Graduates

Mandel Program for Leadership for Public Service in the North: Cohort 3

October 2021 – August 2022

Sigal Ben Oz

Director of Investments and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Tourism

Sigal Ben Oz is the director of investments and entrepreneurship at Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. She works to promote and develop tourism in the North by encouraging private investment in hotels, by supporting grant applications under the terms of the Encouragement of Capital Investments Law, and by encouraging local authorities to invest in public tourist infrastructure and supporting their applications for government funding for infrastructure projects. She is responsible for developing a supportive and positive business environment for entrepreneurs that ensures easy access to tools provided by the Ministry at all stages of the process (statutory, real estate, capital investment, consulting, professional training, tourism incubators, and more). Sigal represents Israel’s minister of tourism on the Northern District Planning and Construction Committee. She is also a board member of the Union of Kinneret Cities regional authority, and a board member of the Old Acre and Nazareth Development Company. She wants to help the North flourish and to put it on the map of international tourism. Sigal holds a bachelor’s degree in social science (specializing in management) and a bachelor’s degree in economics, both from the Open University. She is married and a mother of three, and lives in Kiryat Bialik.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Hila Blutrich

Director of Legal Department, Northern District, Israel Land Authority

Hila Blutrich is the legal counsel and director of the legal department for the Israel Land Authority’s Northern District. She is responsible for providing legal advice and for the professional management and guidance of the attorneys in her department. Hila strives to create welcoming and respectful discourse for women in the public sector, and to simplify the “legalification” that has recently gained popularity. Hila holds a bachelor’s degree in law (cum laude) and a master’s degree in law with a specialization in public administration, both from the University of Haifa. She is married and a mother of three, and lives on Kibbutz Alonim.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Telem Chorin

CEO, Clore Centre for the Performing Arts

Telem Chorin is CEO of the Center for Culture and Community in the Upper Galilee, a municipal non-profit organization operated by the Upper Galilee Regional Council. In this capacity, he manages the Clore Centre for Performing Arts, promotes culture and cultural education in locations throughout the Upper and Eastern Galilee, and develops collaborative projects that bring together Arabic-speaking and Hebrew-speaking students. Telem holds a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in musical performance from Tel Aviv University, and a master’s degree in business administration from the Open University. He himself studied music at the Clore Centre. Telem lives with his family on Kibbutz Kishor in the Misgav regional council – an integrative kibbutz that includes Kishorit, a home for life for adults with special needs.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Eti Cohen Gez

Head of Planning Section, Israel Police

Eti Cohen Gez is the head of the planning section of the Israel Police’s Planning and Organization Department. She is responsible for formulating planning and organization policy for the police, including preparing its overall work plan, overseeing the plan’s implementation, and coordinating all headquarter activities. She wants to encourage members of various minority groups to serve as police officers, including members of Haredi society, Arab society, the Ethiopian Israeli community, and the LGBTQ community. Eti holds a bachelor’s degree in education and geography and a master’s degree in criminology, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a certificate in editing from David Yellin Academic College of Education. She is married and a mother of three, and lives in Mevaseret Zion.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Merav Finkelshtein

Midwife and Head Nurse of Operating Room, Carmel Hospital

Merav Finkelshtein is a midwife and the head nurse of the operating room unit at the Carmel Medical Center. She believes in the right of every human being to medical treatment, does everything possible to cut red tape and make processes more efficient, and wants to make the health system more dynamic so that every patient in Israel, and the world, can receive treatment. Merav holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Haifa, a master’s degree in nursing from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and a diploma in organizational consulting from the University of Haifa. She is married and a mother of six, and lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Anan Ghanem

Attorney, Ministry of Justice

Anan Ghanem has served as an attorney in the criminal division of the State Prosecutor’s Office in the Haifa district for 15 years. His work focuses mainly on serious crime, including murder cases, national security cases, and various other criminal offenses. Anan is involved in several school projects to educate young people about the legal system and the dangers of crime. He participated in the Ministry of Justice’s “Different Lesson” project, the “Mock Trial” project conducted by the Haifa office of the Israel Bar Association, and more. He believes in social impact via educational initiatives, and not just via judicial punishment. Anan holds a master’s degree in law. He is married and a father of two, and lives in the Druze town of Sajur.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Reem Haj-Sbeit

Community Work Supervisor, Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs

Reem Haj-Sbiet is the Haifa and Northern District supervisor of the Community Work Service at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. She is an activist social worker, who views social work and community work as a means of effecting social change, and wants to bring about change in the design, development, and implementation of social policy. Reem believes in human equality as a fundamental value, and in the right of individuals and communities to organize collectively in order to improve their quality of life. She is a board member of Kayan, a feminist organization that works to advance the status of Arab women and create a secure and just society free of gender-based discrimination. She is also a practitioner at Little Hans, an Arabic-Hebrew psychoanalytic center that provides treatment and counseling to children, youth, and families for free or for a nominal fee. Reem holds a master’s degree in social work and management of social services from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and is a certified group facilitator. She is married and a mother of two, and lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Eli Haviv

