He served the South African Jewish community for 15 years (2000-2014) in multiple leadership roles; as a community leader, Rabbi and educator. He served as the Rabbi of the Mizrachi Movement of South Africa during these years, the Senior Rabbi of the vibrant Mizrachi shul in Johannesburg, and the Head of School of the Yeshiva College schools, the first and largest Torah school in Southern Africa.
Rav Perez returned to Israel with his family in 2014 to take up a new position as CEO at the Mizrachi World Movement. He is the driving force behind the re-invigoration of the Mizrachi Movement worldwide. Since assuming his position, Rav Perez has focused on organizational transformation and innovative programming with the collective goal of making Jewish and Zionist identity relevant and transformative in communities throughout the Diaspora.
Rav Perez is a renowned orator, and is a sought after speaker and scholar in residence in communities around the world. He has authored two books - Leading the Way - a collection of writings on some of life’s most important matters, and The Jewish State: from Opposition to Opportunity - a Vision for Unity in Israel and Why the World Needs it.
He is married to Shelley and they reside in Yad Binyamin and are parents to 4 children.
Their second son, Captain Daniel Perez HY”D , was killed in action and taken hostage on October 7th/Simchat Torah 2023 and returned for burial at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery on Simchat Torah 2025 exactly two years later.