Our People

Adi was born and raised in Hod Hasharon, Israel. She is a leader and an acclaimed social entrepreneur.

At the age of 16 she founded K’nafaim Shel Krembo (Krembo Wings), Israel’s first and only youth movement for kids with and without special needs. She is also the founder of Zikaron BaSalon, an alternative and increasingly popular way to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. She was formerly head of Education & Economic Impact at Google. With the goal of transforming Israel’s education system, Adi left Google to found Inclusive Israel, of which she is currently the CEO. Inclusive Israel is a nonprofit that promotes inclusive education in Israel through a network of public inclusive schools. Adi is the recipient of numerous awards (the first of which she received at age 18), including the 2005 Tamari Award and the 2006 Bernstein Award for Social Leadership. In 2008 LIONS declared her: “Israeli Woman of the Year” and she was also the recipient of the Ernest and Young Social Entrepreneurship Award. Adi received the prestigious President’s Award in 2009, and in 2013 received the Rappoport Award for leading social change in Israeli society. The following year Adi was elected by TIME Magazine as one of six future world leaders, and was chosen to speak about social entrepreneurship at the U.N. In 2016 Adi was honored by World Rotary and received the Paul Harris award and that same year received the title of Honorary Fellow from IDC Herzliya. In 2017 she received an Honorary Fellow from the Gordon College of Education and the Light Award from the Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel.

Adina Bar-Shalom was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and is the eldest daughter of the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, former Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel.

In 2001 Adina Bar Shalom founded the Haredi College in Jerusalem. For this she was awarded the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement for her efforts in advancing higher education in the ultra-Orthodox sector.

Lavie is a senior lecturer of communications (currently on unpaid leave) at the School of Communication at Bar-Ilan University, an author, publicist and public activist. Her research focuses on the media, multiculturalism and the role of women in Judaism and the public sphere. Her public activity focuses on issues related to gender equality, religion and state, communication, culture and Jewish identity, the relationship between the military and society, strengthening the relations with the Diaspora and Israel’s character as a Jewish and democratic state. Lavie is one of the most prominent figures in Jewish cultural discourse in Israel. In her researches and writing she seeks to find answers in the past to current problems and to introduce them to the public and the political arena.

Lavie is married to Attorney Tzuriel Lavie and resides in Netanya; she has four children and two grandchildren. After their marriage, in 1987, the couple served as emissaries of Bnei Akiva in Durban, South Africa.

She is a sought-after lecturer in Israel and around the world on various topics, such as: women in the Jewish world, Jewish culture and identity, politics and Israeli society, Israel – Diaspora relations, advancing the status of women, communications and gender.

Batshev a, a  business and social entrepreneur, is the GM Israel at Wix – The leading cloud-based website creation and development platform with >230 million users worldwide. As part of her role, Batsheva oversees the business development activity, strategic partnerships, B2B sales, and customer and partner management. She also leads marketing activities in the region and leads localization processes to adapt products to the Israeli market.

In addition, Batsheva serves as the Chairperson of Yozmot Atid  – an NGO which supports the establishment and development of small businesses for unprivileged women who aims to change their economic situation, and earn a decent living, and achieve financial independence.

Batsheva is also a board member at Sapir College, Ofanim NGO, and Or movement, a member at the Public Council of Momentum, and at the advisory committee of the VC founded by Kamatech group – 12A.

Until recently, Batsheva was the head of Poalim HiTech – the banking arm of Bank Hapoalim for startups and high-tech companies. As a part of her role Batsheva lead the banks activity in Crafting and executing the business development strategy of Hapoalim’s banking at the tech domain, including initiation of various cooperation with VCs, accelerators, incubators, service providers, Recruitment of new customers and credit opportunities. Executed the marketing strategy and the implementation of the Poalim Hi-Tech Brand. Managed 10 Hitech branches including the bankers’ training, service model, infrastructure, relationship with customers (over 3,500 tech companies), products, etc. Managed an investment program in VCs (FOF) AUM ~65 MM, over 30 VCs. Established and manage partnerships with the Hi-Tech ecosystem: Service providers (external CFOs, Big 5 law firms), Accelerators, incubators, VCs, etc, and developed new financial products and opportunities for the banks’ Hi-Tech customers

In parallel, Batsheva was a board member at Poalim Bakehila Foundation and at the subsidiary of the bank – Poalim Nechasim company. Prior, served as the Strategic Consultant to the Chairman of Bank Hapoalim, and worked with the board of directors.

Beforehand, Batsheva was the CEO of Unistream one of Israel’s most influential and impactful NGOs that narrows the socio-economic gaps by empowering youth and young adults from underprivileged communities to establish startups and integrate into the Hitech industry.

Batsheva holds a B.A. in Communications and Human Recourses and an M.A. in Organizational Consulting from Haifa University, both with honors, a member of ROI – Schusterman community, and an alumni of Kriat kivun – Maoz leadership program.

Batsheva was chosen as one of the 40 Under 40 most promising young adults in Israel by The Marker (2015), as Globes’s 40 Under 40 most promising young adults in Israel (2017), as one of 21 most impactful women at the high-tech sector in Israel by The Marker Magazine (2018), and for Calcalists’ Women of The Year 2018, all of which are Israel’s most prestigious and leading business and financial newspapers.