Director, Youth and Young Adult Division, Akko Municipality

Eli Haviv is one of the founders of the municipal services for young adults in Akko, and is deeply involved in expanding this field both locally and nationally. He was among the founders of the Association of Young Adult Centers in Israel, is a member of its board of directors, and served as its chair for three years. Eli is also a member of the young adults committee of the local authority, and is responsible for promoting youth activities by means of a partnership between three sectors. In addition, he is a board member of the Israel Council of Museums. Eli holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Bar-Ilan University, and a master’s degree in public administration (specializing in local government) from the University of Haifa. He is married and a father of three, and lives in Akko.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

$Asher Ifrach$

Asher Ifrach

Head of Operations Section, Israel Prison Service

Lieutenant Colonel Asher Ifrach is the head of the operations section of the Israel Prison Service (IPS). He seeks to introduce innovations in the prison service so as to maximize its capabilities and fulfill its mission of safely guarding and rehabilitating prisoners. Asher holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and law enforcement from Bar-Ilan University (Safed campus), and a master’s degree in Middle Eastern and African studies from Tel Aviv University. He is also a graduate of the Israel Police Service’s Talpiot Lahav cadet program, and is a football and boxing fan. Asher is married and a father of four, and lives in Kiryat Shmona.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Shoshi Leon Shpigel

Head of Social Education in the Religious School System, Ministry of Education

Shoshi Leon Shpigel is the national head of social education in the Ministry of Education’s society and youth administration for the religious school system. She is responsible for leading social pedagogy in the education system, for managing partnerships with civil society organizations and various government ministries, and for linking different sectors of the education system. She creates infrastructure for the professional development of staff in the Ministry of Education national headquarters, its district offices, and in the field. Shoshi runs study days and training sessions, and provides professional instruction. She has extensive experience in formal and non-formal education, and previously worked for the Student Union of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, leading the union’s first student delegation to Poland. She has also served as a parliamentary aide, as a spokesperson at the Knesset, and as director of the youth department of the Jerusalem municipality. She believes that creating a cohesive educational continuum comprising school and after school activities in the community is key to a holistic view of the child in education. Shoshi holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and geography, and a master’s degree in environmental planning, both from the Hebrew University. In addition to holding a teaching diploma, she is a graduate of Tel University’s Lahav program for school principals, the UJA-New York Federation’s Co.Lab incubator for social cohesiveness, and the Community leadership course run by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Gesher.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Moshe Levi

Deputy Station Commander, Haifa Station, Israel Fire and Rescue Authority

Moshe Levi, who has worked for the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority for almost three decades in different roles, is currently deputy commander of the Haifa fire station. He has taken part in tens of fire and rescue events, and played an active role in fighting the 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire. He also contributes to the work of the National Fire and Rescue College, and has taught and mentored generations of firefighters and commanders. Moshe holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities from the University of Haifa. He is married and a father of three, and lives in Kiryat Bialik.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Elior Liav

Northern District Planner, Ministry of Environmental Protection

Elior Liav is an urban planner with many years’ experience in environmental planning. In recent years, she has served as a planner for the Northern District at the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Elior holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Haifa and a master’s degree in urban and regional design from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. She enjoys reading, painting, and gardening. Elior lives in the community settlement of Yuvalim.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Nir Mishory Lev Tov

Vice President, Northern District Magistrates’ Courts

Nir Mishory Lev Tov, a criminal court judge, is the vice president of the Magistrates’ Courts in the Northern District, who is responsible for the courts in Tiberias and Beit She’an. Previously, he held a series of command and management positions in the IDF and the Israel Police, and founded and led a social initiative to help Holocaust survivors. Nir also initiates and runs charitable projects for needy populations, and has published a book of poetry and prose. He wants to expand the ways in which he can contribute to the community in his current position, to help foster leadership, and eventually to develop a major social initiative. Nir holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law (cum laude) from Bar-Ilan University and the University of Haifa, respectively. He is married and a father of four, and lives in Shimshit.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dunya Nassar

Judge, Kiryat Shmona Magistrates’ Court

Dunya Nassar is a judge in the Kiryat Shmona Magistrates’ Court, where she mostly hears criminal cases. Her vision is to improve the criminal punishment system so that it includes components that will help offenders to be rehabilitated and return to society as better citizens. Dunya holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Netanya Academic College, and a master’s degree in adjudication and criminal procedure from the University of Haifa. She is a mother of three, and lives in Tur’an.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Rachely Raif

