Shalom, my name is Zina Knop. I was born in Russia and moved to Israel when I was 12 years old. I grew up in Israel and lived there for 25 years. I am a teacher with almost 15 years of experience. I love my job and I am passionate about teaching Hebrew. I have two wonderful children and our family loves being in America. I feel like it is my mission to move here and teach Hebrew language. In my free time, I love to read books, listen to music, and spend time with my family. I also enjoy traveling, and I have visited many countries around the world.
I have a Master of Arts in Teaching Hebrew as a Second Language from Middlebury Language Schools in Middlebury, Vermont. I also have a Teaching Certification for Early Childhood and 1st-2nd Grades from Oranim College in Tivon, Israel.
I am a creative and engaging teacher who uses a variety of methods to make learning Hebrew fun and interesting. I believe that everyone can learn Hebrew, no matter their age or background. I am here to help my students reach their full potential and achieve their language learning goals. I am excited to share my love of Hebrew with others and I believe that learning this language can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

Shalom and Hello everyone! My name is Ori and I’m an experienced educator with a strong commitment to teaching and a passion for Hebrew language instruction. With a solid background in education, I’ve spent 7 years shaping young minds as a teacher of civics and communication in Israeli high schools, as well as instructing Hebrew in American schools for students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade.

I hold a Master’s degree in Political Science from Leiden University in the Netherlands as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science from Haifa University in Israel, where I also obtained a teaching diploma. My dedication to teaching has earned me accreditation to teach in Missouri, further expanding my reach as an educator.

Teaching Hebrew is a true delight for me, as I firmly believe that language is the key to unlocking the beauty and richness of a culture. With Hebrew being the gateway to Israeli culture, I find it deeply fascinating, complex, and engaging. Join me in exploring the wonders of the Hebrew language and the captivating essence of Israeli heritage. Let’s embark on this enriching language learning journey together!

Hello, My name is Liora Zeevi and I am from Mystic, CT. I leaved in Israel till the age of 30 when I’ve met my husband and moved to the US. In Isreal I worked with social- economical challenged communities, especially with kids. Teaching the kids, Working with them, and able to make a change was very rewarding. After a few years I’ve moved on to working as an IT consultant with the 3 most largest Israeli banks. While doing that I taught the bankers how to use their software and also wrote their instruction materials. Since I moved to America I’ve been teaching Hebrew. I was a Hebrew teacher at Solomon Schechter Academy (a Hebrew day school) for 6 years. After the school closed during Covid I’ve started teaching at the Hebrew schools for our community synagogues. Teaching my own kids Hebrew, while it’s a second language is not easy but so important! When I hear them converse freely with their peers in Israel it makes me so happy. I am thrilled to start helping others with their Hebrew and try to take it on to the next level. See you soon!

Sagi Ben-Hur was born and raised in the north of Israel (Haifa) and moved to Washington D.C in 2022.
Sagi came to Washington D.C as a Hebrew specialist on behalf the World Zionist Organization and currently teaches Elementary School 4-5 Th grade.
Sagi holds a B.A degree in Management and Economic, a M.A Leadership and Educational Systems Management and Teaching Certificate in Mathematics.
In the last 11 years, Sagi taught, educated and managed a middle school and high school in Israel and taught Hebrew in an elementary school in Washington DC.
He believes in every child’s ability to succeed and that his job is to make children love learning Hebrew.
He is excited for a year of diverse, experiential, fun and successful teaching.

Hello, my name is Hadar.
I was born and raised in Israel, and three years ago, I made a move to Dallas, Texas. During my free time I like to travel, play tennis and read books. I work at a Jewish school where my main focus is to teach children with learning disabilities and dyslexia the Hebrew language. This includes helping them improve their reading, writing, vocabulary, and conversational skills.

Working with children who have learning disabilities and dyslexia has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their progress and seeing their enthusiasm grow is what truly drives me in my profession.