Lihi Lapid is a bestselling author, journalist, and speaker about contemporary women’s issues.

A weekly columnist for Yediot Ahronot, Lapid has also written three bestselling novels, Secrets from Within, Woman of Valor, and I Can’t Always Be Wonderful, as well as a bestselling children’s book. Woman of Valor explores the real life struggles of women in modern society and tells the story of her life as a mother of an autistic daughter.

Before becoming a writer, Lapid was a professional news photographer and the first in her field in the IDF.

Her husband, Yair Lapid, is the founder of the Yesh Atid Party and a respected politician. Lapid lives with her husband and their two children in Tel Aviv.

Mahareta Baruch-Ron is the Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv who holds the social welfare and services portfolio and the culture portfolio.

Born in Ethiopia, Baruch-Ron immigrated to Israel when she was 10. In 2001, she co- founded and chaired Hiyot, an organization which provides social, educational, and economic aid to immigrants from Ethiopia. She also co-founded Olim Beyahad, an organization, which promotes leadership and excellence among university graduates who immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia.

In 2005, she finished second in The Ambassador, a reality television show, which trained future Hasbara agents.

In 2013, Baruch-Ron ran as a Meretz Party candidate in the Tel Aviv municipal elections. She placed third in the party and joined the municipal coalition.

Baruch-Ron chairs the refugees’ forum and the Tamrach forum, which serves Jews who immigrated from Ethiopia. She is proactive in her opposition to over-policing and racism.

She represented Tel Aviv at the Milan Food International Convention in 2015 and advocates for healthy nutrition for people of all ages. In 2016, she was a delegate in the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

Baruch-Ron holds a BA in Psychology and Human Services and an MA in Organizational Sociology from Haifa University.

She is married to businessman and author Eran Ron. They have three children.

Michal Cohen served as Director General of the Education Ministry for four years, and previously filled different managerial roles in the public service, most recently as the Ministry’s Senior Deputy Director and Director of the Pedagogic Administration. During the course of her professional career, she has led significant, large-scale pedagogic and structural reforms and innovative initiatives. Michal holds an MA degree in education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a diploma in Organizational Consultation for Education Systems from Tel Aviv University, as well as MA in Law from Bar Ilan University. She serves as General Director of Rashi from September 2017.

Miri Michaeli is an accomplished Israeli journalist and TV presenter. She is also an avid public speaker, busy lecturer and events MC.

Michaeli’s 17 years of experience on Israeli TV have also included anchoring the Channel 12 morning show, serving as the Europe correspondent for Channel 10 News, and reporting as Channel 10’s health and medical correspondent. These roles have placed her in a position to cover and report on screen many of the major news developments of our time both in Israel and globally.

In addition, Michaeli has shown a penchant for journalistic work that captivates her audience. Domestically, Michaeli exposed the lies of the well-known “Tinder Swindler’ in a special interview that gained global reach. While reporting from London, Michaeli, then heavily pregnant with her first child, captured with a hidden camera tube passengers largely ignoring a standing pregnant woman, a story that became viral globally and sparked a vigorous debate in Britain, which led to a campaign by then mayor and now former PM, Boris Johnson.

Alongside her work on TV, Michaeli has also become a leading voice against domestic abuse in Israel and an activist in that field since sharing her personal story. She also spends time and invests effort as an advocate for Israel and a passionate fighter of antisemitism.

Michaeli received her B.A. from Tel Aviv University, majoring in political science, as well as a B.A. in journalism from the Koteret School of Journalism.
Michaeli is married and the mother of 3 Israeli-American children.

Miriam Peretz is an Israeli educator, who lost two sons in battle in Lebanon and Gaza.

Born in Morocco, she made Aliyah with her family and moved to Be’er Sheba. She earned a BA in Literature and History and became a teacher. She settled down in Ofira, a settlement in the Sinai Peninsula, with her husband.

In 1982, following the evacuation from the Sinai Peninsula, Peretz’s family moved to Giva’at Ze’ev. On November 25, 1998, her oldest son, First Lieutenant Uriel Peretz, was killed in an ambush in the security belt in south Lebanon. He was 22 years old. On March 26, 2010, she lost her son, Major Eliraz in battle in Gaza. He left a wife and four children.

Today, Peretz lectures on leadership, Judaism, and Zionism to Israeli youth and IDF soldiers.

In 2014, she was selected to light a torch in Israel’s official Independence Day ceremony. In 2016, she received an honorary degree from Bar-Ilan University

Senior executive with over 20 years of managerial experience in a large organization and in social organizations that she established and managed both in Israel and in the United States. Naama has expertise in planning, operations, developing organizational strategy, community building and leadership building.

Naama believes in developing strong, fruitful collaborations and fostering a culture of partnerships that has proven itself as highly effective in all fields she has worked with. In all her professional roles, she provided key strategic insights, resourceful and critical thinking skills, guidance as a thought-leader and excellent managerial skills.

