Yotam Schleyer, an IDF reserved Major, has led special forces operations in Gaza since October 7. Formerly with the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, he has also led 15+ social and academic initiatives, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment.
Tamas is the European Programs Coordinator at Minority Rights Group, a global human rights organization. Previously, he worked for CEJI – A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe, advocating against discrimination in the EU, and served as the director of the Israeli Cultural Institute in Budapest.
Emily Kalo is a first-year Law student at the University of Manitoba and the co-founder and president of the Jewish Law Students’ Association. A passionate advocate for the Jewish community, she has held leadership roles in student organizations.
Simon Schiller recently graduated with degrees in Computer Science and Music Theory. He is currently working as a Technical Project Manager on the Azure Networking team at Microsoft.
Keren Shani-Lifrak is a visionary leader with extensive experience in real estate, event production, dance, choreography, and nonprofit development. As the founder of thriving real estate firms and a creative entrepreneur, Keren has spearheaded innovative strategies that enhance community engagement and drive success across diverse sectors.
Justine Zwerling career centres around entrepreneurship combined with a life purpose to develop the support structures surrounding women on their journey and neurodiversity. Prior to the Abraham Accords, she founded the Jewish Women’s Business Network, Co-Founder of Gulf Israel Women’s Forum, Founding Member of UAE Israel Business Council.
Tracie Olcha is the CEO of Australian Jewish Funders (AJF) for over 14 years. She is the visionary behind LaunchPad, Australia’s premier platform for Jewish innovation, which has built a thriving network of leaders through diverse initiatives.
Omri Attar is the founder of My-Leadership, a consultancy firm that builds leadership. He acted as the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism in the Israeli government and, before that, as the Chief Operations Officer of the European Leadership Network (ELNET). Attar is the founder of the Europe Forum, a leading thinking group of pro-Israeli organizations across Europe.
Daniel Goldwin, a former lawyer and consultant, transitioned to full-time advocacy to defend Israel and support the Jewish community. With experience at AIPAC, Israel Bonds, and JUF, he is dedicated to ensuring Israel’s security and strengthening the community’s resilience.
Chen Shmilo is the CEO of the 8200 Alumni Association. He oversees one of Israel’s most influential innovation ecosystems, fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Under his leadership, the association has supported over 300 startups, and introduced cutting-edge technology education to underserved high schools.
Aviva Klompas is the co-founder and CEO of Boundless. Before launching Boundless, she served as the Director of Speechwriting for Israel’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City and as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Ontario government supporting efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Canada.
Arielle Shturman Waiss is a fifth-year medical student renowned for her consistent academic excellence throughout her education. Beyond her medical career, She is an integral member of an urban and extra-urban rescue team, where she served as Director of Training. Arielle actively participates in humanitarian missions and travels with her psychiatric service dog to assist victims of armed conflicts.
Abbey On is a MA holder with 20 years of organizational leadership experience in higher education and non-profit sectors, with expertise in leadership development, experiential education and recruiting and selection. Currently leading Nevo Network, an NGO that elevates Olim working in Israeli tech.
Pearl Mattenson is a Leadership and Relationship Systems Coach who specializes in building the capacity of both veteran and aspiring leaders, leadership teams and boards in the service sector and non-profit world.
Ariel Grosman is a sociologist specialized in public opinion and international relations, with a focus on addressing antisemitism and hate speech through collaborative initiatives. Currently working as a project leader in an NGO to fight against antisemitism. Ariel also teaches Political Science at the University of Buenos Aires.
Shlomo Kook is the Chief Editor of the Haredi newspaper Bekehila and an advocate for global interfaith dialogue. Representing the Chief Rabbi at international conferences, he fosters connections between Jewish communities and other nations.
Youval Ouaknine is 26 years old and engineer. He is a national councelor of FSJU (French National Jewish Fund), former National Delegate of UEJF (French Union of Jewish Students) in charge of the fight against extremism, and former board member of WUJS (World Union of Jewish students).