I have a bachelors degree in Speech-language pathologist, and therefore, I have a deep understanding of how the Hebrew language is structured. I have always had a profound love for Israel and for the Hebrew language. It brings me great joy to share that passion with my students.

I truly believe that learning should be enjoyable and interesting, as it keeps the students motivated to continue their journey of learning Hebrew.

My name is Tal Regev, and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am married to Tomer, and we have three cute children and one little dog, Luna. I am a teacher at Bialik Hebrew day school. It is said that a woman can be taken out of Israel, but Israel cannot be taken out of the woman. This is my exact description. Even after ten years of living outside of Israel, I am connected to Israel. I check daily updates on what is happening in Israel, speak to my own family in Hebrew, and of course, teach the children at school to speak, read, and write Hebrew.
In the past, I worked for a children’s television channel in Hebrew (Hop! Channel, the children’s channel), and I know, love, and am very well connected to Israeli content for children. When I moved to Canada with my family, I was looking for a job where I could express my knowledge of children’s content and my love for Israel and Hebrew. The Hebrew teaching I am currently involved in combines both fields, and I enjoy it very much!
I also like Israeli music, travelling, building puzzles and reading many books.
These days I am finishing my master’s degree in Jewish education at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

I was born and raised in Israel. For the past 25 years I have been dedicating my life to teaching the Hebrew language and strengthening Jewish identity in formal and informal settings around the world. My journey with the Hebrew language began many years ago when I was invited to serve as a Shaliach in Mexico City, where I taught in the Middle School in one of the prominent Jewish schools in the community. Since then, I have taught and mentored teachers in several Jewish schools across the United States. Teaching Hebrew, in all ages and levels, along with Adult Ulpan in the Jewish federation in Austin Texas.
.
Residing in NYC, I teach Hebrew in one of the Jewish schools in the city, and work as an education Director in ACI – Astoria Center of Israel. My goal in my Hebrew lessons is to enable students to function and utilize the language in various situations in their life. Fluent in six languages, I have learned the challenges and the obstacles of learners who try to learn a foreign language. I strongly encourage independent learning, gamification, and skills oriented classes. I am father of three. I like to draw, write, and travel the world.

Amit Vaserman was born and raised in the south of Israel (Lehavim) and moved to Houston in 2022. Amit came to Houston as a Hebrew specialist on behalf the World Zionist Organization and he currently teaches elementary pre-K 4-5th grade. Amit holds a B.Sc. in Nutrition Science, a Master’s in education and an MBA with a major in non-profit organizations.
Over the past 10 years Amit served in a variety of roles in the Israeli education system as well as Haifa municipality as a social-educational program coordinator promoting excellence and gender equity. He believes that as teachers we can influence our youth to build a better world by passing on values of equality, friendship and excellence. He is really excited about joining the IAC and Ofek family.

Shalom Y’all, I am Merav, a teacher and mother to four brilliant kids Daniel, Yael, Neta and Rani. During my free time, I love to scuba-dive and ride my bike outdoors. I have a bachelors degree in teaching English, and when I moved to TX 22 years ago, I became a Hebrew and Jewish Studies teacher. I taught Middle school with B’shvil Ha’ivrit and currently teaching ITALAM for K & 1st graders. Being a trilingual speaker (Farsi is my third one) is an essential skill to have in life; whether it is just for fun, a job or exploring the world, and sometimes it is just great to speak a language that no one can understand. I am super excited to be part of this great organization and I can’t wait to get started! Yalla – let’s go!

Hello, my name is Meira Gotesdyner and my professional passion is the connection between the Hebrew language, Israeli culture, and Jewish tradition. I have a bachelor’s degree from Bar Ilan University and a master’s degree from Middlebury college, the school of Languages, with a focus on learning and acquisition of a second language. I teach at a Jewish school in Palo Alto as well as at summer camps, individual teaching for adults and youth, and other settings.