Netaly works with individuals, executives, and organizations to help them adapt and thrive as they tackle complex challenges in a rapidly changing world.
Before KONU, Netaly served as the CEO of the Reut Group – a cutting edge strategy and leadership Think Tank based in Tel Aviv. At Reut, Netaly worked with senior government officials, mayors, business and non-profit managers to lead adaptive change on some of the most pressing national security and socioeconomic issues facing Israel and the world.

She has taught at Harvard University, Hebrew University, and in a variety of other leadership programs.

Netaly holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a dual MA in International Relations and Conflict Management and Resolution from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She is also a certified mediator and facilitator.

Orna Hozman-Bechor is the Chairwoman of Ashdod Port.

She served in the IDF Intelligence Corps. In 1995, she served as MK Silvan Shalom’s parliamentarian aide, and in 1998, she began working at the Ministry of Science. In 2001, she served as the chief of staff at the Ministry of Treasury and in 2003, she held the same position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 2006, Hozman-Bechor returned to the private sector and was appointed VP of business development of the Gilad Lobbying Company.

In 2007, Hozman-Bechor founded OHB, a strategy and government relations firm. In 2009, she was appointed the CEO of the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee. In 2011, she was appointed the CEO of the Ministry for Regional Cooperation, and she promoted gender equality and the development of Israel’s periphery areas.

In 2010, Globes Magazine named Hozman-Bechor one of the 40 most influential people in Israel under the age of 40.

In 2013, she was appointed the CEO of the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water, and in 2015, she was appointed the CEO of the Ministry of Interior. In 2017, she was appointed the chairwoman of Ashdod Port.

Hozman-Bechor earned a BA in business from Thames Valley University (West London University), and an MBA from Bar-Ilan University.

In her previous roles Pnina served as the Director of Interfaces and Synergy at theStrategic and planning unit of the Jewish agency for Israel and as the Jewish Agency senior Shlicha for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (2013-2017). Pninawas the Director of the Hillel Center at Tel Aviv University, where she worked topromote a broad and diverse discourse of Jewish-Israeli social culture amongstudents and young adults.

Pnina has extensive experience in public speaking and teaching and she has been invited to speak in many conferences all over the world. She is an activist involved inseveral volunteer endeavors in Israel, aimed at social change; she is a founding partner of the “Uru” movement, a public representative on Israel’s Council for Higher Education and one of the leaders in promoting the Sigd- Jewish Ethiopian holiday to become an Israeli national holiday. Pnina serves as a board member at Daroma-Tzafona Directorate, at the Hologab Theater, and is the chairwoman of Hanan Einur Foundation.

Pnina holds a BA from Hebrew university in Jewish History and Sociology, MA inpolitical and public leadership from Tel Aviv University, and she is a graduate of The Mandel Program for Excellence – a new initiative for the Jewish Agency for Israel andthe Mandel Foundation.

Pnina is the recipient of The Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award by HillelInternational in 2012. In 2014, Pnina was named one of 66 Israeli influential women one should know. In 2016 Pnina was the recipient of the Ted B. Farber Professional Excellence Award for her work on the Israel Engagement Fellowship for Teens.In2023 she was chosen as one of the 50 most influential women in Israel published bythe Globes magazine. Pnina is married to Avi and together they are raising three little kids Eitan, Erez and Ella. Director of Partnership2GetherConnecting the Jewish People Unit.

Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel is a Torah educator at Nishmat, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women and the director of Matan’s Hilkhata Institute (Advanced Halakha Program) at Matan Women’s Institute for Torah Studies. She became an international speaker after her son, Naftali Fraenkel, was kidnapped and murdered along with two other Israeli teens in 2014.

Fraenkel serves as a Nishmat halakhic advisor for families observing the rabbinic laws of niddah and was in the first graduating class of Matan’s Advanced Talmud Institute. She has also studied at Bar Ilan University, Lindenbaum, and Nishmat.

Together with Bat Galim Shaer and Iris Yifrach, she was invited to speak to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Rachelle Fraenkel became a public leader, a national heroine, and a religious heroine during the 18 days when her son and his friends were missing. People from all backgrounds admired her because of her restraint, her faith, and the profound statements she made about the prayers offered for the three boys’ return.

According to Haaretz, “When Rachelle Fraenkel recited the Kaddish [at her son’s funeral], the chief rabbi said ‘Amen’: The Mourner’s Kaddish has never before been recited in public in Israel by an Orthodox woman of such stature and in front of cameras.”

In 2015, the Jerusalem Unity Prize was created in memory of the slain teenagers. Fraenkel is one of the prize’s judges.

Prof. Rivka Carmi is an Israeli pediatrician and geneticist and the President of Ben- Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). She is the first female president of an Israeli university.

After graduating from Hadassah Medical School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, she completed a residency in pediatrics, a fellowship in neonatology at the Soroka University Medical Center, and a fellowship in medical genetics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard University Medical School.

Carmi was the Director of the Genetics Institute at the Soroka University Medical Center, and in 2000, she was elected Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at BGU.