Michael Valdes is a singer, actor, activist, author, and content creator born and based in New York. He is an AMDA Los Angeles BFA Music Theatre program graduate and studied Method Acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York. He is currently studying at The New School in New York and is on track to receive an MFA in Contemporary Theatre & Performance.
Sammantha Marks is driven by curiosity, enthusiasm, and compassion to make a lasting impact through her work and relationships. With experience at Morningstar and Deloitte, she brings expertise in sustainability, program management, and corporate strategy. She is actively involved in Jewish advocacy at all levels and was honored in the Jewish United Fund’s 36 Under 36 for her leadership.
Dr. Maya Ackerman is an internationally recognized expert in generative AI, dedicated to advancing technologies that empower human expression. As the CEO of WaveAI, she has developed groundbreaking tools which are used by millions of creators worldwide. She is also a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Santa Clara University.
Luc Bernard is a French Jewish video game creator and director. Known for his game The Light in the Darkness, which has received rave reviews across the globe, Luc is changing the way people view video games and Jewish history. The Light in the Darkness tells a moving story of a fictional family of Polish Jews caught up in the Holocaust in France.
Daniela Russowsky Raad is a lawyer specializing in succession and family law, as well as conflict resolution. She also works in Jewish education, focusing on developing leadership skills and training new community leaders. Daniela was recently elected President of the local Jewish Federation—the second woman to hold this position and the youngest president in the institution’s history.
Barak Sella is an educator, community organizer, writer, researcher, and one of the leading Israeli experts on US-Israel relations and World Jewry. Since October 7th, Barak has emerged as a leading voice against antisemitism and extremism on American college campuses, particularly during his time at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Ava Fitoussy grew up in the French Caribbean, and is a Political Science and Economics student at UC Berkeley. She is currently an intern at Dream Ventures and a researcher at an InsurTech startup, gaining hands-on experience in investment strategy and emerging markets.
Matias Satz holds a degree in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires and an MBA from Harvard Business School. With 25 years at McKinsey & Company, he brings extensive experience in strategic leadership. He currently serves as Acting President of the Colegio Tarbut Board.
Mimi Kravetz leads the Impact and Growth team at JFNA, driving data-informed strategies to enhance the effectiveness of Federations across the system. With 20 years of leadership experience spanning top organizations like American Express, Google, and Hillel International, Mimi has built renowned talent and impact systems.
Gali Polichuk works in consulting and holds a BA in Sustainability Studies and Communications from the University of Florida. An Excel Fellow and former Co-Chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet, she is passionate about fostering inclusive Jewish identity.
Raphael Bijaoui, born and raised in Singapore’s multicultural society with Israeli-French roots, has always believed in the power of diverse communities thriving together. An engineering graduate from Imperial College London, he has worked at Apple and PayPal. In response to the polarizing aftermath of October 7th, he founded Nuance to harness AI in restoring truth and empathy online.
Salomao Ioschpe is a business administrator and entrepreneur with over 20 years of executive experience at Iochpe-Maxion SA, leading operations across North and South America. He later founded Insolo Agro, now one of Brazil’s largest agribusiness companies. Currently, he invests in real estate and agribusiness ventures.
Ortal Hazut is an Israeli leader with expertise in public policy, law, and politics. She has held senior roles in public service, including at the Israel Space Agency and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Yaniv Salama is the executive Director of an Israeli NGO that works with the indigenous Jews in Muslim countries in order to help them grow and preserve their communities. A student of politics and history, a lover Impressionist Art and Rock and Roll, and a collector photography and wine.
Nate Looney is the Director of Community Safety and Belonging at Jewish Federations of North America, where he champions inclusive spaces within Jewish communities nationwide.
His professional background as a U.S. Army veteran, social entrepreneur, and urban farmer informs his community-building and organizational development approach.
