FELLOWS

Mandel Program for Social Leadership in the North: Cohort 7

October 2023 – August 2024

Sawsan Abu Hmid

Principal, Sajur Elementary School

Sawsan Abu Hmid has been principal of the elementary school in Sajur since 2018. Under her leadership, the school has undergone extensive organizational changes and has secured partners to carry out these changes and fulfill the school’s vision, which is based on human and democratic values, including respect for and acceptance of others. She aspires to be in a position in which she can lead significant change in society and create a better future for our children. Sawsan holds a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree in history from Bar-Ilan University and a master’s degree in Jewish history from the University of Haifa, as well as a diploma in organizational consulting from Oranim College. She was also certified by Oranim College to serve as an organizational consultant using the chaos-order method. Sawsan lives in Kisra-Sumei, is married, and is a mother of two.

Rotem Agnon Harlev

Founder, Director and Group Facilitator, Sichat Banot

Rotem Agnon Harlev is the founder of Sichat Banot (“Girls’ Talk”), a program for gender and sex education. She facilitates youth discussion groups, provides support to educational teams, and runs women’s discussion circles. Rotem is the chair of the education committee and the community development committee in her home community of Shekhanya. She aspires to use women’s discussion groups to create a space for women from all sectors to meet and engage in joint activities, and seeks to include a required course in teacher-training programs that will provide participants with tools for gender education. Rotem holds a bachelor’s degree in education as well as a teaching certificate from Kibbutzim College, and a master’s degree in group facilitation from the University of Haifa. She is also a graduate of courses in participatory group facilitation and in facilitation of listening groups for women. A resident of Shekhanya, Rotem is married and a mother of two.

Ester Amar Kuperstoch

Project and Entrepreneurship Manager, Tayarut BeOfek Hadash

Ester Amar Kuperstoch is the manager of the internal tourism division at the tourism company Tayarut BeOfek Hadash, where she develops and leads new tourism projects. She also volunteers on the culture committee in Hoshaya, where she lives. Previously, she worked in education and as a coordinator of community-social education. Ester has worked in both local and incoming tourism and has led groups under the auspices of I Belong Israel (Masa Yisraeli) and Taglit-Birthright Israel. She was also the vice president of the Psagot winery. Ester aspires to advance educational tourism initiatives with the goal of influencing development and change processes in Israeli society. Ester holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in leadership and management of education systems from Bar-Ilan University, as part of its program for outstanding students. She is also a graduate of the Israel Ministry of Tourism tour guide course, courses in community-social education, and more. Married and a mother of four, she lives in Hoshaya.

Udi Ben Shushan

Principal, Meir Educational Campus for Sciences and Arts, Beit Shean

Udi Ben Shushan is the principal of the Meir Educational Campus for Sciences and Arts in Beit Shean. Previously, he founded and directed the northern district’s program of Chinuch L’Psagot (Educating for Excellence), a non-profit organization that works to reduce inequality, promote social mobility, and foster excellence by providing equal opportunities to talented children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Udi wants to develop a national program in the Israeli education system called “Parents as Mentors, which will strengthen the three-way relationship between parents, students, and educational institutions. Udi holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in Bible studies from the University of Haifa. A qualified tour guide, he lives on Moshav Keshet in the Golan Heights, and is married and a father of four.

Haim Dil

Rabbi, Educator, and Coordinator, Yeshivat Or Akiva

Haim Dil is a rabbi and educator at the pre-military yeshiva program at the hesder yeshiva in Or Akiva, where he is also the coordinator of first-year students and of student recruitment. Haim helps students prepare for meaningful military service, supporting them through their service itself, and assisting them with their return to civilian life afterward and in their early stages of married life. Until recently, he was a member of the secretariat of the “garin torani” (religious cooperative community) in Or Akiva, and was the coordinator of its educational projects. Haim is the rabbi of the Mizug Galuyot synagogue in Or Akiva, and is chairman of the synagogue’s nonprofit association. He aspires to build bridges between non-formal educational initiatives and the formal education system and the municipality. Haim holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Lifshitz College of Education and rabbinical ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and has completed studies in financial counseling and in couples and sexual counseling. He is currently studying marital and family therapy at YNR College. A father of six, he lives in Or Akiva.

Noa Eshkol

Director of Projects and Entrepreneurship, Department of Education, Megiddo Regional Council

Noa Eshkol, an education and community professional, is the director of projects and entrepreneurship in the education department of the Megiddo regional council. She believes in encounters between people and in the ability of people to work together for the common good while acknowledging each other’s differences and what they share. Noa is the creator of “Bishvil Megiddo,” a community-educational-environmental initiative centered around a hiking route that is designed to advance a common narrative and create connections between educational institutions and the community. She is also leading a strategic plan to promote biospheric education and technology education. Noa holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Derby branch in Haifa and a master’s degree in education systems management from the Center for Academic Studies in Or Yehuda. She is also a qualified group facilitator. Noa lives on Kibbutz Sarid and is a mother of four.

Perach Forst

Educator and History Teacher

Perach Forst has held various roles in educational-therapeutic youth villages for marginalized youth, including as a homeroom teacher, subject teacher, social coordinator, pedagogical coordinator, and member of the administration. She was a homeroom teacher at the Darca network’s Nofey Golan High School. She also participated in the Ministry for the Development of the Periphery, the Negev and the Galilee’s Mekomi leadership program – a national program that develops volunteer community leaders who represent the diversity of the region’s population and are committed to social action, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Perach aspires to create educational communities in the social periphery and advance social mobility by promoting an abundance mindset, offering diverse educational opportunities, providing support for graduates, and more. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Jewish history and youth work, a master’s degree in education and teaching at-risk youth, and a teaching certificate and diploma in therapeutic education, all from Oranim College of Education. She is also certified as a low intensity CBT emotional therapist from Levinsky-Wingate Academic College. Married and a mother of three, she lives on Moshav Avnei Eitan in the Golan Heights.

