New York-- Jewish newspaper and website, The Forward, has appointed Itai Elizur to the newly created position of audience development associate. He will manage The Forward’s social media presence, mobile marketing efforts and online community outreach.

Elizur joins recently appointed director of marketing and audience development Bob Goldfarb in expanding the audience, visibility and influence of The Forward’s multilingual and multiplatform products through traditional marketing, digital platforms, social and mobile media channels and events. He will assist in the audience research program, oversee creative new initiatives online and manage The Forward’s involvement with social network platforms and digital communities.

Elizur comes to The Forward with substantial experience in online journalism and digital media, having held positions in Israeli media and publications, including home-page editor for the leading Israeli news website, NRG Maariv, and broadcast producer and anchor on IDC Radio 106.40 FM. Recently, he served as U.S. correspondent for the Jerusalem-based newspaper Makor Rishon. Elizur has also published articles in numerous Israeli publications and popular websites such as Ynet, Mako and Maariv.