Julia Vol built her career in the field of circular economy and sustainability innovation. She is now transitioning away from the corporate world to build her own business, helping impact innovators break into the international market.
Dr. Nir Asch is a physician and neuroscientist with an MD and a PhD in Computational Neuroscience from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His research focuses on neuropsychiatric conditions and exploring new treatment possibilities. Currently, he is a researcher at the Weizmann Institute and a psychiatry resident at Rambam Hospital in Haifa.
Brittany Levy spent years dedicating her personal life towards building a sense of Jewish community among those unengaged in Jewish life through a series of events, including parties, speaker events, Shabbats, and more. She now serves as the Community Director of Birthright Excel.
Rachel Kastner is a startup operator, expert storyteller, and sought-after public speaker whose work has garnered millions of views and international coverage. Rachel has over a decade of creative operational and production experience. She is industry agnostic and has enjoyed building in tech, fitness, nonprofit, and media production.
Nasya Miller is a seasoned facilitator, coach, and community-builder with over a decade of experience guiding individuals and teams. She is the founder of Wide Open Spaces and a certified Organization and Relationship Systems Coach, blending systems theory, process work, and Co-Active Coaching™ in her practice.
Ben Wolkowicz is a second-year student at the Hebrew University, studying Economics and Data Science. Deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish community, he has represented Israel internationally in karate and served as a combat medic and commander in the IDF’s Sayeret Nahal unit.
Juan Esteban Ortiz is a medical intern at El Bosque University with a strong background in health and social sciences. As a student representative and active volunteer in the Jewish community, Juan showcases leadership and dedication. With clinical expertise and experience in minor surgical procedures, Juan has made a significant impact, including as a mission leader with Cadena Colombia.
Tiffany Harris is the Chief Program Officer at Moishe House, where she leads a global program team engaging hundreds of thousands of Jewish young adults annually. Before joining Moishe House, Tiffany led an international education program at Amazon, focusing on accelerating IT and cloud-related learning.
Yocheved is the co-founder of a grassroots initiative centralizing volunteer efforts to support Israel, connecting diaspora communities with impactful ways to contribute. Since October 2023, it has become a hub for volunteers worldwide.
Noam Shai Halperin is a the program officer at Schusterman Family Philanthropies, where she leads strategic philanthropic investments to strengthen Israeli society. She founded the IDF’s Cultural Competence School and the nonprofit Mitchashvim to bridge Israel’s digital divide.
Joseph Steinberg serves as a cyber security expert witness, a cyber security board member, and a cyber security advisor to both businesses and governments around the world. He has led organizations within the cybersecurity industry for over 25 years and has been calculated to be one of the top 3 cybersecurity influencers worldwide.
Robert Ejnes, an accomplished executive, has led key Jewish organizations in France, including FSJU and CRIF, since 2014. An MBA graduate of Northwestern and a Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite, he is dedicated to strengthening Jewish communities.
Dr. Ranit Budaie-Hyman holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University and has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive Jewish education. Since 2016, she has led Meitarim, an organization that brings together religious, secular, and traditional Jewish Israelis to learn and grow together in integrated schools and communities.
Vered Amar transitioned from architecture to education and leadership after the Second Lebanon War, leading major projects in Merom Hagalil. A Mandel School graduate, she directed Kfar Vradim’s award-winning education system and now heads Maoz North.
Amit Kochavi is a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and the founder of Cormi.com. He has managed real estate projects in both Israel and the U.S., led resilience initiatives in Sderot, and established youth tech incubators to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rabbi Aharon Shmuel Baskin is the Secretary General of the Conference of European Rabbis, working at the intersection of Orthodox Jewish leadership and science. A graduate of Yeshivat Chevron, he is currently completing his Ph.D. at the Hebrew University.
Jeremy Leibler is the President of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), and a partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler, specializing in corporate law. He has led national efforts to strengthen the Australian Jewish community’s ties to Israel, advocate on behalf of Jewish Australians, and respond to key challenges facing the community.