Sameeha Idres

Social Activist and Entrepreneur

Sameeha Idres is an expert in working with local authorities in Israel, especially those in the Arab sector. In the past, she served as the director of digitization and innovation in the Beit Hakerem regional cluster, in which capacity she led projects in various fields, including digitization, innovation, employment, industry 4.0, STEM, and health. She also headed the establishment of an information center and a variety of societal and communal initiatives. Sameeha is a member of the board of directors of the Bar Lev industrial park, as a public representative on behalf of the Majd al-Krum local council. A social activist and entrepreneur, she is one of the founders of AWE, the forum for Arab women entrepreneurs. She has also served as chair of the local parents’ committee for the last two years and as the chair of the early childhood parents’ committee, and is a member of the women’s community council of Majd al-Krum. Sameeha holds a master’s degree (cum laude) in business administration from Netanya Academic College. She lives in Majd al-Krum and is a mother of four.

Eiran Keis

Government Relations Manager, Co-Impact

Eiran Keis is the government relations manager for Co-Impact, a social enterprise that promotes employment in Arab society in Israel. He is a member of the Druze Youth Congress and serves on its education and higher education team. Eiran was involved in founding Le Druze, a social initiative designed to make mentoring services accessible in Druze society. He also served as a strategic analyst for the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. His vision is to create equality in social mobility in Israel, and to do away with the concept of affirmative action. Eiran holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from the Open University, and is studying for a master’s degree in international relations and maritime strategy at the University of Haifa. He is married and a father of one.

Ayala Lapid

Social Activist

Ayala Lapid served for six years as the coordinator for newly discharged soldiers and national service alumni at the Tiberias municipality’s center for young adults. She also established a volunteer-run social enterprise called Mifgashim (“Encounters”), which provides social activities for children on the autistic spectrum, as a platform for making friends and gaining communication and social skills through play, and serves as a shared space for parents. The need for services of this kind has increased in Israel’s northern periphery in recent years due to the rise in the number of children diagnosed with autism. Ayala holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Western Galilee College in Akko, and has also studied group facilitation and biographical counseling. She lives on Kibbutz Hamadia in the Emek Hama’ayanot Regional Council and is a mother of two.

Shalom Levital

Management Information Systems Analyst, Camtek Ltd

Shalom Levital is a social entrepreneur and activist who works as a management information systems analyst at Camtek, a high-tech company in Migdal Ha’emek. Shalom’s social activism is based on a desire to remove barriers, and he is involved in connecting different communities and population groups. Among other activities, Shalom founded and leads a group for residents of Beit Shean and Nir David that is designed to address the Asi River controversy, and he organizes joint demonstrations that bring together Jews and Arabs, secular and religious citizens, and residents of Beit Shean and the surrounding kibbutzim under the banner of strengthening Israeli democracy. Shalom is guided by a humanistic vision that puts people at the center. He is married and a father of four and lives in Kfar Ruppin.

Fathiyya Naamneh-Husein

Former Office Manager and HR Coordinator, Adalah

Fathiyya Naamneh-Husein worked as an office manager, public relations coordinator, and human resources coordinator for more than 20 years for Adalah—The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel. During this period, she gained extensive experience in human resource management and in fundraising from donors in Israel and abroad. Fathiyya believes in promoting equality based on the principles of distributive justice. She aspires to develop human capital and build a support system for Arab civil society organizations in Israel’s northern region. Fathiyya holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from the University of Haifa, is a qualified senior bookkeeper and payroll officer, and is studying human resource management. Married and a mother of three, she lives in Kaukab Abu al-Hija.

Ester Riska

Branch Manager, Gal Leadership Academy, Merkaz Ma’ase

Ester Riska is the Kiryat Bialik branch manager of the Gal Leadership Academy, a pre-military leadership program. Her educational work with young people promotes social activism and an egalitarian view of Israeli society, and is based on her belief in the importance of each individual’s personal and cultural identity. Ester believes in the power of words and their impact on how people see themselves and their future. In the past, she worked in youth education at a boarding school. Ester seeks to promote egalitarian education in Israel’s periphery, while developing educational professionals who grew up in the periphery and serve as an example for their students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and criminology and a master’s degree in educational counseling, both from the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College. She lives in Migdal HaEmek.

Michael Shachar

Head of the Education Department, Haifa Municipality

Michael Shachar has served as head of the education department at the Haifa municipality since 2018, after serving as the principal of an elementary school in the city. He began working in education after holding two significant managerial positions in the civil service and private sectors, at Israel Railways and Bank Hapoalim. Michael believes that education requires a combination of education system professionals, supportive emotional services, and children and their families, and aspires to advance holistic social initiatives that will bring together all these elements to meet the needs of children and families. He is married and a father of two.