Hello, I’m Tali, currently I teach Hebrew as a second language at the Jewish school in Vancouver, Canada. I have a PhD in linguistics. I have a lot of experience in teaching Hebrew language, from teaching Hebrew to new immigrants in Israel to preparing high school students for the matriculation exams in the language. I also taught all Hebrew subjects at a college in Israel – phonetics, syntax, scientific writing, etc. Along with my teaching duties, I have been involved over the years in developing learning materials and guiding teams of Hebrew teachers, implementing, and using digital teaching aids that help make the lessons more interesting and dynamic. As a teacher I create a personal relationship with my students, support them and help as much as necessary. I see in the educational process not only the acquisition of the Hebrew language, but an opportunity for my students to use up their own potential and their creativity while training them as enterprising graduates and independent thinkers. I am convinced that my educational approach will lead my students to acquire the Hebrew language and deepen their communication skills in Hebrew.

Shalom Y’all! I’m Vered. I have been living in Texas for the last 5 years, I’m a mother to Nimrod, Kfir and Avishag. I have a Bachelor degree in History and Masters in Jewish Studies. I also attained a teaching certificate from Tel-Aviv University. I wrote my Thesis on the The great immigration to Israel over the 1950’s. I have taught History in high schools in Israel, and Hebrew and Jewish studies in Dallas. I’m a volunteer at the Holocaust museum in Dallas. History is a passion of main. My goal is to teach while having fun!

Shalom! I’m Galia, born and raised in Tel-Aviv. cert M.Sc. University of Wales, UK. I served the army as a sergeant instructor in the artillery corps. I am a modern Hebrew teacher since 1995. In the UK, Italy, and Portugal, tutoring small groups of children and adults in conversational modern Hebrew as well as teaching the RAF (royal air force) soldiers. in recent years I have been writing my first book, and presenting at world conferences online. one of the most rewarding tasks I performed is teaching Hebrew & Israel history to Judaism converts. I am also a glz radio international correspondent in Italy, Portugal, and Florida. I am currently a Middle school Hebrew teacher in Miami Beach, Florida. I have always been involved in the Israeli & Jewish religious denomination at a young age I participated in a youth exchange with the “Lions international”. My role was helping to create, strengthen and adopt a spirit of understanding of Jewish and Israeli culture among people. to unite friends around the world in a bond of friendship and mutual understanding of Israel’s culture & history. During the last 25 years, I have enjoyed teaching and learning in a variety of different disciplines, while I have worked in many exciting life ventures, none has come close to the satisfaction of being involved with teaching Hebrew. for me, language is much more than a literal translation of it, it is a reflection of the culture, the essence, the energy, and the way people look at the world. this is the key to feeling a real sense of belonging. I have the patience and dedication needed and I am very creative and have the ability to create lessons that are interesting and capture the attention of the students, keeping them interested in learning more. I truly believe in teaching more than just a language. I am often told that I’m a gifted storyteller, indeed I am fond of using this medium to challenge creativity within the group, with a passion for creating great thinkers and learners.

Hava Douek is a native speaking Hebrew teacher with years of experience teaching Hebrew as a second language. She has worked with most grade levels, but in the last decade has primarily taught middle and high school students at Jewish day schools and Sunday schools in New York.
Education: Hava holds a Bachelors and Masters degree from Ben Gurion University, located in Israel. She holds a teaching certificate and has recently finished her second Masters degree in Education & Teaching Hebrew at Middlebury College, located in Vermont. Hava believes in teaching her students language skills that will be useful and relevant in real-life
situations, and relate to the students’ personal lives. She specializes in teaching the most innovative and cutting edge Hebrew language program that uses authentic materials, songs and videos to provide a meaningful learning experience. She places emphasis on teaching the Hebrew language, Jewish holidays, and Israeli culture in the most communicative, fun and
natural way. Hava’s goal is to make her students comfortable speaking the language, and even more to make them love it!