Dr. Shai Satran is an assistant professor at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Tel-
Aviv University. An anthropologist trained as a psychotherapist (MA in clinical psychology), Shai’s
research lies at the intersection of psychology and technology. A lieutenant colonel in the intelligence corps, Shai has been in reserve duty since Oct. 7th, at the IDF hostage intelligence headquarters.
David Gurov Originally from Germany, David is a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, focusing on materials that emit light under mechanical stress. These materials can be used in advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and sensing applications in healthcare.
Gadi Ezra is Israel’s former National Public Diplomacy Unit Director at the Prime Minister’s Office. Today, he’s a commentator for different Israeli and international platforms on national security and diplomacy. Forbes Magazine named Gadi one of the most influential leaders in Israel under 30 list.
Dr. Malka Z. Simkovich is the Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society and Visiting Professor at Yeshiva University’s Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies. She published several books and hundreds articles including pieces that have been published in journals such as the Harvard Theological Review, the Journal for the Study of Judaism and more.
Diego Chojkier is the co-founder and President of The Esther Project, a nonprofit built to spotlight and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders. Previously, he held senior executive roles leading strategy for The Walt Disney Company and BCG. Earlier in his career, Diego spent over a decade with the U.S. Department of Defense, working across intelligence, policy, and international diplomacy.
Max August is an Investor at General Atlantic and moved to Tel Aviv in 2021 to help open the firm’s Israel office. Since joining 4 years ago, Max has helped the firm deploy over $1B+ into 11 Israeli companies. Max is very involved in Jewish and Israel non-profit work. While at Harvard, he started the Israel Summit, a grassroots movement dedicated to helping college students engage with Israel.
Rabbi Ofek Meir has dedicated over 35 years to teaching, leadership, and community-building at the Leo Baeck Education Center. Over the years, he has held key roles, including founding and serving as Headmaster of the Leo Baeck Elementary School and later leading the Middle School.
Dr. Lenore Walker is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist with a distinguished career spanning independent practice and academic appointments. She is a professor at Nova Southeastern University and continues to lead a private practice focused on forensic cases . In 2023, she co-founded the Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP) in response to antisemitism experienced within the field.
Dr. David Bryfman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Jewish Education Project. After working in formal and informal Jewish educational institutions in Australia, Israel, and North America, David earned his PhD in Education and Jewish Studies from NYU, focusing on the identity development of Jewish adolescents.
Dr. Alexandra Herzog serves as American Jewish Committee (AJC)’s Director of the William Petschek Global Jewish Communities Department, where she oversees global Jewish communal engagement, research, and education, Jewish peoplehood initiatives, and Israel-Diaspora relations. She holds a PhD in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University.
Aija Mayrock is a writer, bestselling author of Dear Girl and The Survival Guide to Bullying, and MBA from Columbia Business School. Aija, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, has 600k social media followers and has spoken to over 4 million people.
Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned relationship coach and matchmaker who shot to international fame as the star of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking. She is also the host of the “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” podcast. To date, she has successfully helped over 250 people make their way down the aisle, and has trained over 350 matchmakers and coaches.
Yotam Tolub is a writer, lawyer and international expert on the rights of people with disabilities. He did his internship in the Supreme Court, was CEO of ‘Bizhut – The Human Rights Center for Persons with Disabilities’ and is the co-founder of the ‘Independent Movement’ NGO. He is currently writing his PhD at the University of Haifa in law and gerontology on the intersectionality of disability and old age.
Daniel Mautner is a participant in the Masa Israel Teaching Fellowship, teaching English in Jerusalem whilst engaging in various leadership and volunteering initiatives (until July 2025). With extensive experience in Jewish advocacy, Daniel also has a strong background in music, having studied composition and worked for an orchestra in London.