Gal Shalom

Employment and Internship Programs Manager, Aluma

Gal Shalom manages the internship programs at the Aluma nonprofit, where she established the organization’s employment department. She has worked in program development and management in the social sector for many years, particularly in the areas of employment, higher education, young adults, and women. Among other achievements, Gal founded and directed “The Next Step,” an internship initiative; directed the Ayalim Student Village in Kiryat Shmona; and was the southern region director of Eshet Hayil, a women’s employment initiative. Gal seeks to advance social mobility, reduce social inequality, and promote a shared society in Israel. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from Tel Aviv University and a master’s degree in conflict management and resolution from Bar-Ilan University. A lesbian, she lives in Tivon with her partner and their twins.

Liat Spivak

Head of Training and Development, Ma’ase Center

Liat Spivak is the head of training and development at the Ma’ase Center, where she creates educational content and designs training programs for diverse professional positions in the field of non-formal education. Previously, she lectured in social education at the University of Haifa. A resident of Haifa, she is a social, feminist, and political activist. Liat holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy with a specialization in non-formal education, both from the University of Haifa. She believes in the power of education to create social change.

Liron Adi Stolero

District Manager, Department of Community Development, Golan Heights Regional Council

Liron Adi Stolero is the manager of the southern Golan cluster in the department of community development of the Golan Heights regional council. In this capacity, she supports and advises the leadership of the various communities in the region on a range of issues (social, organizational, and community-based), and assists in professional training and leadership development for elected committees and community heads. She also coordinates cross-cutting issues (in the southern Golan and the Golan Heights as a whole), promotes public participation, and creates regional forums. Liron volunteers on the education committee of her home community of Kidmat Tzvi, and is active in the Fourth Quarter movement. She is married and a mother of four.

Michael Eshetu Trunec

Truant Officer, Katzrin Local Council

Michael Eshetu Trunec is a truant officer for the Katzrin local council. In this capacity, he works with students who have lost touch with formal education frameworks, from kindergarten through high school, and helps them return to school, in partnership with school staff. His work includes creating treatment plans for children who are in the process of dropping out of school, whether overtly or covertly. Michael also volunteers with an organization in Kiryat Shmona dedicated to the memory of Yoel Lhanghal, which organizes volunteers to patrol the city’s streets to prevent late-night youth violence and delinquency. In addition, he helps distribute food to needy families in the region ahead of Jewish holidays through the SAHI nonprofit organization. Michael has a vision of a diverse society and community that lives in fraternity and peace, while exhibiting respect and empathy for those who are different, in order to provide a safe environment for the next generation. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in social and community education and Jewish history from Oranim College. He is married and a father of two.

Yekutiel Haim Wecker

Director of Educational Content, Yemin Orde Youth Village

Yekutiel Haim Wecker is the director of non-formal educational content at the Yemin Orde youth village, where he mentors and supports the staff of the institution’s educational programs. Previously, he worked for three years as the director of the northern branch of Kav Lachayim, a nonprofit organization that provides solutions for children with complex disabilities and rare syndromes. Yekutiel is dedicated to integrating and advancing marginalized youth, and wants to ensure equal opportunities for marginalized populations in Israeli society. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social community education and communications from Oranim College, and a master’s degree in management, leadership and education from Tel Aviv University. A father of three, he lives in Yemin Orde.

About The Program

Mandel Program for Regional Leadership in the North: Cohort 7

October 2022 – August 2023

Amgad Alman

Acting Director, Small Vessels and Sailing Division, Administration of Shipping and Ports

Amgad Alman is the national deputy director of the Small Vessels and Sailing Division of the Administration of Shipping and Ports of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. In this capacity, he promotes sailing programs and projects and works to make this pastime more accessible to the general public. Amgad was one of the first Druze in Israel to be accepted to the IDF pilot’s course and served as an officer in the IDF’s prestigious Unit 8200 intelligence unit. He was one of the founders of the Druze student association at the University of Haifa, and is active in promoting higher education for Druze students. Amgad wants to see more young Israelis, particularly from the country’s social and geographical periphery, involved in leadership positions in all areas of Israeli life and reaching their personal potential. He holds an executive master’s degree in business administration and a second master’s degree in political science, both from the University of Haifa. He is a father of three, and lives in Kasra-Samiya.

Miki Atias

Project Manager, Elbit Systems

Miki Atias is an industrial engineering and management specialist who works as a project manager at Elbit Systems. He is a volunteer member of the board of directors of the Ma’alot-Tarshiha community center, responsible for youth and culture; chair of the town’s parents’ committee; and active in arranging cultural events for local residents. He is also involved in leading projects related to bridging gaps between religious and secular Jews and between Jews and Arabs, as well as various other social and cultural projects. Miki holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and management and a master’s degree in supply chain management and logistics, both from Bar-Ilan University. He is married and a father of five, and lives in Ma’alot-Tarshiha.

Lev Brodinsky

Teacher, Screenwriter, and Director

Lev Brodinsky is a teacher, screenwriter, and director, whose work focuses on Israel’s geographical and social periphery and who seeks to advance proper representation. Lev immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s, and lived for three years in a caravan site for new immigrants. He teaches theater and film studies to students of all ages, including students on the autistic spectrum. He has also founded a production company that focuses on moviemaking in the Galilee. Lev strongly believes in the power of art to change the world, and wants to strengthen Israel’s periphery as an arena for culture, local artistic expression, and high-quality education. Lev is a graduate of the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio, holds a bachelor’s degree in directing and teaching from the Kibbutzim College of Education, and holds a master’s degree in film studies from Tel Aviv University. He lives in Kfar Kisch with his family.