Head of the Electronic Monitoring Unit, Israel Prison Service

Rachely Raif is the head of the Electronic Monitoring Unit of the Israel Prison Service (IPS), where she is responsible for the electronic bracelet system used as an alternative to imprisonment and with early-release prisoners. She views the unit’s work, beyond its importance for supervision and law enforcement, as a personal mission and an important social cause. Her vision is for the unit’s capabilities to be seen by legal decision-makers as an alternative to imprisonment. This will result in a greater proportion of convicts being monitored electronically, which will reduce the personal, familial, and social impact caused by extended stays in prison. Rachely holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bar-Ilan University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Humberside, and various professional diplomas. She is married and a mother of two, and lives in Hadera.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Shelly Shalem

Chief Information Officer, Galilee Medical Center

Shelly Shalem is the CIO of the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, where she runs the information systems division, in a role that combines technological, professional, strategic, business, and human dimensions. Shelly leads and participates in projects for the hospital and at a national level, and also has years of experience in non-formal education. She wants to reach positions of influence in which she can reduce social gaps between residents of the North. Shelly holds a bachelor’s degree in informal education and Land of Israel studies as well as a teaching diploma, both from Oranim Academic College of Education. She is a mother of three, and lives in Kiryat Motzkin.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Tal Volvovitch

Head of Information and Population Training, Israel Fire and Rescue Authority

Tal Volvovitch is the head of the Information and Population Training Division of the Israel Fire and Rescue Service, where she works to change the fire safety culture in Israel so as to save lives and protect nature, the environment, and property. Previously, she served as spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Security, in which capacity she promoted violence prevention programs, with a focus on children. Tal wants to develop an initiative that will help children overcome ostracism, bullying and violence, and will raise public awareness of these issues. Tal holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and media studies from the Open University, and a master’s degree in political communications from Bar-Ilan University. She is a mother of four, and lives in Nili, in the Modi’in region.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Eilon Yarchi

Deputy Director of Resident Relations, Harish Municipality

Eilon Yarchi is the deputy director of the residents’ relations division of the Harish municipality, a division that was established under his supervision in 2019. A graduate of the Ministry of the Interior’s Local Government Cadets program, Eilon is also a member of the planning committee of his home community of Mitzpe Ilan. Over the years, he has volunteered with a variety of organizations, including the Bnei Akiva youth movement, House of Wheels (an organization serving people with physical disabilities), the Koby Mandell Foundation for bereaved families, and more. Eilon is a firm believer in the public sector and its ability to improve the quality of life for all residents of Israel, and believes in discourse and collaboration between different sectors. Eilon holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Ariel University, and a master’s degree in public administration (specializing in local government) from the University of Haifa. He is married and a father of four, and lives in Mitzpe Ilan.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Hagit Zamir

Head of the Prosecution Unit, Coastal District, Israel Police

Hagit Zamir is head of the prosecution unit of the Israel Police’s Coastal District and has served as a police officer for three decades. She is responsible for some 50 prosecutors and 9,000 cases each year. Hagit strives to improve the personal and professional capabilities of those under her command, and to expose them to the multiculturalism of Israeli society so that they can develop a broader, more human, and more professional perspective. She is involved in running a course on “Criminal legal proceedings in theory and practice” at the University of Haifa, which is operated as a collaboration between the university and the police prosecution unit. She is also involved in the discussions of The Institute for Safety in Law in the criminology department of Western Galilee College. Hagit holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science, as well as a law degree, all from the University of Haifa. She is married and a mother of three, and lives on Kibbutz Gesher Haziv, where she and her family serve as an adoptive family for an immigrant lone soldier in Garin Tzabar. *This biography was last updated at the start of the program

About The Program

Mandel Program for Leadership for Public Service in the North: Cohort 2

October 2020 – August 2021

Samir Abboud

Director of Pensions, Nazareth Branch, National Insurance Institute

In his role as director of pensions at the Nazareth branch of Israel's National Insurance Institute, Samir Abboud works to promote the full utilization of rights by citizens, through the media and via lectures. He also works to increase the accessibility of services; and to encourage people to take advantage of new rights such as the “Savings Plan for Every Child” initiative. During the coronavirus pandemic, Samir helped implement new methods for serving clients using digital tools. Samir lectures to audiences that include social workers, lawyers, and single parents groups, in order to raise awareness of available services and develop cooperation with the community. He also works to advance disadvantaged populations, such as children without family support who are studying in residential frameworks in the north. Samir holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College. He is married and a father of three.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Bishara Absawi