Carmi has chaired the Israeli Association of Medical Deans and she is a founding member of the UK-Israel Science Council. In 2011, she was appointed chairperson of the Promotion and Representation of Women in Higher Education Institutions Committee.

In 2013, Minister of Justice Tzipi Livni appointed Carmi to be part of the Rivlin Committee, which examined the compensation agreement for workers at the nuclear research facility in Dimona. In 2014, she served on the Locker Committee, which examined Israel’s national defense budget. In 2015, Carmi led the Israeli Medical Association’s task force, which examined the status of women in medicine.

Carmi has received many awards for her work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Yated Organization for Children with Down Syndrome, the Award for Peace from the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program, and the Women of Distinction Award from the Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America, and she was named an Honorary Commander of the British Empire.

Rivka Ravitz is the first Haredi woman to be the President of Israel’s Chief of Staff. In addition to her full-time position, Ravitz is a Ph.D. candidate in public policy. She is also the mother of 11 children. i24 News has profiled this remarkable woman. She has stated that while some in the Haredi community do not want women to represent them, she thinks that this will change over time.

Prior to joining the World Jewish Congress, Sonia served for 14 years as Acting Director General & CEO, and as Chief Operating Officer, of World ORT, the largest Jewish educational and vocational training NGO in the world, with past and present activities in over 100 countries which works for the advancement of Jewish and other people through training and education with more than 200.000 beneficiaries.

In this role, she was responsible for the management of internal operations including serving as intermediary between organizational departments, overseeing the submission of projects and reports to international ORT organizations, US Federations, major donors, foundation and corporations including responsibility for all donor relations’ management, supervising relationships with fundraising countries and overseeing fundraising activities within the headquarters in the UK and in regional offices in the USA and Western Europe.

She was also in charge of overseeing the production of all PR materials and publications, managing and mentoring a professional team of 16, overseeing World ORT’s operation in Israel, including full budget and programmatic oversight. Sonia led missions and visits to organizational operations worldwide and oversaw World ORT’s formal relations with government and non-government organizations and UN agencies.

Prior to being appointed as Chief Operating Officer Sonia served as World ORT’s Head of International Liaison Department and Head of Israel and FSU desk.

Between 1992 and 1999, she was project manager in the Liason Bureau of the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Prior to that she served in the office of the Israeli Ambassador to Finland in Helsinki.

Sonia Gomes de Mesquita served in the Israel Defense Forces and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. She was also the head of the Educational Negev Unit of the IDF Southern Command and the head of the Command’s Communications Department.

Sonia holds a Bachelor of Art in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies from Ben-Gurion University, Israel, and a Master of Arts in Business Management Marketing from Middlesex University, London.

Yochi Brandes was born in Israel in 1959 to a family of Hassidic rabbis. With degrees in both Biblical Studies and Judaic Studies, she has been a prominent and sought-after lecturer on the Bible and on Jewish cultural topics for many years.

One of Israel’s bestselling writers, she is the author of seven historical novels and two non-fiction books, all centered on Jewish ideas, history, and culture. She has been awarded the Book Publishers Association’s Platinum Book Prize for all her novels, including The Secret Book of Kings.

Lori Palatnik is the Founding Director of Momentum (formerly JWRP). She is a world renowned Jewish educator, speaker, writer, and media personality who has lectured all over the world. Lori has authored four books: Friday Night and Beyond, Gossip, Remember My Soul, and Turn Your Husband Into Your Soul Mate.

She has been named one of ten “Women to Watch” by Jewish Women International, one of the “Most Outstanding Jewish American Women of Our Time” by Hadassah, and one of Izzy’s 2020 “Global Jewish 100.” Most recently, she was named one of Masa’s 2022 “Inspiring 12” in honor of her contribution to a brighter Jewish future. In 2020, Lori was selected to light the Diaspora torch at the national ceremony for Israel’s 72nd Independence Day. In June 2023, Lori will accept the Jerusalem Unity Prize on behalf of Momentum at the President’s House. Lori lives with her husband in Jerusalem.

Ben Pery is responsible for Momentum’s organizational strategy, financial oversight, and culture development. Additionally, he oversees the movement’s day-to-day operational and educational management, administration, and impact.

Ben previously served as Vice President of Operations for the Peres Center for Peace. He oversaw the construction of their new building in Jaffa, and spearheaded numerous social projects. Ben also had the privilege of working closely with Israel’s ninth president, the Hon. Shimon Peres, and his inner team of advisors. Between 2003-2007, Ben was an associate attorney at Barnes & Co., a law firm in Tel Aviv, where he worked in international corporate law.

Ben is a graduate of Tel Aviv University’s Political and Public Leadership Studies Master’s Program for Executives, and also holds an LL.B/J.D degree from Tel Aviv University.

Ben lives in Maryland with his wife and three children.

Orit is a senior executive with over 20 years of deep expertise in system management, strategy, and innovation. She is passionate about multi-sector partnerships, community building, and effective leadership cultivation.

