José Thovar Lozano, new director general of the Centro Sefarad-Israel

José Thovar Lozano (Madrid, 1975) has taken office as the new director general of the Centro Sefarad-Israel, following his appointment on 5 July by the institution's Board of Trustees. Thovar replaces Jaime Moreno Bau, who has held this post since 2022.

A career diplomat since 2005, the new director stands out for his extensive international experience in key destinations such as Washington, Rabat, Dakar and Addis Ababa. He has acquired in-depth knowledge of foreign policy, migration and human rights, having worked closely with Jewish and Arab organisations, as well as think tanks in the United States. He holds a law degree from San Pablo CEU University and a diploma in European Law (DESUP) from the University of Paris I - Panthéon-Sorbonne. He speaks Spanish, English and French.

The Centro Sefarad-Israel is a public diplomacy institution formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council, whose purpose is to strengthen ties between Spain and the Jewish world.

Since its creation in 2006, the Centre has developed an intense cultural, educational and memory work, with a programme that includes conferences, exhibitions, cinema, concerts and academic activities, both in person and online.