Director of Budgets, Haifa District, Ministry of the Interior

Bishara Absawi is an accountant and lawyer who is responsible for the financial and budgetary system of the local authorities within the Israeli Ministry of the Interior's Haifa District. In this capacity, he leads efforts to strengthen economic standing and reduce gaps, with an emphasis on helping disadvantaged authorities. Since 2016, Bishara has represented the minister of the interior on the Haifa District Planning and Construction Committee. He is also responsible for mediation efforts in disputes between local authorities and various government ministries, in accordance with guidelines established by Israel's attorney general. Bishara holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting from the University of Haifa, and a bachelor’s degree in law (cum laude) from Ono Academic College. He is married and a father of three, and lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Alaa Ayoub

Advocate in the State Attorney’s Office

Alaa Ayoub is a senior advocate in the civil law section of the Haifa District of the State Attorney’s Office. He specializes in administrative issues, particularly planning and construction; in appeals related to education and housing; and in petitions related to land ownership. Previously, he served as a legal assistant in the Haifa District Magistrate’s Court. Alaa lectures in his areas of expertise, and was a teaching fellow in the University of Haifa’s department of nursing. Since 2018, he has served as a judge in the Haifa District disciplinary committee of the Israel Bar Association. Alaa holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in law, both from the University of Haifa, and is a graduate of the Ministry of Justice’s Influencer Network program. He is married and a father of two, and lives in Shfar’am.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Revital Bahat

Labor Ministry Regional Director of Out-of-Home Care

Revital Bahat works for the Families, Children and Youth at Risk division of Israel's Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services, as the regional director of out-of-home care for families in the North. She aims to develop out-of-home care settings that are respectful and empowering and that have meaningful impact on the lives of residents and their families. Revital plays an active role in the management of the Ministry’s Out-of-Home Care Division, which formulates policy for the operation and supervision of these settings. She is also involved in the management of the Northern District, which oversees implementation of the policies set by the various divisions of the Ministry. Revital works to promote collaboration between different administrations within the Ministry and between different offices in the District, for the benefit of residents of out-of-home settings. She is also involved in issues concerning at-risk youth in her home community. Revital holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa. She is married and a mother of three, and lives in Nesher.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Gil Barsano

Station Commander, Zevulun Station, Israel Fire and Rescue Authority

Gil Barsano is the commander of the Zevulun fire and rescue station. In this capacity, he serves as the moral and ethical compass of the entire station, guiding the behavior of its officers and firefighters. Gil strives to act with determination and professionalism and to serve as a personal example of fulfilling the station’s primary goals of saving lives and protecting human dignity. A bereaved father, Gil lectures in various organizations and forums, conveying the idea that everyone has the power to overcome challenges and succeed. Gil holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in geography of disaster areas from the University of Haifa. A father of three, he lives in Nahariya.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Eti Cohen

Labor Ministry Regional Director of Children, Youth and Families Division

Eti Cohen heads the Northern region's Children, Youth and Families Division of the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services. Beyond her professional commitments, she is active in advancing community initiatives and welfare projects in her community, and serves as an “adoptive family” to a group of young people in her home town of Maalot. Eti believes that individuals are part of a system, and thus optimal interventions must include all aspects of their lives on a therapeutic continuum, which requires collaboration between the various relevant professionals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bar-Ilan University, and a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Haifa. A married mother of five, Eti lives in Ma’alot-Tarshiha.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Hagit Dimri

Child Development Coordinator of the Northern District, Clalit Health Services

Hagit Dimri is the child development coordinator of the Northern district for Clalit Health Services, where she is also the acting national head of prevention of sexual harassment. Hagit works to develop health services and make them accessible to all those who need them, and she mentors social work students and social workers. Her goal is to ensure a secure working environment and provide equal and respectful treatment for all Clalit employees and clients. Hagit led a mental health reform, directed medical social work services in the Northern district, and believes in community work as a way to bring about change in people’s lives and in society. Hagit holds a master’s degree in social work from Bar-Ilan University and has completing training programs in mentoring and mediation. A mother of two, she lives in Tzfat.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

David Elhiany

Manager of the Security, Supervision, and Public Order Division, Nahariya Municipality

David Elhiany is the manager of the security, supervision, and public order division of the Nehariya municipality, where he previously managed municipal supervision and business licensing. He is also a leading member of the Ha’ira team, an initiative of the Beracha Foundation that aims to promote sustainable renewal of urban space that balances community needs, environmental needs, and the economic needs of cities. In his work for the municipality, he strives to provide the best possible service to residents and business owners, based on the approach that “business equals city equals residents.” David is also a member of the board of directors of the Nahariya Economic Company, is a volunteer member of the board of directors of the Friends of Mazor Hospital, and is responsible for strengthening patient-community relations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Ono Academic College and a master’s degree in business administration with a specialization in management from Netanya Academic College. A married father of three, David lives in Nahariya.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Tami Ezra