Orit joined Momentum in March 2024 as COO to lead the organization’s operations, strategic growth, and marketing and its impact. Prior to Momentum, Orit worked as an executive in other nonprofit and for-profit organizations, such as itrek, where she led the organization programs, and the Israeli American Council (IAC), where she managed seven core programs in more than 20 communities nationwide. Orit also served as Chief Projects Officer at the Israel Innovation Institute, bringing innovative knowledge, methods, and processes into real-world settings, and served as a Jewish Agency Shlicha (emissary) three times.

Orit received her BA from the University of Haifa, Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility Management, and completed the Hybrid Cohort of the Board Members Institute for Nonprofit from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

In her leisure time, Orit writes short stories, enjoys going to live concerts, and exploring new adventures.

Adrienne is a Momentum Educator.

Adrienne was a Canadian television personality specializing in fashion, style, and beauty for almost two decades before becoming a senior lecturer and community liaison at the Village Shul in Toronto, as well as an international Jewish educator. Adrienne has appeared on all major Canadian television networks and has served as the event host for dozens of charities and organizations.

Adrienne and her husband live in Toronto and have two sons.

Allison joined Momentum in 2018. She oversees video strategy delivering engaging branded content.

She previously worked as the Digital & Social Media Coordinator for Aish Global, and as the Assistant Sports Editor for The Jerusalem Post. Allison received a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications with a concentration in video production from the Pennsylvania State University.

Allison lives in South Florida with her husband and daughter.

Amanda joined Momentum in April 2024. She is part of the Development Team and works on donor-related programs and projects.

She previously worked as the Assistant Director at Chestnut Lake Camp and before that as the Senior Regional Director for the Union for Reform Judaism’s North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY). Amanda graduated from the Corcoran College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in paining and papermaking.

Amanda lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband Ben, Executive Director of Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, daughter Mila a high school sophomore, and fabulous dog Rory

Amy joined Momentum with over 25 years of experience in accounting, financial management, business advising, and business ownership.

Amy previously served as the managing partner of Cantor, Goldman & Company, P.C., CPA, where she worked with clients across a wide range of industries, including government contracting, business, and nonprofits. Amy also co-founded Hemingway Homes with her husband. An active lay leader in the Jewish community, Amy has served on the boards of Adas Israel Congregation and BBYO, led the PTA of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, and participated as a board volunteer at the University of Maryland Hillel. Amy is a CPA and holds a degree in business administration from the University of Maryland.

Anna joined Momentum in 2017, with 15 years of experience in facilitating informal Jewish education and leadership programs in Israel, the FSU, and North America.

She previously served as the Director of Hillel at the Technion and Haifa University. She also held positions at the Oranim College of Education and at the Jewish Agency for IsraeI. She served as the Central Emissary for the Jewish Agency in New York, specializing in community organizing and program development for Russian-speaking Jews in North America. Anna completed her service in the Israel Defense Forces as a lieutenant with honors, and holds a bachelor’s degree in human services and political science, and an MBA in nonprofit management from Haifa University.

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Anna now lives in Israel. She has two children.

Andrea joined Momentum in 2018.

Andrea previously served as the Executive Director of Jerusalem U, a film education organization based in the Old City in Jerusalem. She helped launch an international campaign called Step Up for Israel, which educated about anti-Israel sentiment and BDS on college campuses. Andrea also worked in marketing and advertising for the Public Broadcast Publishers and ran the Book and Cook Fair, a gourmet food show. Andrea grew up working in the Norman Rockwell Museum in Philadelphia, which was owned by her family.

Andrea lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and three children.

CJ Torcellini joined Momentum in August 2023. In his role as Office Manager, he supports operations in the Rockville office and assists in the HR department.

Before joining Momentum, CJ spent a year in Israel as a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow and taught English at schools in Tel Aviv and Rahat. After returning to America, CJ worked at Maryland Hillel in College Park, MD as an Engagement Associate.

CJ grew up in Charlotte, NC, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing at the College of Charleston. He lives in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Carmi manages Momentum’s database and provides database support and innovation to Momentum’s development, marketing, and finance teams.

Carmi previously worked in a workforce development non-profit as their Database Analyst. Working with over 20 different teams,

Carmi oversaw mission alignment, database infrastructure, and all program reporting. He worked with the development team to ensure deadlines were met and helped business development build out projects to provide stability for the organization.

Carmi lives in Pikesville, MD, with his wife and son.

Chaya joined Momentum in 2018.

Chaya previously served as an office manager and executive administrator for the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, and for the Jewish Durban Club. She has also worked as an executive assistant at an international shipping company and with a professional orchestra.

Chaya lives in Israel with her husband.

Daphna has been an event planner and designer for the last 17 years, owning her own business specializing in organizing Bar and Bat mitzvah events. Her clients were from Israel and all over the word. Daphna has always been involved in the community, organizes culture events for her synagogue in Modiin.

In 2019 Daphna was part of of the Momentum trip.

After she found out the meaning and the power of MOMENTUM, she understands how much it means for her to be involved in the connection between Israel and the diaspora.

Daphna was born in Antwerp, Belgium. She made Aliyah at the age of 18 and lives with her husband and 3 children in Modiin, Israel.

