About Ian
Born in the US, Ian (also known as Haim) Pear made aliya to Jerusalem with his wife, Dr. Rachel Pear, in 1999. Shortly thereafter he launched the first of three Synagogues and founded Shir Hadash, an Educational Institute dedicated to bringing Jews closer to Judaism, Israel and one another. When former Mayor Nir Barkat visited Shir Hadash, he commented, "This is exactly what Jerusalem needs today!”
As a result of his participation in the last Municipal elections, Rabbi Pear was recently appointed by the Mayor of Jerusalem to serve as an Envoy for International Communities. In many respects, this is an expansion of his previous efforts in "Spiritual Diplomacy" -- an endeavor in which he welcomed and provided educational content on Israel -- and promoted a Universal vision for this country - to thousands of overseas' diplomats, government officials, clergy, and academic and business leaders. Former US Senator, Joseph Lieberman, described the hosting of high level delegations of Governors, Senators and Representatives - as "incredibly important work" that makes a big difference.
In addition, Rabbi Pear has lectured extensively on the interaction between Halacha and Israeli Law, served as the Dean of a Midrasha, Directed the Hillel at Tel Aviv University, worked in Environmental Law, was a Legal Fellow for the JDC Holocaust Compensation Claims Department, and more recently (during the October 7th war), launched a WhatsApp group connecting thousands of volunteers and donors with projects and people in need, hosted evacuees, platformed organizations involved in the war effort, and collected food, equipment and funds for wide-spread distribution. During this time, he also initiated the "3030" project, where he explores 3000 years of archeological evidence demonstrating Israel's presence in the land of Israel in about 30 seconds.
Rabbi Pear received his Bachelor's degree in International Law, Politics and Security from Georgetown University, a Juris Doctor (JD) from NYU School of Law, and an Masters of Law (LLM) with a specialization in Mishpat Ivri from The Hebrew University School of Law. Rabbi Pear received his Rabbinical Ordination is from Yeshiva University, where he studied under Rabbi Dr. Moshe Tendler.
He is the author of four books, including a best-seller on Israel entitled The Accidental Zionist, and most recently a novel, The Day the Devil Went on Trial.
The Pears have five children ranging in age from 7 to 26.