Warden, Dekel Prison, Israel Prison Service

Tami Ezra is the warden of the Dekel prison. She joined the Israel Prison Service as a social worker, and has since held a wide range of therapeutic positions and human resources roles. Tami has served in command positions since 2016. Her position as a warden involves working with various populations, including both prisoners and staff. In her work, Tami instills values through discourse between the different groups that emphasizes acceptance of others, and through a program that includes lectures, training, and study trips. Tami holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in business administration. She is a mother of two, and lives in Shoham.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Jeryes Ghantous

Legal Advisor, Northern District, Ministry of Construction and Housing

Jeryes Ghantous is the legal advisor to the Northern District of the Ministry of Construction and Housing. He oversees the legal processes related to the district and deals with all ongoing legal issues including tenders, contracts, and general legal matters. He is also a member of the disciplinary court of the Israel Bar Association. Jeryes holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Haifa and a master’s degree in criminal law from Tel Aviv University. He is married and a father of two, and lives in Nof Hagalil.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Eli Meir Gozlan

Senior Instructor, National Police Academy, Israel Police

Eli Meir Gozlan is a senior instructor in the training course for senior officers at the National Police Academy. Since 2017, he has also served as commander of the Afula police station. Eli has worked extensively on behalf of disadvantaged populations, especially Ethiopian-Israeli youth and youth in the Arab sector. His vision is to help Arab youth integrate into Israeli society in all areas of life, strengthen young people from the Ethiopian-Israeli community, and develop an integrated and diverse culture. Eli holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Haifa, and holds an additional master’s degree in business administration from the Israeli branch of the University of Derby. He is married and a father of three, and lives in Atlit.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Stav Havivi

Head of the Department for Joint Responsibility, Haifa Municipality

Stav Havivi works for the Haifa municipality, where she established and directs the department that is responsible for advancing and implementing cross-sectorial partnerships in the public arena. She is also the founder of Hubtipus, a hub for social entrepreneurs developed by the Haifa Municipality. Stav also leads efforts to promote participatory governance in local government, and was part of a team that submitted recommendations on this issue to the Prime Minister’s Office. Stav wants to create change in the culture of municipal work, such that it will encourage involvement of all stakeholders in planning and in finding shared solutions to challenges. Stav holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from the University of Haifa. A mother of five, she lives in the Krayot area north of Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Ahlam Khamis

Director of Health Promotion, Haifa District, Ministry of Health

Ahlam Khamis is director of health promotion in the Ministry of Health’s Haifa District. In this capacity, she creates, develops, and implements projects to improve the health of the population in the region in general, and of disadvantaged populations in particular. Ahlam is currently leading projects for disadvantaged populations in Jisr al-Zarqa, in community-based frameworks for people with mental illness. She is also working with local authorities to bring them into Israel's network of Healthy Cities, and her vision is to establish a full department of health promotion in the Haifa District. Ahlam holds a master’s degree in health promotion, lectures in public health and health promotion at the University of Haifa's nursing school, and supervises master’s students in health promotion. She is married and a mother of three, and lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Ira Kostinsky

Supervisor of Boarding Schools, Ministry of Education

Ira Kostinsky immigrated to Israel in 1993 through the Na’ale youth aliyah program, and studied at the Galim youth village. After completing her military service and academic studies, she returned to the youth village to work, and eventually became its director. Since 2015, Ira has served as a supervisor in the Administration for Residential Boarding School and Youth Aliyah of the Ministry of Education. In this capacity, she provides support and oversight to boarding school principals and their staffs. Her vision is to create equal opportunities for high-quality education for all social strata in Israel, and to nurture influential educators who will lead the next generation. Ira holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in educational systems management, both from Oranim Academic College of Education. She also holds a diploma in boarding school management from the Michlalah Jerusalem College.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Guy Levy

Unit Commander, Dror Central Unit for Combating Crime, Israel Prison Service

Guy Levy is the commander of Dror, the Israel Prison Service’s central unit for fighting crime inside, outside, and into prison facilities. He is part of the ongoing struggle to prevent drug smuggling and dealing in prisons, and gathers evidence against perpetrators of criminal and terrorist activities in prisons. Guy also is the volunteer chair of the security and crime prevention committee in his community of Neve Ilan. He wants to establish a broad, smart, and technologically advanced system to fight criminal activity in prisons and thus to help create a better and safer society. Guy is a graduate of the IDF Command and Staff College and of the Israel Prison Service's prison warden course. He is married and a father of three.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Shay Parnassa

Warden, Sharon Prison, Israel Prison Service

Shay Parnassa served in Israel’s defense establishment for some 27 years. He was a member of the Border Police during the period of Israel's disengagement from Gaza, he was a field commander and instructor, and he was a commander of the officer's training course. He subsequently transferred to the Israel Prison Service (IPS), where he has held a variety of managerial and training roles in prisons, including commander of the IPS officer-training course and commander of the special operations officer-training course. Shay currently serves as warden of the Sharon prison, a maximum-security facility with a number of unique and complex challenges. Previously, he spent two years as warden of the Ofek prison for young offenders. Shay wants to continue to advance within the IPS, and hopes to move into public service afterwards. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in education administration from the Israeli branch of the University of Derby. He is married and a father of four, and lives in Jerusalem.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Doron Porat