Serge Touati is a financial entrepreneur and proven private equity leader with over 30 years of experience. Having successfully founded and led private equity firms, Serge specializes in complex international investments, with particular expertise in strategic transformation. Beyond professional success, Serge is deeply committed to Jewish values and to the State of Israel.
Roei Eisenberg is an Israeli-American advisor, educator, and entrepreneur. He is the Executive Director of ANU: A New Union, a big tent cross-denominational party of Millennial and Gen Z Jewish leaders running in the upcoming election for the 39th World Zionist Congress. He serves on the board of Israel Policy Forum and the Finance & Administration committee of the Jewish Federation of LA.
Mirna Funk majored in Philosophy and History at Humboldt University. She composes articles and essays for various publications, has authored two novels and two essay collections. Her work frequently centres the presence of Jewish culture, and looks at how cultures of remembrance are being reshaped in the present.
Maya Bentwich is an Israeli Citizen Spokesperson alongside Eylon Levy, ensuring Israel’s message reaches global audiences. In addition to her advocacy work, Maya is a VIP Client Manager at an Israeli Bio-AI startup, managing key relationships and procedures. Following the October 7th massacre, she joined the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, playing a key role in countering misinformation.
Paula Pretlow has built a career helping company leaders maximize shareholder and stakeholder value—negotiating hundreds of millions in revenue across her career. She is a former senior vice president of The Capital Group, a $2.6 trillion privately held investment management firm. She is board chair of The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
Erica Lyons is a Hong Kong-based children’s book author. Her work has been designated as a National Jewish Book Awards Finalist and a Sydney Taylor Notable. She’s the chair of the Hong Kong Jewish Historical Society, the Hong Kong Delegate to World Jewish Congress, and the director of PJ Library Hong Kong. She founded Asian Jewish Life – a journal of spirit, society and culture.
Joshua Buchalter was born and raised in South Africa, spent five years working in the U.S., and made Aliyah in 2021. He holds a BA in Communications from Reichman University and an MA in Diplomacy from the University of Haifa. Combining media and politics, Joshua works at HonestReporting, where he creates content exposing anti-Israel media bias, reaching millions each month.
Rabbi Yoav Ende led the revitalization of Kibbutz Hannaton in the Lower Galilee in 2008 and is noted for founding a renowned pre-army Mechina program (currently in its 13th year), as well as a wide range of educational programming for youth, young adults, and professionals from Israel and the Diaspora.
Danielle Abraham is the Founder and Executive Director of Volcani International Partnerships (VIP), an Israeli NGO tackling global food and nutrition insecurity with Israel’s agricultural experience, expertise and innovation. In the days following Oct 7th, Danielle led the establishment of ReGrow Israel to rebuild the farming communities devastated by the attacks.
Daniel Niego is a Zionist leader and entrepreneur with a Master’s from Columbia, co-founded a health startup. After making Aliyah from Peru post-October, he uses his expertise in storytelling and business innovation to support Israel. He work in the Travel Industry and also has a StartUp aiming to solve the peer-to-peer recommendations process for Travel.
Chana Kanzen is an accomplished leader in the Web3 and EdTech sectors, currently serving as senior consultant to a variety of leading companies. Chana is a sought-after speaker, having presented at prestigious venues like Stanford and the House of Lords, and she is the founder of London Women Leading Web3, advocating for diversity and inclusion in technology.
Freda Baram is a seasoned non-profit executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in global Jewish communities. Currently the Director of Aliyah and Klita at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, she leads a team across four continents to support Jewish immigrants. she holds a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Tel Aviv University.
Henry Karpovas Lisak is a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Minnesota, passionate about innovation in the automotive industry. As VP of Campus Relations for Minnesota Hillel and an Israel on Campus Coalition Fellow, he works to unite Jewish students with the broader university community and address rising antisemitism.