Dana joined Momentum in 2015 and spent 7 and a half year as the Director of Momentum in Israel; Creating partnerships and recognition, working with the Israeli Government, creating a Mifgash program for over 800 Israeli women who then continued to further engagement and education.
Dana previously served as the Director of Garin Tzabar International, the Director of the StandWithUs Fellowship, and the Youth Leadership Program Director for OneVoice Israel.

Dana also founded Tzemach, a student-led, grassroots organization with the goal of deepening Zionist values and awakening social responsibility among Israeli students. Dana is a founder and board member for Zikaron Basalon, an ROIer and a Schusterman Fellow.

Dana received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a master’s degree in public and political leadership from Tel Aviv University. Dana is also certified in Jewish peoplehood studies and facilitation.

Dana moved to Florida in 2022 with her husband and four children upon beginning her present role.

Dorina joined Momentum in 2017. She previously worked as the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Embassy of Israel’s Head of Security in Washington, D.C., where she planned and produced diplomatic visits, and worked with State Department and White House officials to achieve Israeli security objectives. She served as a First Sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces from 2007-2009.

She will receive a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland in December, 2019.

Dorina lives in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Einat grew up in Israel and relocated to the Greater Boston area in 2014. She joined Momentum as an Education Project Manager in 2024.

Einat has five years of experience in the Jewish non-profit sector as a Program Manager for the Israeli American Council (IAC). She then spent several years in HR roles in the start-up and high-tech industries. She holds a B.Sc in Nutritional Sciences from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a B.A. in Human Resources Management from Ben Gurion University’s Business School.

Einat lives in Natick MA with her husband, three children, and two cats and enjoys hiking and spending time with her family!

Born in Netanya, Israel, and having lived in Venezuela, the USA, and Panama, Einat is a multilingual enthusiast passionate about diverse cultures and experiences.

For the past six years, Einat has dedicated herself to various non-profit organizations, channeling her skills and experience to uplift communities in need. Most notably – prior to joining Momentum – she served as the director of Matan Baseter, Panema, and as the Resource Development Coordinator for Telfed ( The South African Zionist Federation – Israel).

Einat moved “ back home” in 2021 and lives with her husband and children in central Israel.

Gabrielle joined the Momentum team in 2022, initially applying her skills to our Partnership team before transitioning to her current role as a Project Manager within the Systems and Salesforce team.

With over 15 years of experience in administrative support, Gabrielle has developed a robust background in project coordination and systems management through her work with various Jewish non-profits and government agencies. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in advancing our projects and optimizing operational processes.

Gabrielle holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Judaic Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a certificate in Nonprofit Human Service Management from Clark University.

Gabrielle and her family live in North Carolina, where she enjoys spending her evenings reading on her balcony overlooking the lake.

Before joining Momentum in 2015, Galia was a successful Momentum Community Leader in Santiago, Chile.

Galia has previously served as the Executive Director of Aish Chile and the Associate Director at the Queens College Hillel. She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from the Catholic University of Chile, and a master’s degree in public administration with a specialization in public and nonprofit management and policy from New York University.

Galia lives in Santiago, Chile with her family.

Gila H. Madjar joined Momentum with over 20 years of experience in global relationship management.

Before joining, she was a successful community leader of the Momentum trip to Israel from New England IAC. She previously owned ADYL Travel Designers, which focused on educational travel. She also served as a board member and project manager for the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco counties in Florida and served as a Holocaust commemoration advisory board member to the North Carolina Governor.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Tampa and a master’s degree in Educational Counseling from the Israeli Academic College.

Gila lives in Massachusetts with her husband and four children.

Haleh Rabizadeh joined the Momentum team in February 2023.

Haleh is an attorney by profession and has worked in the world of finance and real estate on a national level. She is also author of a number of parenting and children’s books designed to encourage approaching experiences from different perspectives. As a life long Jewish Community Activist, Haleh has worked professionally in various roles at her local federation specifically focused on outreach and community collaboration. Additionally, she has been a life long Jewish Educator teaching children of all ages.

Haleh earned her Juris Doctorate in Law and her Bachelor’s in Communications and Political Science from Rutgers University. She lives with her family in New Jersey.

Ilene joined Momentum in 2017.

Ilene previously served as the Operations, Digital Leader with the GE Healthcare Communications team, where she supported a portfolio of digital platforms for both internal and external communications. Ilene has also worked at Northwestern Mutual, Sears Holdings, and NDS Technologies in Israel. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications from Columbia College in Chicago.

Ilene lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and two children.

Ivonne Bengio works with our partners in Latin America, South Africa and Australia. Ivonne has been part of the Momentum family for years, serving as a Community Leader and a Momentum translator, and she also helped run Conferencia Momentum, our Latin American leadership conference.

Ivonne has extensive experience in the world of Jewish non-profits, having previously worked with a range of Jewish nonprofit organizations, including Aish Hatorah, NCSY Chile, and Shabbat Project Chile. While working with the Shabbat Project, Ivonne led a challah event with over 3,000 participants. Ivonne received a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University, with a major in marketing and a minor in management.

Ivonne lives in Aventura, FL with her husband and four children.