President of the Northern District Magistrate Courts

Judge Doron Porat is president of the magistrate courts in Israel's Northern District. He has been a trailblazer in the proactive approach to managing the judicial process, a paradigmatic change that has led to a dramatic reduction in the length of time required to complete legal proceedings. This innovative approach has gained recognition and awards, and is being introduced throughout the court system in Israel. Doron actively promotes efficiency and professionalism within the legal system, as well as the enhancement of social engagement in the community. Doron holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Tel Aviv University and a master’s degree in law from the University of Haifa. Married and the father of two, Doron lives in the Jezreel Valley.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Hagar Reuveni

Director of the Department of Environment and Biosphere Reserve, Megiddo Regional Council

Hagar Reuveni is director of the Department of Environment and Biosphere Reserve of the Megiddo regional council. In this capacity, she promotes regional projects for sustainable development and for striking a healthy balance between conservation and development needs, with an emphasis on community involvement and public participation in decision-making. She also leads projects for the benefit of local communities and the entire region. Hagar wants to help build a society that acts based on respect for its diverse physical and human environment. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Open University and a master’s degree in organizational development and consulting from the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College. A mother of two, Hagar lives on Kibbutz Hazorea.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Itshak Swisa

Regional Station Commander, Israel Fire and Rescue Authority

Itshak Swisa began his firefighting career in Haifa, where he has worked as a team commander, senior firefighting officer, and hazardous materials officer. In addition to his other professional responsibilities, he served as forest officer of Israel's coastal district, and implemented the guidelines developed by the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority to protect residential areas from wildfires, based on the findings of the inquiry into the Mount Carmel forest fire. In 2015, Itshak was appointed deputy commander of the Haifa Regional Fire Station, in which capacity he was responsible for writing annual work plans and for carrying out safety and security investigations. In 2020, he was promoted to commander of the station, and is now responsible for tens of local fire stations from the Krayot area north of Haifa to Tirat Hacarmel to its south, for some 150 firefighters and auxiliary staff, and for fire and rescue services to approximately 700,000 residents. Recently, he oversaw a new project to instill the firefighter spirit, values, and code of ethics at the Haifa station. Itshak holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College. A married father of three, he lives in Kiryat Tivon.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Gabi Yona

Head of Border Police Welfare Department, Israel Police

Gabi Yona has been in active service in the Israel Police for 25 years. He is currently responsible for welfare services in the Border Police, which include a wide range of social work services to provide support for Border Police and their families. Gabi also volunteers in the Coaching for Life project at the Hadasim boarding school. He aims to enter the field of education and to help empower disadvantaged populations. Gabi holds three different degrees – in criminology, Jewish studies, and public policy – from Bar-Ilan University and Ono Academic College. He also has certification in counseling to bereaved families from NATAL–Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center. A married father of three, Gabi lives in Even Yehuda.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

About The Program

Mandel Program for Leadership for Public Service in the North: Cohort 1

October 2019 – August 2020

Hilana Agbariye

Social Worker and Educator, Umm al-Fahm Municipality

Hilana Agbariye is the director of the personal service unit and acting director of the elementary education department of the Umm al-Fahm municipality. She has professional expertise and experience in working with girls at risk, managing and counseling welfare teams, and mentoring education teams. Hilana holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa, and has experience and certification in group facilitation, sex education, and treatment of child victims of sexual abuse. She is a mother of four and lives in Umm al-Fahm.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Denis Begun

Deputy Commander of Ofer Prison, Israel Prison Service

Denis Begun is the deputy commander of Ofer Prison, where he is responsible for all logistical operations. He works to improve the welfare of wardens, coordinates staff work, and is responsible for efficiency and financial savings. Denis strives to empower staff in the Israel Prison Service and to ensure that their behavior is ethical and professional. His vision is to “lead and have an impact based on love of one’s fellow man.” Denis holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Derby in Israel, and a master’s degree from the Center for Academic Studies in Or Yehuda. He is a father of three, and lives on Kibbutz Tlalim.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Shiri Ben-Ari