Shalom Y’all, and nice to meet you! My name is Anat, and I was born and raised in Israel in a small moshav in the south. My Hebrew חourney started in my IDF service as a Hebrew teacher. Upon finishing the army service and traveling around the world, I earned my bachelor’s degree in communication and photography as well as a teaching certificate from the Hebrew Union College’s “Delet” program.

Since I moved to the U.S. in 2015, I have been teaching Hebrew to elementary and high school students, as well as providing private Hebrew lessons. During the My Hebrew lessons, the students are engaged in a variety of activities, from videos to songs to games and competitions. Come and join us! It will be Keif!

My name is Dalia Lerman from California. I grew up in Jerusalem, Israel, and attended Bar-Ilan University, where I got my bachelor’s degree in education and my master’s degree in Jewish law and History . For over seven years, I have directed the Los Angeles Hebrew High School, an excellent and highly successful supplementary Judaic Studies and Hebrew school for students in grades 7 through 12. I am a proud Mom and grandmother of 3 grandsons. Teaching is my passion, and I genuinely want to focus on being on guiding students and utilizing my skills as a Hebrew scholar and teacher.

Shalom, My name is Hadar. I was born and raised in Israel where I received my Bachelor’s in Special Education from Seminar HaKibbutzim and graduated with honors. During my time serving in the Israeli Defense Force, I was promoted to a position where I taught Commanders essential teaching skills. I have been living in the USA for 14 years and have 10 years of Hebrew and Judaic studies teaching experience in K-8 grades. This is my third year that I’m leading the Hebrew and Judaic Department in a Jewish Day School. I am familiar with the best resources with 21st century skills to engage students in learning.

I bring much enthusiasm and knowledge. My education, experience, and passion for teaching allow me the opportunity to educate students by instilling the lifelong love for Judaism, Israel and the Hebrew language.

Shalom, I’m Chen.
Born and raised in Israel, lived in Toronto for 7 years and moved to Jupiter, Florida, almost 8 years ago with my husband, Shlomi and 2 boys, Leo & Tom. Yes, we moved from one extreme to another and we love it.
I am a Religious School coordinator at Temple Beth David here in Florida. I’ve been teaching for 5 years at the temple and have been a religious school/Hebrew educator for more than thirteen years, teaching students in Israel, Canada and Florida.
Graduated from the Open University in Israel, where I was awarded a BA in business and Economics. Served as a member of the Israel Defense Forces for five years.
Excited to start our journey together as we dive into Hebrew language, values and traditions!

Orly Bejerano, is a native Israeli who has lived in Natick, MA since 1998. She has taught Hebrew and Torah in a variety of schools and institutions in the Boston area, is a graduate of the first IAC G’vanim cohort, and has been involved with the organization since the Boston Chapter was established. Orly holds an MA degree from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. Teaching Hebrew and Torah makes Orly feels at home while living in the US. She has 20 years of experience in teaching, including writing curricula for Grades 3-8, teaching all grade school levels, and lecturing to college and adult audiences. In the past nine years, she teaches according to the proficiency approach. In her free time, you can find her on Haifa’s beach, skiing downhill, or water skiing with her family.

Her online lessons during the early stages of the pandemic received positive reviews and were well attended. She believes that games are the best way to learn language, and that cooking and songs are the best bridge to absorbing culture.

My name is Gil Ramot and I will be your Ofek Hebrew teacher. A few words about myself: I was born and raised in Israel and have been a Hebrew and Judaic Studies teacher since the year 2000. I hold an MSW, a Teachers Certificate and have experience with at-risk youth. I began my American life journey as a Shaliach (Emissary from Israel) to the Jewish community of Louisville, KY, and as the Hillel Program Director at the University of Connecticut. I subsequently returned to Israel and worked in Jerusalem as the representative of 13 Jewish communities in Israel. In this capacity, I was sent from Jerusalem to various American Jewish communities to speak about Israel. I moved to Ventura County to serve as the first Shaliach at the local Jewish Federation of Ventura County. I also served as the Torah School Principal at Temple Ner Ami, and as a Hebrew teacher at various Temples. I taught Modern Hebrew courses at UCSB and am currently working on my conversational Hebrew online book.