Janel joined Momentum in 2019. As a staff accountant, Janel’s work includes administering payroll and benefits, as well as budget planning and financial reporting.

Janel previously worked as a business manager at a Jewish Montessori school, as a budget analyst at the National Institute on Aging, and as a high school math teacher. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary math education and an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland.

Janel lives in Rockville with her husband and four children.

Jenna joined Momentum in 2021.

Jenna has been involved with nonprofits in Israel and the United States. Previously, Jenna was the Director of Grants at the Birthright Israel Foundation. Her portfolio included the management and writing of more than 20 annual grants and the building of internal processes to advance relationships with foundations and key professionals. Jenna holds a masters in Global Migration and Policy from Tel Aviv University and worked as graduate student intern at United Nations Office for Refugees (UNHCR) in Tel Aviv, where she assisted in the evaluation of local nonprofit grantee programs for refugees and asylum seekers from African countries.

Jenna lives in New Jersey.

Jennifer Fechter is both a lifelong learner and educator.

Her work includes teaching in both traditional and non-traditional settings, curriculum development, museum education, and leadership programming.

She has taught children ages 3-13 as well as adults.

After graduating with a degree in Government and Politics, she earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland. In 2017, Jennifer completed her second master’s degree, a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development with a focus on experiential education and Jewish cultural arts at George Washington University.

Jennifer joined the Momentum team in 2021.

With over 10 years of experience in Salesforce and systems management, Jennifer develops strategies that harness technology and transform the way we do our work.

Jennifer has extensive experience in the world of Jewish nonprofits having previously worked at Honeymoon Israel, Hillel at Arizona State University, and the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. She is a lay leader in her community and also provides professional operations support for a handful of local nonprofit organizations in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jennifer holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s in Communication and Judaic Studies from the University of Arizona.

Jessica Minnen Berkowitz is a writer, ritualist, and liturgist committed to the discipline of delight. Before coming to Momentum, she was a part of the founding team of OneTable where she served as Director of Jewish Learning for seven years.

Jessica is a sought-after educator who has taught for Hillel International, Jewish Federations of North America, the JCC Association of North America, Foundation for Jewish Camp, and Birthright Israel, among others.

Originally from Paducah, Kentucky, she is an alumna of Washington University in St. Louis, the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Paideia: The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden, Baltimore Hebrew University, and received her Rabbinical Ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She is a past Fellow of Reboot, the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Women’s Leadership Mission, and the Ruskay Institute for Professional Leadership. Jessica and her family live in Denver, Colorado.

Judy joined Momentum in 2017.

She previously served as the Director of Advancement and Donor Relations at the JCC in Minneapolis. She was also the Program Director at Aish Minnesota, and the Training & Event Manager at Charthouse Learning.

Judy lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her husband and two children.

Kayla Frankel joined Momentum in 2013. Her responsibilities include trip logistics and management, interfacing with tour operators.

Kayla first joined Momentum as a Momentum Community Leader in Indianapolis. She previously taught in Indiana’s public school system. She has served as a lay leader on her children’s school board and in her synagogue’s sisterhood. Kayla received a bachelor’s degree in family studies and human development from Syracuse University.

Kayla made Aliyah with her husband and four children in 2013, They live in Ramat Beit Shemesh.

Laura joined the Momentum staff in 2022 but has been a part of the Momentum family since her first trip in 2015. She served in a variety of volunteer roles before officially joining the staff. As development coordinator, she supports the director of development and the rest of the development team. She loves being a part of the Momentum organization.

Before joining the Momentum staff, Laura worked as an administrator at Lowe Syndrome Association, an international non-profit that serves families who struggle with this rare genetic condition.

Laura lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband and two children, and is often found wearing her red Momentum superhero cape.

Maya joined the Momentum team in 2021. Maya is an experienced multi-disciplinary manager with a unique blend of operational, analytical, and legal expertise.

Before joining Momentum, Maya was the General Manager for Barlev Architects, Ltd., where she conducted financial analyses, negotiated contracts, and managed all facets of the firm. Maya has also held managerial positions at Relocation Jobs and Tnuva.

Maya is a lawyer certified by the Israel Bar Association. She received both her LLB and MBA in Global Marketing from Tel Aviv University. Maya lives in Israel.

Maya is a dynamic and results-driven marketing professional with over
eight years of experience building brand identities, driving engagement,
and delivering innovative solutions. Specializing in content strategy, she
combines creativity and strategic thinking to produce meaningful results.

Most recently, Maya served as the Content Marketing Manager at the
Israeli American Council (IAC), where she developed and executed national
marketing campaigns, crafted impactful messaging across platforms, and
led creative rebranding efforts that boosted visibility and engagement. Her
talent for blending compelling storytelling with strategic marketing allows
her to thrive in fast-paced environments, working across departments to
execute meaningful campaigns.

Maya earned her degree in communications from Reichman University
(IDC), specializing in interactive communications. Fluent in English,
Hebrew, Spanish, and Portuguese, she brings a diverse skill set that helps
her connect with audiences and drive measurable success.

Melissa Stein comes to Momentum with extensive experience in managing partnerships, cultivating donor prospects in the region, and maintaining new relationships with partner organizations and leaders.

