Jewish council gets new director

Burton will replace Nancy Kaufman, a well-known advocate for the Jewish community and other causes who served as the council’s director since 1990 and expanded it to include more than 40 groups. She left last year.

The coalition, which was founded in 1944, now has a $2.5 million budget and about 25 employees.

Burton now serves as a vice president of programs at the Jewish Funds for Justice, a foundation in New York.

Phil Rosenblatt, the council’s vice president and chairman of its search committee, said that Burton stood out from other candidates.

“Jeremy really brings everything we were looking for, including a broad and balanced view of the Jewish community,’’ said Rosenblatt. “He has a great history of community building within a Jewish organization, a strong personal Jewish identity, and firm commitment to Israel and her security. He’s the ideal candidate to execute our vision for the future of JCRC.’’

Burton said he supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people.

He said he supports inclusion of more liberal Jewish groups that have been critical of the Israeli government’s approach to the peace process. But he declined to say where he stands on whether Jerusalem should be shared or whether he agrees with Israeli officials’ approach to the peace process.

“My understanding is that the government is committed to the peace process,’’ he said. “Obviously, there are disagreements about tactics and policy issues. Our job is to support a safe and secure state.’’

While he has never lived in the Boston area and said he has a lot to learn about it, Burton emphasized that he shares a common view with most local Jews on at least one vital cause in Boston: He abhors the Yankees.

“I am a Mets fan,’’ he said. “I hope we can find common cause to root against the Yankees every day, every game.’’

David Abel can be reached at dabel@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @davabel.