Oria Caspi

Social Activist and Executive Director of the Cleaning Cooperative

Oria Caspi is executive director of the Cleaning Cooperative, a member-owned business run by Arab and Jewish women who seek to change the reality for women working in the exploitative cleaning market in Israel. Previously, she was the parliamentary consultant and spokesperson of Shelly Yachimovich, former head of the parliamentary opposition. She was also one of the leaders of the struggle for direct employment at the University of Haifa. Oria is a social and political activist who wants to reduce inequality in Israeli society, and is involved in the fight against the exploitation of disadvantaged workers in general, and in the cleaning industry in particular. She also works to develop employment alternatives and possibilities for women, while equipping women with employment skills and community empowerment. Oria holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Haifa, where she is currently studying for a master’s degree in Jewish history, and is a qualified lawyer specializing in labor law. She is married and a mother of two, and lives in Yokne’am Illit.

Noam Edelman

Community Manager, Kfar Yehoshua Local Committee

Noam Edelman is the community manager at Kfar Yehoshua, and has founded a unique social education system which is the first of its kind in the Jezreel Valley communities. He wants to advance the status and role of non-formal education as a central source for transmitting social values to young people and giving them a connection to the Land of Israel, to society, and to surrounding communities, both Arab and Jewish. In his work, he encourages social engagement and builds partnerships between residents of Kfar Yehoshua and other villages in the Jezreel Valley. Noam holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in education systems management, and is also a qualified basketball coach and sports psychology coach. He is a father of four, and lives in Kfar Yehoshua.

Abed Elkareem Azzam

Parliamentary Advisor, Ra’am Party

Abed Elkareem Azzam is a parliamentary advisor in the Knesset for the Ra’am party. Previously, he was responsible for the party’s activities involving academicians and young adults; ran dozens of projects relating to discourse between leaders from Arab society and Jewish society; and was involved in joint projects and delivered lectures on this topic to both Arab and Jewish audiences. Abed holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in Islamic philosophy, and is an expert in Israel’s Islamic movements. He also participated in an academic delegation to the United States, exploring the topics of violence and crime.

Ayat Jwamees Gadir

Community Social Worker, Jezreel Valley Regional Council

Ayat Jwamees Gadir is a community social worker who works for the Community and Welfare Division of the regional council. Her work involves developing and empowering local leadership in the Bedouin communities in the region, with the aim of strengthening community infrastructure and encouraging residents to play an active role in decision-making processes in their community. Ayat believes in diversity and in equal rights for all and wants to reach a position of influence in which she can advance Bedouin society and Arab society in general. Ayat holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa. She is married and a mother of one, and lives in Zarzir.

Safwan Mreeh

Minorities, Emergency and Security Manager, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Safwan Mreeh served in the IDF in field command and headquarters positions for 25 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. He founded the section for minorities at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) nine years ago, and for the last three years has also managed IFCJ’s emergency and security section. In this capacity, Safwan identifies needs not sufficiently met by state agencies and service providers, and develops programs to address them. Examples of this include development of a collaborative model with Magen David Adom and AJEEC to operate two ambulances for the rural Bedouin population in the Negev, and the provision of significant aid (in the form of food and medicines) to Druze refugees from Syria and Christian refugees from Iraq who had fled to Jordan. Regarding emergency and security, Safwan’s work involves addressing the security needs of the home front, bolstering the capacity of hospitals to deal with trauma, and providing defensive infrastructure for buildings in the Gaza border region. He is also one of the leaders of the campaign to amend the Nation-State Law. Safwan holds a bachelor’s degree in Oriental studies and a master’s degree in political science and national security, both from the University of Haifa, as well as a diploma in civics teaching from Oranim Academic College of Education. He is married and a father of three, and lives in Daliyat al-Karmel.

Yana Neumann

Organizational Consultant and Social Change Manager

Yana Neuman is an organizational consultant with expertise in diversity and inclusion, who works with social change organizations. She served as vice president of knowledge and consulting at Co-Impact–The Partnership for a Breakthrough in Arab Employment, where she led organizational consulting processes with major employers in the labor market, working to develop an organizational culture based on diversity and inclusion of employees from Arab society. Yana is a member of the executive management of Kibbutz Ramat Hashofet and of Ma’avarim Ba’Emek, a regional center that promotes employment and social mobility. She was involved in the establishment of the gender equality committee of the Megido Regional Council, and is a member of the executive board and head of the women’s committee of the Israel Rugby Union. Yana wants to promote equality in Israel, with an emphasis on women’s rights and Arab society. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology, and a master’s degree in conflict management and resolution, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She lives on Kibbutz Ramat Hashofet.

Sondos Saleh

CEO, E.E. Compass Ltd.

Sondos Saleh is the founder and CEO of E.E. Compass Ltd., a company that provides strategic and organizational consulting in the fields of education, economics, and the environment. In this capacity, she provides project management support to local authorities, mainly for educational projects, and helps educational organizations make their programs more accessible to Arab society. Previously, Sondos worked for the Ministry of Education’s Arab Education Department, responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Ministry’s five-year plan – a role that included designing plans and budgets for formal and non-formal education in the Arab sector, and creating a strategic workplan with defined goals and targets for the Arab education system.

Afaf Sheeny

Television and Radio News Presenter and Content Editor

Afaf Sheeny hosts and produces news broadcasts and current affairs shows on Radio Nas and on the Musawa TV channel. In addition to her work in news content, she also hosts and produces a program aimed at increasing public awareness regarding physical health issues and is active in social issues in which she wants to bring about change, such as violence in Arab society. Afaf holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in strategic communications from the University of Haifa. She is single and lives in Haifa, the city of her birth.