I am married to Revital and we have an eleven and a half year old girl – Healey, and an eight years old boy – Ofree. I have been speaking and teaching about Israel for the last 21 years at various Jewish and non-Jewish venues. I served in the Israeli Army, and I LOVE Israel. I look forward to seeing you in class.

Roman was born and grew up in the USSR (now Russia). At age 17 he made Aliyah and moved to Israel. Roman wanted to be a teacher since he can remember. His childhood dream came true and for about 20 years Roman had his educational career in Israel, teaching History, Hebrew and Civics in Middle school and High school. (After 3 years in the Israel Defense Forces). Since Roman received his Master’s degree in Educational Counseling (with honors) from Bar – Ilan University, he worked as a High School Counselor. His Bachelor’s degree and Teacher’s Credential are in History. He obtained a Master’s degree in teaching Hebrew as a second language at Middlebury College, Vermont and currently I am studying in the Doctoral program at this college.

After Roman immigrated to the U.S with his wife and daughter, he continued to teach. He now teaches Hebrew at one of the Jewish High schools in sunny California, Los Angeles.

My name is Maya Lotan and I have been a tour-guide and Jewish educator since the days of my IDF service. I hold a master’s degree in Israel studies and specialized in modern history. I have a teaching certificate from Bar-Ilan University for middle school and high school and a certificate in teaching Hebrew as a second language from Kiryat Ono College. I teach at a Hebrew (Sunday) school in my community in Halifax Nova Scotia.

I am originally from Tel Aviv, and I love the city, its history and culture. For more than a decade, I have been guiding families from abroad, Birthright tours, and school trips. I have also initiated ‘Tiyul-Ledet’ (‘Hike-Birthday’) – tours and trips for parents on maternity leave that combine birthday celebrations and nature.

Shalom, my name is Oshra, I was born and raised in the south of Israel in a Kibbutz known as a Kibbutz Urim. I am a mother to two amazing boys and an incredible young daughter.
I have been teaching Hebrew for nearly 15 years and in the last 10 years I taught Hebrew and Jewish studies at Levine Academy. Throughout my time at Levine, I have taught students from kindergarten all the way through third grade. For the last seven years, I have been tutoring many children, helping them prepare for their Bar/Bat mitzvah.
In my free time, I love cooking, baking, and dancing to Israeli folk music.
Teaching Hebrew helps me feel fulfilled. It is something I have always loved to do and I look forward to being able to share my passion for teaching Hebrew with the students of OFEK.

Shalom, I’m Seth – a science teacher in NYC. I was born in the US but grew up in Jerusalem, close to Shuk Mahane Yehuda, where I could find amazing, fresh food on an almost daily basis. For the past 6 years, I have lived in NYC and taught Hebrew, Judaism, math, and science. I am particularly interested in applying the science we learn to understanding technologies and procedures that can help us change the world, such as solar energy or desalination plants in Israel. When I am not teaching, you can find me traveling, cooking, reading, and cycling!

Dana Bar-Or is a Middle School Director and has 16 years of teaching experience, mainly in Middle School and Upper School. Dana was highly involved in the IAC and served as the first member of the ‘Gvanim’ leadership group. Her teaching style is engaging and focused on the students. In her free time, she enjoys practicing her boxing skills. In the past, while in Israel, Dana worked as a lawyer in her hometown of Haifa.

My name is Hanita Hayim and I have been a Hebrew teacher for more than 20 years. I started my teaching career in Israel when I taught first, second, and fifth grades in elementary school. Out of love for the Hebrew language and a desire to pass it on to future generations, I studied teaching Hebrew to the upper grades. I also specialized in teaching Hebrew as a second language. After a few years, I realized that my goal in life is to teach Hebrew in other countries. About 6 years ago, I moved to the US and since then I have been enjoying teaching Hebrew in a Jewish school where I get great pleasure from hearing the children learn this special language.