Melissa previously served as Causematch VP of US Sales. Her former titles include National Program Director at the Jewish Woman Entrepreneur and Managing Director at Aish Philadelphia Women’s Division, where she focused on partnership development and leadership.

Nisa joined Momentum with over 20 years of leadership experience in 2020. She is overseeing the Program Department and the growing list of partnership organizations.

She has previously been involved locally and nationally with The Shabbat Project creating infrastructure, empowering Jewish leaders, and collaborating with a global team. Nisa spear-headed a partnership with Myriad Women’s Health resulting in a national campaign called The Pink Challah Bake Initiative helping to shift the paradigm around hereditary genetic cancer. She is an active community member serving on local boards and volunteers for various organizations.

Nisa lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and 4 children.

Reut joined Momentum in 2019, and she has vast experience in Israel’s public sector.
Reut previously served as an advisor to Dvir Kahana, the Director Manager of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, responsible for public and media relations.Prior to that,

Reut has held various public office roles such as an “Hayamin Hachadash” party spokeswoman, MK Advisor at the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) and Spokesman and Media Advisor at Jerusalem’s Municipality.

Reut served in the IDF Spokesman’s Office for 6 years and continues to serve as a major in the reserves. Reut holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Asia Studies from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and master’s degree in public policy studies from IDC.

Robyn joined Momentum with over 20 years of experience as a development professional. She has focused on fundraising and donor relations, including program management, donor stewardship, and relationship-building among staff, boards, and lay leadership.

Most recently, Robyn served as a Senior Director in Yeshiva University’s Department of Institutional Advancement. She also served as the New York Regional Fundraiser and Alumni Relations Director for Brandeis University, and has worked at Columbia University.

Robyn lives in Englewood, New Jersey, with her husband and three children.

Ronit oversees Momentum’s education, leadership development, and evaluation programs. She joined Momentum with over 20 years of experience in those areas.

Ronit previously served as a consultant, helping Jewish institutions navigate systemic changes, adapting and implementing new pedagogies to manifest their educational vision. She is the founding designer and trainer of Hebrew College’s congregational project-based learning professional development, and has taught for a range of innovative adult learning initiatives. Ronit is a graduate of the Pardes Jewish Educators Program, and holds a Ph.D. from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

Ronit and her family live in the Boston area.

Sarah joined the Momentum staff in 2023 but has been a part of the Momentum family since 2019.

Before Momentum, Sarah’s work as a Jewish professional included positions at The Orthodox Union and Ramah Day Camp in Nyack. Passionate about Special Needs and Inclusion advocacy, Sarah actively engages in making a positive impact in her community. She serves as a lay leader at her local synagogue, demonstrating her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Sarah lives in White Plains, New York.

Sharon started working for Momentum in early 2022. Her past experience involves creating a non-profit called the Oscar Litwak Foundation. The Foundation identifies the need and brings donations to hospitals across the USA and internationally. Along with her husband, she’s developed the Foundation as well as coordinated hundreds of volunteers in support of the non-profit’s mission to better the lives of hospitalized children. Sharon comes to us with a Master of Health Science from Johns Hopkins University.

Sharon is also a Momentum alum and has volunteered with us since 2015 in the LA area. She recently helped to recruit for and participated in the 2021 November Health Care Heroes trip. Sharon lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three daughters.

Prior to working this position worked in varied public sector-political positions, with vast experience in the Israeli business ecosystems.

She was formerly the CEO of The Blender HAC Innovation and Entrepreneurship center. Business Partner to the CEO and Content Manager at Wisio (recently acquired by Outlook). Served as VP of Business Development at an innovative BioMed hardware & software company, and was Program Director of the Executive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program in the Jerusalem School of Business Administration, at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Tiferet serves as a board member at El-HaLev, and independently acted to promote legislation and policy change for rape-drug victims in Israel.

Tova joined Momentum in 2020. She has worked in the Jewish non-profit space for over ten years, driving development strategy and operations, previously at Meor and OpenDor Media.

Tova lives in the greater Philadelphia area with her husband and 4 children.

Yaakov manages Momentum’s database and provides database support to Momentum’s partners. He also provides support to the leadership development, accounting, and recruitment teams.

Yaakov previously worked in product development and business consulting for Oracle Corporation, and also directed the first branch of Aish on Campus at the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Whitman College, and a master’s degree in operation research from Northwestern University. Yaakov received rabbinical ordination from Yeshivat Aish HaTorah.

Yaakov and his family live in Israel.

With more than ten years of experience in the non-profit field, Zahava joined Momentum in early 2022.

Prior to joining Momentum, Zahava served as the Director of Israel and Jewish Advocacy at the Baltimore Jewish Council and the Assistant Coordinator for the Chicago chapter of YACHAD/NJCD. She studied at Darchei Binah Women’s School for Advanced Torah Studies in Jerusalem, received her bachelor’s degree in Judaic studies from Touro College, and a master’s in public administration with a focus in non-profit management from the University of Baltimore.

Zahava lives in Baltimore, MD with her husband and three children.