Maor Sheleg

Director of Career Development for Graduates, Ma’ase Center

Maor Sheleg, a social activist, retired from the IDF in 2021 after 15 years of service in command positions both in headquarters and in the field, most of which were related to social mobility. In his last position in the IDF, he was an officer in the Atidim program of Unit 81 of the Intelligence Corps, which works to integrate thousands of high-school students from Israel’s geographical and social periphery into the IDF’s academic programs and elite intelligence programs. Today, Maor is the director of career development for graduates of the Ma’ase Center, which is dedicated to advancing social mobility in Israel by realizing the full potential of young people. He is also a social activist and leader in towns and villages in northern Israel, who is involved in developing regional initiatives. Maor serves as a reserve lieutenant in the IDF Home Command infantry unit. He wants to lower barriers, advance social mobility, and increase equal opportunity, particularly among the younger generation in the Galilee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and human resource management from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and is currently completing a master’s degree in law at Bar-Ilan University. He lives in the Galilee, where he was born and raised.

Noa Shimshoni

Head of Training and Recruitment, Tsofen

Noa Shimshoni is head of training and recruitment at Tsofen, an organization dedicated to the integration of Arab university graduates into the hi-tech industry. She has held various managerial roles over the years in the non-profit world, focusing on social and educational issues, and especially on the advancement of Bedouin Palestinian society in Israel. She wants to help bring about real-world change in the fields of equality, distributive justice, and the social integration of vulnerable populations. Noa is a graduate of the Change Agents course at the Neve Shalom School for Peace, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and Israel studies from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a master’s degree in public policy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (outstanding students track). Her master’s thesis was on “Civics teaching in Arab society.” She is married and a mother of three, and a member of Kibbutz HaMa’apil.

Dr. Hadas Sibony Benyamini

Lab Manager, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University

Dr. Hadas Sibony Benyamini is a lab manager and lecturer at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Tzfat. She was a leading figure in the establishment of a new school that adds grades over time in Moshav Ramot, where she is a member of the parents’ committee and is involved in local educational and social projects. Hadas seeks to advance a project for social engagement between communities in the periphery and institutions and agencies that support populations with special needs; for example, to arrange for residents of her community to “adopt” a hostel for people with special needs. Hadas holds a bachelor’s degree in plant science from the faculty of agriculture of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a master’s degree in life sciences from the Weizmann Institute of Science, and a doctorate in medical science from the faculty of medicine in the Galilee of Bar-Ilan University. She is a mother of three, and is a resident of Moshav Ramot.

Beni Svisa

Director, Kfar Hasidim Youth Village

Beni Svisa is the director of the Kfar Hasidim religious youth village. He has worked with youth at risk for the last two decades. Among other roles, he has been a teacher, home-room teacher, and pedagogical coordinator at the Branco Weiss high school in Marom Hagalil; principal of the Branco Weiss Ramot high school for youth at risk in the Golan Heights; and deputy director of the Branco Weiss network of schools for at-risk students. Beni believes strongly in people’s ability to undergo meaningful change. He is married and a father of four, and lives on the Bar Yohai community settlement in Marom Hagalil.

Hadas Talmon

Director of Campus Life, Givat Haviva International School

Hadas Talmon is the director of campus life at the Givat Haviva International School. In both her personal and professional life, she is engaged in advancing a shared society between people from different cultures. She is also a licensed tour guide, a nature lover, and an environmental activist. Hadas believes in multicultural interaction and in problem-solving based on collaboration and addressing environmental issues. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental development from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and a master’s degree in natural resource management and the environment from the University of Haifa. Hadas is also a graduate of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. She is a mother of two, and lives in Givat Haviva.

Efrat Weiss

Branch Director and Regional Liaison, Emunah

Efrat Weiss is the director of the Nahariya branch of Emunah–The National Religious Women’s Movement, and is the movement’s regional liaison for women’s advancement for all of its branches in northern Israel. In this capacity, she advances initiatives related to women’s rights, women’s empowerment, and the prevention of violence against women. Efrat believes that every woman is a leader and wants other women to see themselves this way, and to believe in themselves and their ability to lead change. She is a member of her local parents’ committee, has served as its chair, and has been one of the leaders of the Nahariya municipal parents’ association. Efrat holds a bachelor’s degree in law and Jewish studies from Bar-Ilan University, is a qualified lawyer, and has worked in the field of law. She is married and a mother of four, and lives in Nahariya.

About The Program

Mandel Program for Leadership for Public Service in the North: Cohort 4

October 2022 – August 2023

Bracha Amar

Head of Strategy Department, Israel Prison Service

Bracha Amar is head of the strategy department of the Israel Prison Service (IPS). In this capacity, she plays a leadership role in promoting the vision and values of the service, with the aim of inculcating ethical discourse among commanders and officers, and ensuring that they strive for ethical conduct in practice. Most of Bracha’s professional experience has been in treating prisoners who have a history of addiction, violent behavior, and sexual criminality. Bracha is currently dealing with a recurrence of breast cancer, which has motivated her to help other women with cancer. She wants to establish a multidisciplinary helpline for cancer patients and their families in the Gaza border region. Bracha holds a bachelor’s degree from Bar-Ilan University, a master’s degree in social work from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and certification in coaching. She is married and a mother of five, and lives in Kfar Maimon, in the Gaza border region.