David Wiseman is a strategic digital marketing expert with a track record of driving brand growth for tech startups and established companies. He has led high-impact campaigns, including a digital strategy that boosted client engagement by 50% and a major rebranding initiative that expanded market reach.
Keturah Hymen is a dynamic multi-hyphenate professional with a rich background in entertainment, content strategy, and leadership. As an assistant director and producer, she has worked on top-tier television and film projects with major studios like Marvel, Warner Bros., and Netflix, as well as producing media for global brands and artists like Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce etc.
Josh Aronson is a diaspora reporter for Maariv, a leading Israeli newspaper, and a freelance journalist for several Jewish publications worldwide. Based in England, Josh is on the autism spectrum and brings a unique perspective to his reporting. He previously lived in Israel, where he served as a coordinator for people with disabilities.
Rebecca Spagnoletto works at the financial services firm Bloomberg and represents the company as account manager for Israel. In 2019, she was part of the Forum for Jewish Leadership fellowship in New York, and was selected to take part in the prestigious Birthright Excel fellowship.
Noam Meirov is the Managing Director of Sharaka – an International NGO working to shape a new Middle East, built on dialogue, understanding and cooperation. Previously, he was the founder of Midad, an Ed-Tech initiative focused on expanding access to education in Israel’s Arab community, and Baseet, which offers an innovative approach to teaching spoken Arabic.
Liliia Liakhovich is a skilled project manager with significant experience in community engagement and youth leadership. She was engaged in organising an official meeting between the President of Israel and the Ukrainian Jewish community. Liliia is adept at leading and motivating teams of madrikhim and volunteers and creating innovative Hebrew projects to attract young Jewish individuals.
Judith Romano is the founder and president of Mitz Enterprise, an organization focused on social development through education and community empowerment. Mitz connects isolated efforts across sectors to create job opportunities in low-income communities, recycle industrial waste, and provide financial support for education.
Chief Rabbi Zamir Isayev serves as the Chief Rabbi of Azerbaijan, bringing 17 years of experience in Jewish education and community development. He has led major initiatives and managed a Jewish educational complex, demonstrating strong leadership, community engagement, and project management skills to drive growth and innovation.
Alex Dwek is Chief Operating Officer at Nas Company. Prior to Nas, Alex spent 4 years as a General Manager for technology giants Uber and Grab building tech businesses across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Analucía Lopezrevoredo is a sociologist, facilitator, and organizational leader dedicated to strengthening global Jewish communities and fostering cross-cultural connections. Originally from Lima, Peru, she founded Jewtina y Co. in 2019, an organization that nurtures Latin-Jewish identity and promotes coalition-building.
Orah Yokhanan is a STEM advocate and entrepreneur dedicated to developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, specializing as a research chemist in the field of Environmental Catalysis.
Naftali Aklum was born in Ethiopia. His late brother, Ferede Aklum, was the first Ethiopian Jew to make the journey to Jerusalem via Sudan. He serves as Director of Educational Programs of the Ethiopian National Project ‘SPACE’ (School Performance and Community Empowerment) Scholastic Assistance Program.
Shoshana Turkia Tronllan is a multicultural leader and therapist with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, community building, and intercultural communication. As Level III Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, she combine evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a deep commitment to fostering resilience and transformation within communities.
Dona Raz Levy is an international relations and public policy professional. Dona spent the last decade at Google where she was Head of Public Affairs as part of the Government and Public Policy team. She recently left Google to join the team which represented the Oct 7th hostages at the Hague’s ICC and currently takes part in several fronts of the economic and judicial battles against terror.
Dr. Sharon Vos is a dedicated medical doctor and is currently completing her medical internship. Beyond medicine, she has been actively involved in Jewish leadership, serving in the Swedish Jewish Youth Union (JUS), the World Jewish Congress (WJC) as a Lauder Fellow and now a JDA, and the Global Jewish Health Alliance (GJHA).
