Attorney Dan Yakir, who retired from his position as Legal Advisor for the Association for Civil Rights a few months ago, has been elected as the President of ACRI. Attorney Yakir will succeed the esteemed Attorney Sami Michael, who served in his role as President for the past 22 years. Michael will now serve as the Honorary President of ACRI.
In a letter sent by Sami Michael to the members of the Association for Civil Rights, he wrote: "As I reach an advanced age, I am happy to pass on the presidency to my dear friend Dan Yakir, a humanist and a dedicated fighter for democracy. His significant contribution to ACRI over the years is immense."
Noa Sattath, the Executive Director of the Association for Civil Rights, stated: "On the eve of the new Hebrew year, ACRI extends immense gratitude to the person who served as the President for the past 22 years, the wonderful author and human rights champion, Sami Michael. Sami will continue to be a part of our family and will serve as our Honorary President. Especially in these days, we are blessed to have two individuals so rich in rights and inspirational leadership at the helm of ACRI."
Attorney Dan Yakir stated: "I am excited to have been elected as the President of ACRI. It is a great honor to take on a role in which individuals such as Judges Shimon Agrent and Haim Cohen served in the past, as well as the spirited man and author Sami Michael. I wish to express my gratitude to Sami for the many years he dedicated to the Association for Civil Rights, especially in the struggle for human rights. He will continue to serve as our compass, guiding us along the way. I am pleased that I can continue to work to advance human rights during this challenging period, in which threats to civil rights and the most fundamental democratic principles have grown significantly.'"