Tal Avraham

Public Defender, Ministry of Justice

Tal Avraham is the public defender of the Northern district and Nazareth for the Ministry of Justice. In this capacity, she is responsible for providing representation to defendants in criminal proceedings who are eligible for public defense. Tal wants to promote equality and justice in the legal system, with an emphasis on vulnerable and at-risk populations, such as people with disabilities, young people, and more. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a master’s degree in law from Bar-Ilan University. A mother of three, she lives in Avital, a moshav in northern Israel.

Yossef Ben Yossef

CEO, Yavne’el Local Council

Yossef Ben Yossef has been CEO of the Yavne’el local council since 2020. Previously, he served for 30 years in the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority, where he held a variety of positions, the last of which was commander of the Tiberias regional fire station. Yossef works to promote interaction and partnerships between Jewish and Arab residents of northern Israel, in order to improve the region and make it more secure, and the unique demographic model of northern Israel provides fertile ground for these efforts. Yossef holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and humanities from the Open University, and a master’s degree from the department of geography and environmental studies at the University of Haifa (focusing on responses in disaster areas). He is married and a father of five, and lives in the Hanaton communal settlement.

Michael Dian

Head of the Operations Department, Intelligence Division, Israel Prison Service

Michael Dian is the head of intelligence operations and deputy head of the intelligence division of the Israel Prison Service (IPS). He directly commands 30 staff members, most of them officers, and oversees all the members of the Service’s intelligence operations nationally. Michael is responsible for classified intelligence communications on the national level, and for operational coordination with the various IPS districts and field units. He is leading two unique projects within the intelligence division that are in line with his vision: integrating people with special needs, including people on the autistic spectrum, and members of the Haredi community into core roles in intelligence. For the last three years, he has been part of a team that recruits minorities into military and defense service. Michael holds a bachelor's degree in criminology from the Open University (combined track with Beit Berl College) and a master's degree in Jewish studies and Middle Eastern studies from Ono Academic College, and has recently completed the course for directors of public companies. He is married and a father of three, and lives on Kibbutz Tlalim.

Revital Ezov

Child Protection Social Worker and District Supervisor, Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs

Revital Ezov is a district supervisor for the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs in Israel’s North, who works in the division for families, children, and youth in the community. She oversees the work of social services departments in local authorities in the areas of prevention, protection, and legal treatment of children and youth in situations of crisis and danger. Revital is the quality assurance supervisor of an out-of-home framework for pre-school children who have been removed from their homes following abuse or neglect, in Northern Israel. She also supervises a child protection center in Haifa that provides multidisciplinary services for minors who have suffered abuse. Revital’s goal is to ensure that children and families in the North have equal access to maximum opportunities in different aspects of life, so that they can develop and fulfill their potential and ambitions. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa, and completed studies in family and couples therapy. She is married, a mother of four, and lives in Yokne’am Illit.

Tali Frid

President, District Military Court, IDF Northern Command and the Israeli Navy

Tali Frid is the president of the District Military Court of the IDF Northern Command and the Israeli Navy, president of the IDF’s Special Military Court, and commander of the Military Justice Campus of the IDF Military Courts Unit. She also serves in several quasi-judicial roles, including chair of the Sentencing Review Board and chair of the Prisoner Transfer Committee. In addition, Tali is chair of the steering committee for the Integrative Military Court initiative, an innovative program that seeks to reintegrate AWOL soldiers into normative military service as a rehabilitative alternative to criminal proceedings, using tools and approaches based on a holistic view. She wants to promote multidisciplinary collaborations that will improve social mobility via rehabilitation and advancement of vulnerable populations and criminal populations. Tali holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law from the University of Haifa, and is a graduate of the IDF’s Command and Staff College. She is married and a mother of four, and lives in Moshav Tzippori.

Meir Gabay

Deputy Director, Northern District, Ministry of Education

Meir Gabay is the deputy director of the Ministry of Education's northern district. Before joining the Ministry, he served as an officer in the IDF, holding various command, training, and headquarters positions over a 25-year career that included his last role as chief training and instruction officer for the IDF Northern Command. In his current position, Meir is responsible for various areas of operation, and in particular for leading the system that supports the operation of educational institutions for all ages, the hiring of teaching staff, and professional development for teachers. Meir aims to improve the education system in the North in an egalitarian manner, by improving the quality of teaching staff it employs. He holds a bachelor's degree from Max Stern Yezreel Valley College and a master's degree in political science from the University of Haifa. Meir is married and a father of three and lives in Kibbutz Afik in the Golan Heights.

Renana Galpaz Mokady

Judge, Nazareth District Court

Renana Galpaz Mokady is a judge in the Nazareth District Court. Prior to her appointment, she held various positions in the IDF Military Advocate General Corps, attaining the rank of major. Previously, she served as head of the psychotechnics department in the IDF’s Draft Administration, where she managed a large staff and led important processes in the field. Renana was active in the initial development of Shimshit, and was a member of its formative audit committee. She is currently a member of the parents’ committee of the Re’im school in Shimshit, lectures in various forums and is responsible for ethics training in courts throughout the northern district. Renana sees her participation as a fellow in the Mandel Program for Leadership for Public Service in the North as an opportunity for growth and aspires to develop educational fields related to her current work and in other fields as well. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law (cum laude) from the University of Haifa and a master’s degree in law and business administration from Tel Aviv University, and is certified in mediation. A mother of three, she lives in Shimshit with her husband and three children.