Noa Rakel Perugia was born and raised in Rome and made Aliyah. She joined the Mechina Olamit of Bnei Akiva, and later on was drafted into the IDF as a lone soldier. Noa served in Public Diplomacy office of the IDF Spokesperson, organizing delegations for diplomats and high officials. Noa is currently pursuing a degree in Government and Diplomacy at Reichman University.
Rabbi Erez Sherman oversees the Sinai Temple Israel Center, as well as directs the David and Angella Nazarian Youth Fellowship, empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders. Named 5 top Visionary for Israel by The Jerusalem Post, Rabbi Sherman is also the host of Rabbi On The Sidelines, a podcast exploring the intersection of sports and faith.
Dr. Efrat Shaoulian-Sopher serves as Chair of the Board of Advisors at the Ezri Center for Iran and Gulf States Research. Efrat is an advisor on foreign policy in the Middle East to governments and organisations, and has specialised in Iranian and Gulf affairs, founding Ezri Strategic Consultancy Ltd. Efrat heads the WJC International Task Force on Iran and Islamist Extremism.
Deborah Apeloig grew up in the Venezuelan Jewish Community. In 2022 she Founded Tikun Talks, a communications and consulting platform with the mission to repair the world, one conversation at a time. As a granddaughter of Holocaust Survivors, Deborah created Tikun Talks out of a deep sense of purpose to prevent antisemitism by sharing the light and wisdom of Judaism.
Chama Mechtaly is the founder of the Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty and Tolerance, a post-October 7th Action Tank focusing on bridging media and policy gaps between the Middle-East and the Democratic West. Born into a Muslim-Jewish family in Morocco, Chama is deeply rooted in the values of faith based dialogue, reconciliation and positive transformation between Muslims and Jews.
Brandon Farbstein is a renowned speaker, Gen Z activist, and author born with a rare form of dwarfism, has turned his experiences of suffering and isolation into empowerment and influence, inspiring millions worldwide to live life on their own terms.
Dr. Buffie Longmire-Avital is a diversity, inclusion, and equity scholar-educator, and the first Black faculty member promoted to professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Elon University. She is the founding director of the Black Lumen Project and a former Faculty Administrative Fellow for Mentoring in Meaningful Relationships.
Aharon Berkley is a Philosophy, Political Science and Economics (PPE) student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with a strong background in research and military intelligence. With over four years of active and reserve service in the IDF, he developed expertise in analysis, leadership, and problem-solving.
Jenna Richman moved to Los Angeles for film school and never left. For the past decade, she has worked as a TV writer and producer, crafting stories across a range of genres from soapy dramas to political thrillers.
Shai Abend is an Israeli-Uruguayan community entrepreneur, educator, and heritage guide with extensive experience leading educational, social, and cultural initiatives in Uruguay and Israel. He is the founder and director of BERESHIT: The Jewish Experience and the Jewish Museum of Uruguay, an initiative dedicated to preserving Jewish memory.
Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt is the founder and Chairman of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition and the Founding Rabbi, now Rabbi Emeritus, of Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Potomac, Maryland. He previously served as Chair of the Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), playing a key role in shaping national Jewish leadership and advocacy.
Martine Fleishman is a lay leader committed to Jewish education, Israel diaspora affairs and social justice. Past President of The Jewish Education Project, past Regional Chair of UJA Westchester and past President of UJA Federation of NY’s Women’s Philanthropy. Current Board member of The Jewish Agency, JAFINA, JFNA, OLAM, Repair the World, The Jewish Communal Fund.
Dr. Daniel Balva is a Licensed Psychologist, Mental Health Counselor, Certified Counselor, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. He is a Staff Psychologist at the Veterans Health Administration. He is deeply passionate about global mental health, capacity building, disability education and awareness, and combating antisemitism.
Ben Thwaites is the Director of the Forum for Jewish Leadership and previously worked at the global law firm Herbert Smith. He has been actively involved in Jewish community and leadership initiatives. In addition to continuing to practice law in his spare time, Ben serves as General Counsel for several Jewish charities and manages a family investment fund.