Legal Advisor to the Haifa District Health Bureau, Ministry of Health

Shiri Ben-Ari is the legal advisor to the Haifa District Health Bureau and head of its legal bureau, in which capacity she provides legal counsel to all the Bureau’s employees and represents it in legal cases of various kinds. Shiri is a certified prosecutor, who has been authorized by the State Attorney’s Office to issue indictments on behalf of the Ministry of Health. She also serves as legal advisor to the Fliman Geriatric Hospital, as chair of the district risk management committee, as chair of the district committee for medical negligence claims, and as a member of several other district committees. As part of her work, she maintains strong working relations with various government bodies, and ensures that employees of the District Health Office and Fliman hospital are familiar with the office's work regulations. Her vision in the short term is to advance the area of legal counsel and enforcement within the District Health Bureau. Shiri holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Netanya Academic College and a master’s degree in law from the University of Haifa, as well as certification in mediation. She is married, a mother of three, and lives in Kiryat Bialik.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Liat Cohen

Head of Community Service, Israel Prison Service

Liat Cohen heads the Israel Prison Service's community service unit, which oversees prisoners sentenced by the courts to community service. In this capacity, she manages around 80 staff members throughout Israel and is responsible for oversight of some 2,000 prisoners serving their sentence by performing community service. Liat wants to create and lead a committed community-based leadership that will employ prisoners based on mutual trust. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is married and a mother of two, and lives in Modi’in.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Rifqa Haidar

Director of the Akko Sub-District, Ministry of Labor

Rifqa Haidar is the director of the Akko sub-district of the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, and Social Services. In this capacity she supports and coordinates the activities of the municipal welfare departments. Rifqa helps local authorities develop projects and programs and create interfaces and partnerships with all relevant bodies and agencies in their area. Previously, she served as director of the welfare department of the local council of I'billin, where she founded a women’s council to advance the status of women. Rifqa is also a trained family and couples therapist. Her vision is to see more women in influential positions in Arabic society, both locally and as members of Knesset. Rifqa holds master’s degrees in family therapy and in local government administration, both from the University of Haifa. She is married and a mother of three, and lives in I'billin.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Avi Hazan

Head of Wages and Pension Planning Unit, Israel Prison Service

Avi Hazan is the head of the wages and pension planning unit of the Israel Prison Service, in which capacity he has launched an ethical initiative to promote fairness and equal services for all. He has promoted the establishment of a call center for employees in need of guidance regarding professional issues and issues related to salary and promotion. Avi holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics and a master’s degree in business administration and organizational behavior. He is married and a father of two, and lives in Netanya.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Tami Levi

Head of the Education Department, Tiberias Municipality

Tami Levi was director of the municipal education department in Kiryat Shmona for seven years, and has been head of the Tiberias municipality’s education department since 2016, working with school principals, the Ministry of Education, various municipal departments, civil society organizations, and parents and parents’ committees. Tami holds a master’s degree in education from the Open University and a diploma in organizational consulting from Oranim Academic College of Education. She has two grandchildren, and lives in Zichron Yaakov.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Meron Maman

Deputy Commander of the Nazareth Police Station, Israel Police

Meron Maman is the deputy commander of the Nazareth police station, where he is responsible for logistics, providing internal and external services, handling public complaints, ensuring safety, and managing the budget. He is involved in a collaborative effort with the Nazareth branch of the Israel Teachers’ Union to reduce violence in schools, particularly in secondary schools. His vision is to engender a sense of self-efficacy in non-Jewish youth in Nazareth, and to provide them with tools for independent and critical thinking about themselves and society, as well as social skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership capabilities, so that they can create new social structures to overcome their sense of deprivation. Meron holds a bachelor’s degree in social and political science from the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Derby in Israel. He is married and a father of three, and lives in the Golan Heights.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Anan Najar

Administrative Director, Haifa District Health Bureau

Anan Najar is a qualified nurse, who has served as the administrative director of the Haifa District Health Bureau since 2015. In this capacity, he is responsible for managing all aspects of the Office’s administrative and logistic work: personnel, budget, transportation, training, and more. Anan seeks to change the organizational infrastructure in the District Health Bureau and to base it on mutual respect, appreciation, modesty, transparency, and cultivation of human capital. He began his professional life as a nurse at Hadassah University Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. Anan holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a master’s degree in health management from the Israel Academic College in Ramat Gan, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Haifa. He is married and lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Ariella Ofran

General Director of the Galil Region, Northern District, Clalit Health Services

Ariella Ofran is the director of the Galil Region in the Northern district of Clalit Health Services. She is responsible for the planning and operation of health services in the Eastern Galilee and the Golan Heights, and for the provision of health services to Clalit’s 170,000 clients in the region. Her work includes recruitment and staff development of primary care physicians, promoting interdisciplinary teamwork, and advancing the new generation of young doctors in the region. Her vision is to foster collaboration between sectors in order to promote innovative, high-quality medical care throughout Northern Israel. Ariella is a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s medical school and a specialist in family medicine, and holds a master’s degree in public health. She is also a graduate of several management courses and a course in mediation.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Suzi Lian Saadon