Shalom! My name is Sharon and I live in Atlanta. I have chosen the teaching profession out of true love for the field of education. I enjoy guiding students to maturity, using a unique combination of education knowledge coupled with eighteen years of experience. I like to incorporate games and technology into my classes and a lot of fun. So, if you want to learn Hebrew in an experiential way – I’d love you to join me!

Yakov was born and raised in Israel and currently lives in New York City. Yakov is a highly experienced teacher of Hebrew and Israeli culture. Since he relocated to the US, Yakov has been working as a Hebrew teacher and a youth guide in several schools and Jewish community centers in Manhattan. During his career, Yakov has worked with diverse populations and age groups, including children with special needs. His passion for education began during his military service as a commander in an elite IDF unit where he was responsible for educating the next generation of Israel. Following his military service, Yakov was engaged in various army-preparation programs, and he went on to study education in college. Yakov believes that having fun in class is the key to learning. Perseverance, investment, and hard work are the hallmarks of success.

Dana was born and raised in Jerusalem. She graduated with honors from David Yellin Teachers College in Jerusalem where she received her B.A. in Education. She earned her M.A. in Education at the American Jewish University. She previously taught English to third-sixth graders in Israeli public schools. Dana learned French and Spanish, served in the Israeli army, and received an award of excellence from the IDF for her service. Dana pioneered a new pilot program with Rabbi Melissa Buyer, utilizing an experimental distance learning teaching model and won a BJE Lainer Award in 2011. She currently teaches 3rd, 5th and 6th grade at the day school of Stephen Wise Temple where she was the Hebrew language coordinator at the religious school. Dana also teaches Hebrew at The American Jewish University – AJU – and at Los Angeles Hebrew High School.

Dana believes that each student is an individual and has a unique gift to offer the world. She believes in teaching her students according to their own individual path and it is important for her that her students are happy and learn to think outside the box, become positive, empathetic, appreciative, creative, and self-reflecting. It is also important for Dana to pass on to her students her love and devotion to Judaism, Israel, and to Hebrew. Dana loves music and is the proud mother of Ariel and Daniel.

Vavi was raised in Tel Aviv by a theatrical and artistic family. She studied English Literature and Art History at the Hebrew University, and Painting and Drawing at the Bezalel Art Institute in Jerusalem. Her career as an Israel educator spans more than 30 years. As a freelancer, Vavi creates educational materials, conducts workshops for educators and adult students, and serves as a consultant on Arts & Culture for the iCenter for Israel Education.

Formerly the Director of Education for the JFCS Holocaust Center based in San Francisco, Leslie moved to Idaho – and joined the staff – in 2021. Originally from Southern California, she taught Holocaust studies at Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School in Irvine, where she also accompanied her students on study trips to Poland and Israel. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in History (with a focus on Holocaust Studies) from Loyola Marymount University, where she studied under world renowned Holocaust scholar, Dr. Michael Berenbaum. Leslie has worked as a museum educator for both the Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance and the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. She has also served as an historical consultant for multiple high school productions of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” one of which she directed herself. Leslie is a graduate of the Orange County/Long Beach Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Glass Leadership Institute and was selected as an educational consultant for Chapman University’s Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education. She was honored to be chosen as one of Orange County’s Most Influential 2019 by the OC Register for her ongoing work with high school students in combating antisemitic behavior.