Maya Kaski

Head of Fire Safety Department, Hof District, Israel Fire and Rescue Authority

Maya Kaski is head of the fire safety department in the Hof District of the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority. She plays a key role in the Authority's fire prevention efforts. Her work to improve the service provided to the public and enhance fire safety includes public awareness campaigns, as a reflection of her belief that greater awareness about the importance of installing and maintaining safety equipment can significantly reduce the incidence of fires. Maya has been instrumental in female representation in the Authority, paving the way for more women to take on similar roles. She holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Ariel University and a master's degree in infrastructure systems engineering from Afeka Academic College of Engineering. She is married and a mother of three.

Ofer Keren

VP, Head of Senior Staff and HR Section, Israel Electric Corporation

Ofer Keren is vice president, head of the national human resources section, and head of career and training and management of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion of the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC). He is responsible for the caeer pathways of workers and managers from hiring to retirement. He is also a senior participant in discussions about reforms to the electric corporation and the energy sector in Israel. Ofer has led the issue of workforce diversity at the IEC over the last decade, striving to raise awareness of this issue throughout Israel's labor market. In this context, he has developed innovative models for the integration of disadvantaged groups, such as members of Arab society and Haredi society, Ethiopian Israelis, youth at risk, and new immigrants, which have been adopted by many companies. Ofer created the Nitzan Or model, which has led the IEC to employ some 500 people with disabilities. He believes in the importance of education to promote the inclusion of disadvantaged populations in companies and organizations, not just as a humanitarian issue but also as a key to economic growth. Ofer holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and an executive master’s degree in public administration from the University of Haifa. A major in the IDF reserves, he lives in Kiryat Ata.

Yaara Lev Yirmiyahu

Senior Deputy of Civil Cases, Northern District Attorney’s Office

Yaara Lev Yirmiyahu is a senior deputy for civil cases at the Northern District Attorney’s Office in the Ministry of Justice. She heads the team that represents the Ministry of Defense in cases involving soldiers and members of the security forces who are injured during their service. Yaara is also a volunteer board member of Misgav Hagalil, the nonprofit organization that operates the Misgav Community Center, and volunteers as a judge in disciplinary hearings at the Israel Bar Association. Her goal is to reduce inequalities between Israel's periphery and center, and to remove barriers that prevent residents of the periphery from reaching senior positions in the civil service. Yaara holds a bachelor's degree in law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a master's degree in public law from Tel Aviv University and Northwestern University. She is a mother of three and lives in Manof, a community in the Misgav Regional Council.

Wisam Nabwani

Mayor of the Julis Local Council

Advocate Wisam Nabwani has been mayor of the Julis Local Council since the end of 2018. He served in the IDF’s Military Advocate General Corps, reaching the rank of major, and worked as a lawyer for two decades. Wisam is a graduate of the “Leaders of Local Government” program of the World Zionist Organization and the Kolot Association. His leadership is based on a systemic vision that is reflected in annual workplans that bring about social, cultural, and educational change with broad impact throughout the local council’s system. Wisam holds a bachelor’s degree from the faculty of law at Tel Aviv University, and a master’s degree from the University of Haifa. He is married and a father of four, and lives in Julis.

Nisreen Salameh

Director of the Arab Society Division, Public Defender's Office

Nisreen Salameh is the director of the Arab society division of the Public Defender’s Office of the Ministry of Justice, and is the first person to hold this position. As part of her work, she leads the national forum on Arab society, which is designed to help the Public Defender’s Office deal with the need for increased law enforcement in Arab society in Israel. Previously, Nisreen worked for 15 years as a lawyer in the Public Defender's Office in the Haifa district, where she successfully initiated and led several district-wide projects, while also serving as a public defender in criminal cases and working in the department that oversees the quality of representation. Nisreen headed a particularly noteworthy project concerning the representation of people arrested for being in Israel without a permit. She was also the regional head of gender equality in the Haifa and Northern regions, and was a member of the Office's gender committee. Nisreen aims to increase the number of Arabs in influential positions in the civil service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Haifa, is a mother of two and lives in Nazareth.

Dr. Yoni Shapira

Investigations and Intelligence Officer, Israel Police

Dr. Yoni Shapira is an investigations and intelligence officer for the Carmel region and Hof district of the Israel Police. He operates methodically in a variety of sectors with diverse characteristics in order to strengthen the public’s sense of security and trust. Yoni has conducted academic research on patterns of conduct of the Arab population of the Galilee in the pre-state era. He wants to establish a combined Jewish-Arab educational-social network for the Galilee region, which will help establish healthy coexistence in the area. A graduate of the police command and staff training course, Yoni holds a bachelor’s degree in Jewish philosophy and Oriental studies from Bar-Ilan University, a master’s degree in Jewish history from the University of Haifa, and a doctorate in Oriental studies from Bar-Ilan University. He is married and a father of four, and lives in Hoshaya.

Dr. Rana Shibli

Deputy District Health Officer, Haifa

Dr. Rana Shibli is the deputy district health officer at the Haifa District Health Office. She implements public health policy throughout the Haifa region and supervises the delivery of necessary services She also teaches epidemiology at the Technion’s Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, and heads and participates in several research projects aimed at improving public health. Rana’s goal is to lead changes that will improve the public health system, advance the health of all populations in Israel, and reduce inequalities between the populations. In her work, she emphasizes preventive medicine. Rana holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Haifa and a doctorate in medicine from the Technion. She is married, a mother of three, and lives in Haifa.

