PRESS RELEASE
The International Legal Forum Appoints Michal Cotler-Wunsh as CEO
16 October, 2025
Tel Aviv — The International Legal Forum (ILF), is proud to announce the appointment of Michal Cotler-Wunsh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2025.
Cotler-Wunsh is a leading international human-rights lawyer and expert on antisemitism, who brings over two decades of unparalleled experience at the intersection of law, strategy, policy, and global advocacy. She received her LL.B. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and her LL.M. from McGill University in Montreal.
She most recently served as Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, and previously as a Member of Knesset, where she served on the ‘Foreign Affairs & Security Committee’, ‘Constitution, Law & Justice Committee’, Chair of the Subcommittee on ‘Israel-Diaspora Relations’ and as the first Knesset Liaison to the ‘Issue of the International Criminal Court’. During her time as an MK, Cotler-Wunsh also initiated and led multiple Knesset hearings on the topic of antisemitism, and co-founded the Interparliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, together with multi-partisan elected officials from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Cotler-Wunsh succeeds Arsen Ostrovsky, who steps down after almost five years as CEO, during which he expanded the ILF’s global reach, strengthened its international partnerships, and positioned the organization as a leading authority in the legal defense of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide, during the difficult period since the October 7th attacks.
Nadav Steinman, Chairman of the ILF Board, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Michal as the new CEO. Michal is not only an exceptional legal mind and advocate, but someone deeply committed to Israel, human rights, and the moral clarity of law. Her experience, from the Knesset to the international arena, gives her a unique ability to lead ILF at this critical juncture for Israel and the Jewish people.
On behalf of the Board, I also wish to sincerely thank Arsen for his extraordinary leadership and dedication over the past five years. He transformed the ILF into a globally recognized legal voice for Israel, and we are profoundly grateful for the foundation he leaves behind.”
Arsen Ostrovsky, outgoing CEO, added:
“It has been the greatest privilege to lead ILF during such a consequential period for Israel and the Jewish people, and I could not be more delighted at Michal’s appointment. Michal brings truly unparalleled experience, credibility, and understanding that since October 7th, the lawfare arena has become one of the most critical battlefronts in the fight against antisemitism and the delegitimization of Israel. With Michal at the helm, together with the leadership of Nadav, the Board, and our global network of lawyers and partners, I am certain ILF will continue to meet this challenge with continued purpose, courage, and conviction.”
Michal Cotler-Wunsh, commenting on her incoming appointment:
“Decades of hijacking and weaponizing international law against Israel, have endangered the very infrastructure created and entrusted to uphold, promote, and protect the international rules-based order. The past two years of an existential, multi-front war since the October 7 massacre, and the normalization of global antisemitism, have exposed what can no longer be ignored. This “eighth front” demands coordinated, proactive and long-term strategies to confront this evolving antisemitism, recognizing it is a threat not only to Israel and the Jewish people, but to the foundations of all who cherish life and liberty.
I am grateful for the opportunity to champion these pressing issues as CEO of ILF at this moment of challenge and opportunity. I am committed to continue serving in this role guided by a compass of moral clarity and courage, including in leading, promoting, and building critical infrastructure and effective tools to best combat this decades-long unconventional war. I look forward to working with ILF Board Chair and members, global advisors and partners. I wish Arsen Ostrovsky, an indefatigable warrior for human rights, Israel, and the Jewish people much success, and look forward to continued collaboration.”
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FORUM (ILF)
ILF a leading Israel-based global network of lawyers and warfare experts dedicated to combating antisemitism, and standing up for Israel in the international legal arena. Since October 7th, ILF has been directly involved in groundbreaking legal actions with our global partners on behalf victims and hostage families, defending Israel’s legitimacy before international courts and institutions, and countering the pernicious blood libel of “genocide” at The Hague and the UN. Alongside this, the ILF continues to lead in legal education and advocacy, empowering lawyers, policymakers, and civil society to confront disinformation, uphold international law and defend the principles of justice and accountability.
Media Contact: info@ilfngo.org