Wacks Steps Down as AINA President

After 18 years as president of the American Israel Numismatic Association (AINA), Mel Wacks is stepping down, he announced July 31.

“I have had the pleasure and privilege of serving longer than any other AINA president, and it is time to pass the baton to a new generation,” he said.

Wacks has been on the AINA Board of Directors almost continuously since the organization began in 1968.

He is also resigning as editor of the organization’s prize-winning magazine, The Shekel, after serving as editor-in-chief or editor since 2013.

He will remain on the board and will continue to contribute articles to The Shekel.

Wacks also designed AINA’s website, TheShekel.org, and more than 10 of the annual membership medals. He is the “Father of the Shekel Prize,” that has been given annually to the authors of the best book on the subject of Judaic or Holy Land numismatics, and heads the judging committee.

Longtime AINA Treasurer and activist Donna Sims is also stepping down from her position.

At the July meeting of AINA’s Board of Directors, Simcha Kuritzky was elected as the new association president and Josh Prottas as the incoming treasurer. Chaya Sara Oppenheim was chosen as the new editor. Kuritzky, Prottas and Oppenheim will also serve on the board.

Information about the AINA is available online at www.theshekel.org or by phone at (818) 225-1348.