Yitzhak Shriki

Deputy Commander of the Ramon Prison, Israel Prison Service

Yitzhak Shriki is the deputy commander of Ramon Prison. In this capacity, he is responsible for building the force, managing and leading the staff’s work, managing the value resources of the prison, developing empowered leadership, and promoting efficiency. Yitzhak wants to lead initiatives that will strengthen ties within the community – both between the staff members and toward relevant prisoners. Strengthening ties between staff members is part of his work fostering moral competence and staff development, while strengthening ties with prisoners is part of the acquisition of corrective tools that will enable the optimal integration of prisoners into the community after their release. Yitzhak holds a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in public policy from the executive program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is a father of four and lives in Jerusalem.

Dr. Nadine Simaan Barhoum

Pediatrician and Regional Medical Director, Meuhedet Health Fund

Dr. Nadine Simaan Barhoum is a pediatrician for the Meuhedet health fund in two regions: Galillee-Golan, where she works in the Arab sector, and Haifa and the Krayot, where she works in the Jewish sector. She is also the regional medical director of the Meuhedet’s northern district, who supervises pediatric referrals for further treatment. Nadine aims to improve the quality of public medicine in the North, especially, by recruiting high-quality personnel, and throughout Israel, through improved cooperation between health funds and hospitals, increased investment in preventive medicine (especially in the Arab and religious sectors), and advancing hybrid medical care. Nadine is certified by the American Heart Association as an instructor in advanced resuscitation for children and newborns. She is married to Dr. Wisam Barhoum (an eye surgeon) and is a mother of two. She lives in Shfar'am.

David Turgeman

Deputy Commander, Border Police Northern Unit, Israel Police

David Turgeman is deputy commander of the Border Police in Northern Israel. In this capacity, he plays an influential role in intelligence, in operational policing, and in community work to promote change. David’s vision is to create expanding ripples of impact by means of collaborative leadership, with the aim of forging multidimensional change. As part of his current role, David is leading an enforcement initiative to combat harmful intrusions into state lands, nature reserves, and private land, using a mediation approach and in collaboration with other state enforcement agencies. He views the opportunity to advance projects that improve Israeli society as an added bonus of his work. David holds a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Jewish history from the University of Haifa. He is in a relationship, has three children, and lives in Sde Nahum.

Eyal Uzman

Commander, Rehovot Fire Station, Israel Fire and Rescue Authority

Eyal Uzman is the commander of the Rehovot Fire Station. In this capacity, he is responsible for a region covering some 180,000 square kilometers that is home to around 330,000 residents. Eyal’s vision is to lead his officers and staff to provide high-quality operational services, including firefighting and rescue services and public education on fire safety. He is currently working on a project to promote the installation of smoke detectors in the homes of older people, which has been proven to save lives. He is also spearheading the inclusion of young people with disabilities in the work of the station as part of their national service, in order to promote equal opportunities. Eyal holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and humanities from the Open University. He has three daughters and one grandson, and lives in Be’er Ya’akov.

Razia Zehavi

Northern District Planner, Israel Nature and Parks Authority

Razia Zehavi is the northern district planner of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. She develops plans for areas that the state will declare as national parks and nature reserves. Razia manages a team of six workers who work with government agencies and private institutions to resolve short- and long-term planning conflicts regarding development and construction on undeveloped lands. These include matters related to expanding existing towns and industrial areas, installing wind turbines and other renewable energy facilities, extending Route 6 in the North, rehabilitating streams and valleys, and more. Razia coordinates a multidisciplinary district planning team of representatives of the Authority who specialize in ecology, infrastructure, development of public access, and environmental planning, to formulate the Authority’s positions and present them to state planning agencies. Her vision is to implement a balanced environmental planning approach in all government ministries involved in national planning, in order to protect Israel's nature, heritage, and unique landscapes. Razia wants the next generation of Israel, which is expected to have a population of around 16 million by 2040, to enjoy a good quality of life while respecting the natural environment. Razia holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the Technion. She is married, a mother of three, and lives in Yuvalim.

Navot Ziso-Goldwyn

Director, Community Development Division, Misgav Regional Council

Navot Ziso-Goldwyn is the director of the community development division of the Misgav Regional Council. He is responsible for improving relations and work processes between the council and its member localities. He is also a member of the council's management team, oversees the management of the council’s Bedouin localities, and works in the mayor’s office. He also volunteers with the Pa'amonim nonprofit organization, helping families manage their finances and overcome debt. Navot’s goals are to promote moderation, non-partisanship, and collaborations among different individuals and groups and establish mutual aid mechanisms, including in his own community. He holds a master's degree in public administration and policy from the University of Haifa and is a graduate of the Ministry of Interior's local government cadet program. Navot is a father of two and lives in Kibbutz Ginegar in the Jezreel Valley.

Aldo Zolfi

Chief Financial Officer, Beit Hakerem Haglili Regional Cluster

Aldo Zolfi is the chief financial officer of the Beit Hakerem Haglili Regional Cluster of Municipal Associations. In this capacity, he oversees a budget of around NIS 80 million and aims to reduce inequality between different populations in the region. Aldo raises and allocates resources that enable the implementation of engineering, environmental, and social projects and support of vulnerable populations, in order to narrow gaps, promote equal opportunity, and develop Israel’s north. He also works on programs to foster community, with the aim of improving quality of life in his region. Aldo believes in promoting multiculturalism, and creating new economic, environmental, and social opportunities for the benefit of the area’s residents. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from the Ruppin Academic Center. Aldo is married and a father of two, and lives in Karmiel.

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