Mendy Ganchrow M.D served as President of the Orthodox Union (OU) from 1994 -2000. Previously he was the President of both the Community Synagogue and Day School (ASHAR) in Monsey N.Y.
A graduate of Yeshiva University, he is a retired Colo-rectal surgeon and Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery, having authored 19 surgical papers.
In 1968 while serving as a combat surgeon in Vietnam, he volunteered to serve as a Jewish Chaplain. He was promoted to Major, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
In 1982, he formed the Hudson Valley Political Action Committee, and served as its President for 21 years. At the time it was the largest local pro-Israel PAC in the U.S.
During his career, he has served actively on many Boards, including AIPAC, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and the Jim Joseph Foundation as well as 8 years on the Governing Board of the Jewish Agency. He was appointed by President Clinton to serve as a Commissioner on the Commission for the Preservation of Americas Heritage Abroad.
He has published five books: His autobiography “Journey through the Minefields” in 2004 and 3 volumes of anthologies of Torah thoughts – “Sasson Vesimcha” (on sheva brachot), “Entering the Covenant” (on Brit Milah) and “Coming of Age” (on bar/bat mitzvah). All proceeds from the Torah anthologies are dedicated to NCSY.
His latest book, a novel entitled “The Five Day War”, is based upon an actual invitation he received from the Saudi Arabian Government to serve as Chief of Colon Surgery at the Air Force Hospital in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. It is an international thriller, whose hero is an Orthodox surgeon.
Dr Ganchrow and his wife Sheila have 3 children and 11 grandchildren , and reside in Boynton Beach, FL and Fort Lee, NJ.