WASHINGTON, May 8 (UPI) -- After leading the World Jewish Congress in Washington for 26 years, billionaire Edgar Bronfman has resigned as chairman.
The non-profit group has been in turmoil since last year when Bronfman's longtime associate, Israel Singer, was investigated by the New York attorney general's office, which ruled Singer had violated his fiduciary responsibilities, but no evidence of criminal wrongdoing was found.
In March, Bronfman fired Singer, and claimed Singer had used the group's funds "for his own use," the Washington Post reported.
Divisions arose in the organization worldwide over the firing, and on Monday at a New York meeting of the WJC's steering committee, a statement was released saying Bronfman was stepping down and that a "restoration of normal relationships" among its affiliates was now the goal.
The WJC said its governing board will elect Bronfman's successor in June.
Bronfman, the 77-year-old head of the Seagram liquor business, has said for the past six years he wanted to step down from the WJC leadership.