Yakir Ben-Moshe, born in 1973, lives and works in Tel Aviv. Yakir won the Israeli Prime Minister’s Prize for Literature in 2012 and the Israeli Minister of Culture’s Prize in 2003. He has published six books, the most recent of which, “Whistle of a Night Watchman”, was published by the Bialik Institute in 2021. His poems have been translated into various languages, including English, Russian, Greek, Chinese, Turkish, and have been published in anthologies and literary journals. Since 2000, Yakir has been the literary editor and cultural events editor at ‘Beit Bialik’, the house of the Israeli national poet Hayim Nahman Bialik, has edited the ‘Poetry on the Road’ project of the Tel Aviv Municipality (2004-2015), and the International ‘Gate’ Poetry Festival (2011-2015). He served as a judge for the best Poetry Award of the Israeli President’s House in Jerusalem (2018-19) and for the ‘Haaretz’ newspaper short story competition (2005). In addition, Ben-Moshe writes press articles about literature and classical music, edits poetry and prose books for many writers (including Nava Semel, Yossi Alfi), and has rich and varied experience in teaching literature and writing workshops in many settings, including Tel Aviv University, Seminar Kibbutzim, Helicon (the Association for the Advancement of Poetry in Israel), Kibbutz Yotvata, and more. For this, he was awarded the title of ‘Best Writing Workshop Teacher in Israel’ by the ‘Maariv’ newspaper.

Noa was born in Jerusalem and spent her childhood as a city mouse in bustling Tel Aviv and became a country adolescent in Kiryat Tivon- a beautiful small town in Jezereel Valley. She served as a lead vocalist in Navy ensemble and graduated from the London School of Musical Theater on top of a BA in Humanities from the Open University. Aside from her love for music and a career as a freelance vocalist, Noa is passionate about education –an elementary school teacher in Tel Aviv originating and leading various educational programs, and since moving to the Bay Area she teaches Prayerbook as well as modern Hebrew to teens and adults and created a lecture series combining her two passions teaching “The History of Israel Through Music”.

Noa also leads the Bnei Mitzvah for Sherith Israel in SF, and serves as cantor/officiator for services. She currently lives with her husband – a chocolate maker- in San Francisco and enjoys merging her passion for music and education in the Bay Area.

Anat has served as MATI board member for 9 years and as CEO for 7 years. MATI (Merkaz Tarbut Israeli) is a non-profit organization for Israeli Culture in Los Angeles. For more than 30 years, she has taught music, working with special needs kids and young adults and is also a writer and a producer of different Israeli-Jewish community events in Los Angeles including the Holocaust Memorial family community program in the last 10 years.

Anat has been a guide at the Holocaust Museum LA for the last 5 years, giving tours in Hebrew and English. She is involved in other Holocaust-related school programs and the Violin of Hope project in LA. Anat serves as the West Coast Representative of ‘Anu’, the Museum of the Jewish People of Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv and the Chair of the Board of the Advot Project – a non-profit organization that uses art-based curriculum to teach communication and relationship skills, empowering participants to find their voice and use it.

My name is Shir, and I am an interdisciplinary artist and art teacher. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Art and Education from ‘Hamidrasha’ – Faculty of the Arts at Beit Berl, Israel. I am also a master’s candidate in Art History, after graduating from Tel Aviv University. I have been an art teacher at several schools for the last eight years, and I enjoy meeting and learning from kids and their creative pursuits. In my classes, I emphasize self-expression through art, and at the same time create communication through talking about artwork.

Shalom! I’m Dr. Amir Gefen, researcher and lecturer on cyber safety. In my PhD work at Bar Ilan University, I researched Cyberbullying among adolescents and its effects comparing to other forms of violence. I teaching in MA program for Educational Counselling. I am working with many municipalities and schools on designing and implanting online safety and cyberbullying prevention programs. In my previous role I’ve been a member of the founding team of the Israeli Child Online Protection Bureau – 105 helpline. Prior to that I worked many years in hi-tech firms in Israel and US. I am specializing in Artificial Intelligence technologies and Metaverse platforms.

Nice to meet you. My name is Etty Yogev and I am married and a mother of two teens. I am certified as a Parenting Coach by the Adler Institute and the Ministry of Education in Israel. I coach parents, both in Israel and the U.S, via workshops and private sessions. I have an MSc degree in Organizational Development & Behavior, and a certificate in Mediation, Positive Psychology and Mindfulness. I am community manager of “Moms for Teens Consult Together”. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersandteens/?ref=share –

The quality of relationships we have with our families directly affects the quality of our lives.