Dr. Alycia Fridkin is an equity and anti-racism consultant who supports individuals and organizations to address inequities in health care and other sections. Her training includes a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Health Science. She currently works for Provincial Health Services Authority in Indigenous Health as a Lead Facilitator.
Dasee Berkowitz is a seasoned facilitator and coach with 20+ years of experience helping groups grow through reflective practice and values-driven communication. She leads workshops across the tech, public, and nonprofit sectors in Israel and the U.S. A coach and facilitator, Dasee holds degrees from Hebrew University and Barnard College. She’s the author of Becoming a Soulful Parent: A path to the wisdom within.
Salome Kornfeld is the Public Diplomacy, Press, and Political Affairs Officer at the Embassy of Israel to Switzerland, where she leads outreach initiatives and supports key diplomatic engagements. A graduate in History and Political Science from the University of Zurich, she brings expertise in advocacy, international relations, and community-building.
Andres Spokoiny is a longtime Jewish communal leader with a strong track record of driving successful organizational transformation. He currently serves as President and CEO of the Jewish Funders Network, a global community of over 3,000 philanthropists. Prior to this role, he led the Jewish Federation of Montreal and served as Regional Director for the JDC in Eastern Europe.
Danielle Sobkin is a driven professional with a passion for global finance, community building, and advocacy. Currently a Financial Data Analyst at JPMorgan Chase, Danielle excels in analyzing complex data sets and collaborating with individuals worldwide. Danielle is deeply committed to fostering Jewish joy and combating antisemitism.
Neta Blum is a Mechanical Engineer and cyber specialist who has made significant contributions to both academia and the defense sector and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the Technion. In her professional career, Blum leads a technological division within the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
Hanna Nir is a Ph.D. Student in sociology of religion at Uppsala University, specializing in the experiences of young Jews in contemporary Sweden. Her work delves into questions of identity, community, and religious life in modern secular contexts. With extensive experience in civil society, Hanna is a board member of the Jewish Community of Stockholm.
Erin Schrode is the founder of Turning Green, a nonprofit dedicated to climate action, public health, and sustainability. At 24, Erin ran for Congress, advocating for climate policy, public health, and human rights.
Chief Rabbi Menachem Mendel Chitrik is the Chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States and Rabbi of the Ashkenazi Community of Turkiye. Currently represents rabbis living in Albania, Azerbaijan, Morroco, Turkey, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo Kyrgyzstan, UAE, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Nigeria and North Cyprus (as observer) and more.
Hadassah Slavin works directly with the most discerning clients of the world’s foremost jeweler. When she’s not drooling over diamonds, she engages in online activism through social media as a writer who focuses on empowering other Jews with her words.
Dan Tatar has spent over 25 years shaping the field of experiential Jewish and Israel education, inspired by his own transformative teen journey to Israel. Serving as the Director of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at The iCenter, he spearheads initiatives that connect communities with Israel and Israelis in meaningful and innovative ways.
Cate is a global communications and marketing executive with a track record of leading diverse, multinational teams across 89 international markets. A former expat in Paris, she launched an ethically sourced and produced fine jewelry line that earned recognition from Cartier’s Women’s Initiative Awards for its commitment to social good and female entrepreneurship.
Amy Albertson is a Jewish advocate, educator, and influencer. She created “The Asian Israeli,” where she cataloged her experiences as a Chinese-American Jewish woman. Amy has been an active voice in the Jewish community for over a decade, since her days as the President of Hillel and Co-Founder of the Israel group on campus at Portland State University.
Amos Meron is a product innovation and creative leader, with a background in the Tech and Media sectors. He co-founded Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) Digital Division, where he led the video explainers team. Most recently, Amos worked at AI21 Labs as a Product Director, where he led the development of new and innovative AI experiments and products.
