused on political engagement, including serving as Deputy Executive Director.
Rachel holds masters degrees in Jewish communal leadership and communications management and has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Jewish non‑profit management. She brings practical experience in community leadership, public affairs, and relationship‑building, and is widely respected for her ability to connect people, institutions, and decision‑makers.