-The “how” is more important than the “what”. Our positive approach is everything!
– It is never too late to improve the relationship with our teens
– there is always an opportunity to tighten and strengthen the bond. Optimism!

Yael Rosen serves as the One2One Director at ENTER: The Jewish Peoplehood Alliance. Prior to this position, Yael directed the International Programs Department at ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, managing programs in over 40 countries across the world. With a passion for programming based on interpersonal encounters, Yael led program development for G2G: Generation to Generation, and previously worked at ATZUM, heading a project for Righteous Among the Nations living in Israel and establishing a program bringing together youth and Ethiopian Prisoners of Zion. Yael holds a BA in business management and sociology from Hebrew University, a MA in public policy from Tel Aviv University and is a licensed Israel tour guide.

Shalom! My name is Michal Segev, an Israeli native and currently an Austinite (Austin, TX). I am a certified EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher with an M.Ed in Language Teaching (Dyslexia focus). I am a certified ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Parent Coach and an ADHD-CE. I am also a Doctorate student at Florida U in Special Education (Dyslexia/ADHD focus). So… I know ADHD! I am married and have two children (8 & 12) who are great parenting teachers. In my practice, I work with parents of children with ADHD in coaching them to support their children and teach them the skills they need to do well in school and life. I work with 1-6 graders as an academic ADHD/Executive Functions coach and their parents. I also work as a school interventionist in K-5 and coach administrators and General-Education teachers on how to work with neurodiverse students. I am a perpetual student, learning from research and my clients, and I hope my knowledge and experience help you support your family and dear ones with ADHD.

Dr. Shelly Rave believes that “there is a direct correlation between a healthy relationship and abundance. Our relationship can fulfill us very easily and drain us just as quickly. As long as I know how to love myself and others, I can succeed in other fields of my life”. Dr. Rave is an engineer with a high-tech management background and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration, and a PhD in Faculty Management. She has had a coaching clinic for over 12 years where she supports couples and leads online ‘Zoom’ workshops. Dr. Rave also lectures MBA students about coaching.

Kali Cusimano lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two children, Scyrus and Amari. Kali has her BA in European History and is starting on her Masters in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Yeshiva University. She works as the Communications Director and PJ Library Manager at Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel (CABI). Kali also teaches 4th and 5th grade at the CABI Jewish Community School.

My name is Hadas Weissberg and I’ve been the IAC Care National Director until recently. I am coming with wide experience as educator with youth. In addition, I have PhD in expressive therapy. I am really excited about the opportunity to teach and guide students toward their Bar/Bat Mitzvah and open their mind to subject like identity, social responsibility, Tikkun Olam and more.

Lilach has been working with parents for more than 15 years. She has a master’s in Psychology, practices CBT and ACT therapy, and is a parent educator and a life and marriage coach. She is also a certified Gottman Seven Principles Leader.

My name is Avital Fux. I have been living in the Boston area for the last 15 years with my husband Arik, and our 3 daughters – Ori (16), Arbell (13) and Ayala (9). I’m an educational counselor, as well as a parent coach, and couples counselor. I have practiced these areas in the US and in Israel, working with parents and school staff. In my work, I help Israeli families who relocated out of Israel, cope with the challenges that come up as kids and parents grow up. I believe it is worth investing in parenting skills, as parenthood is the best investment there is. A lot of things can be temporary – friendships, work, where we live. However, our kids, our families are forever. The sooner we start building positive relationships with our kids, based on understanding and mutual respect, we will lead more pleasant lives, and lead to long term close and warm family relationships.

Jeny is senior manager of IAC Activism Academy, where she leads the educational content for the IAC activism learning hub. Jeny is a natural-born activist, with extensive background in the non-profit sector, managing programs and volunteers. She has a B.ED in Sociology and informal education. Jeny was born in Minsk, Belarus, and made Aliya by herself at the age of 15. Four years ago she moved to the US and knew it was important for her to continue supporting Israel and Jewish communities here.