Deputy Commander of Ayalon Prison, Israel Prison Service

Suzi Lian Saadon is the deputy commander of the Ayalon Prison, where she is responsible for the incarceration of around 620 prisoners and for managing some 350 members of staff. Her managerial and command responsibilities require that she make security-related decisions in both routine and emergency situations. She is in charge of the implementation of rehabilitation and therapeutic activities, and for community engagement activities by the prison’s staff. Suzi wants to give all prisoners the opportunity to receive rehabilitation services throughout their time in prison, especially those given unlimited life sentences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a master’s degree in applied criminology from Bar-Ilan University. She has a daughter, and lives in Kochav Yair–Tzur Yigal.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dalia Shmueli

Senior Pensions Manager, National Insurance Institute

Dalia Shmueli oversees pension services at the National Insurance Institute’s Nahariya-Akko branch, which serves the 270,000 residents of the Western Galilee. She works to increase collaborations and expand the NII’s information and knowledge exchange with central government, local government, and civil society organizations, in order to promote proactive exercise of rights on the part of citizens and reduce bureaucratic barriers. Dalia is a co-founder and active volunteer for the nonprofit MiNoa BeAhava (“From Noa with Love”), which helps sick children hospitalized at the Rambam Medical Center and their families. She hopes to cultivate working relations between sectors that will make it easier for citizens to proactively access all their rights from various providers, based on a holistic approach. Dalia holds a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in public administration. She was born and lives on Moshav Liman in the Western Galilee.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Anat Shperling

Director of the Hadera Sub-District, Ministry of Labor

Anat Shperling is the director of the Hadera sub-district of the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, and Social Services. She works to promote welfare issues with the heads of local authorities and directors of welfare departments in both Jewish and Arab local authorities. Anat has worked for three decades in the area of services for people with disabilities. She wants to lead inter-ministerial, local, and regional collaboration and synchronization, in order to create new initiatives from existing ones and to maximize the development of comprehensive service continuums for various target populations. Anat holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Haifa, and is an expert in rehabilitation. She is a mother of three, and lives in Binyamina.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Hanin Simaan-Mwais

Director of Administrative Law, Northern District Attorney's Civil Office

Hanin Simaan-Mwais has been head of administrative law at the Northern District Attorney’s Civil Office since 2016, and is responsible for mentoring, training, and advising a staff of nine attorneys. She serves as chair of the Administrative Law Committee of the Israel Bar Association in the Northern District, and served for many years as the Justice Minister's representative on the Northern District Planning and Construction Committee. She also coordinates a clinic in administrative litigation at the Zefat Academic College School of Law. Hanin holds a bachelor’s degree in law and economics, and a master’s degree in law (cum laude) from the University of Haifa, specializing in administrative law. She is a mother of three and lives in the North.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dalia Sinay

Director of the Haifa Sub-District, Ministry of Labor

Dalia Sinay is the director of the Haifa sub-district for Israel’s Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services, and is responsible for the professional provision of all social services in the area. She promotes regional initiatives to provide maximal and optimal services to disadvantaged populations, strives to increase the efficiency of the working relationship between the labor ministry and local authority welfare departments, and builds partnerships between ministries. Dalia views social work as an ethical and social identity, and strives to raise its status and transform it into a valued profession. She is a lay member of the board of directors of the Israel Association of Social Workers, and initiates action research involving collaboration between academics and professionals, which foster greater expertise and professionalism among social workers and throughout the profession as a whole. Dalia holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa, and is currently studying for a doctorate in social work. She is married and a mother of four, and lives in Ramat Yishai.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Hana Tzadik

Deputy District Nurse, Haifa District Health Bureau

Hana Tzadik is the deputy district nurse of the Haifa District Health Bureau, and the director of nursing of the Tipat Halav well-baby clinics and of professional staffs in the Haifa sub-district. She wants to develop a unique model in which Tipat Halav clinics would serve as centers that provide free, equal, and universal services that are tailored to the needs of all clients, in order to improve the physical, developmental, and mental health of babies, infants, and their families. Hana holds a master’s degree (cum laude) from the University of Haifa's school of public health. She is a mother of three, and lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Sigalit Yamin

Deputy Commander of the Ben-Gurion Airport Sub-District, Israel Police

Sigalit Yamin is the deputy commander of the Israel Police’s Ben-Gurion Airport sub-district. In this capacity, she is responsible for force building and serves as a stand-in for the district’s commander. Sigalit is strongly committed to empowering women in key positions in the police force and to sexual equality. Together with Knesset members and government ministers, she led a forum on women’s empowerment in the Israel Police at the Knesset. Sigalit serves as a mentor to younger female police officers, is active in a project for young female police cadets, and was recently chosen to direct the Tzamarot project, a collaborative effort with the Police Center for Leadership, which supports female police officers and helps them advance to senior officer positions. She envisions greater equality in the police force for a better society. Sigalit is a mother of two, and lives in Ashkelon.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

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