Meet Our People
Get to Know Us
Our team consists of professionals with expertise and experience in policy research and analysis, advocacy, and campaigning. They’re supported by the experts on our public council, who generously donate their vast skills, knowledge, and experience to enhance our impact.
Staff
Roi Maor
Deputy CEO & Policy Director
Prior to 121, Roi worked for more than a decade in different social change organizations in Israel, including serving as the Deputy Director of Merchavim – the Institute for the Advancement of Shared Citizenship in Israel. Roi is a current board member and consultant to diverse organizations in the fields of human rights, media, shared society and education. He holds an MA in History.
Tali Nir
Executive Director
Tali is a social entrepreneur, lawyer,and journalist. She previously served as Deputy Director of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), Israel’s foremost human rights organization, where she led many successful campaigns in the field of social and economic rights. Tali previously served as a Legal Assistant at the State Attorney’s Office, and as a legal reporter, editor and presenter on Israel’s primetime Channel 2 News and Galei Tzahal radio. She holds an LLB from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a European Masters in Law and Economics and a Masters in International Public Law, with honors, from the University of Amsterdam.
Yekutiel Meshi
Advocacy & Government Relations Director
Former advisor to the Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Labor and Welfare, Ministry of Interior and Development of the Negev and Galil. Yekutiel served as the head of a college for psychotherapy at the Magid Institute of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, aimed at the Ultra-Orthodox sector, and worked for 25 years as a journalist in the fields of economics, social welfare, and handling public inquiries at Galat”z (Galei Tzahal), Channel 1 and the radio station "Kol Barama". Yekutiel holds a Bachelor's degree in Education.
Liat Eilam
Partnerships & Activities VP
Liat is a social activist with more than two decades’ experience in informal education. Over the years, she has established and directed numerous informal educational frameworks for youth alongside other social initiatives. Prior to joining 121, Liat managed the youth municipal center of Herzliya, and directed youth and volunteer programs at the Kfar Saba municipality. She holds a BA in Criminology and a Teaching Certificate in Special Education.
Omer Givon
Resource Development Coordinator
Holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology, Anthropology, and Spanish & Latin American Studies, and a master's degree from the Glocal program for International Development at the Hebrew University. Experienced in international development, social marketing, and project evaluation, combining analytical tools with creative thinking. Over the years, she has worked with diverse populations, bringing a human-centered and committed approach. She views resource mobilization as a strategic and meaningful process for social change, empowering civil society to influence policy and achieve widespread impact. Her social activism is a calling, driven by a deep belief in the potential embedded within Israeli society.
Inbal Cohen-Tuval
Strategic Development VP
Social entrepreneur specializing in health and education, with extensive experience working with diverse and special populations. Passionate about social justice and policy change. Previously served as Deputy CEO of a non-profit organization empowering disadvantaged communities through music. Most recently, served as CEO of the Israeli Skin Cancer Association, where she initiated and promoted a national skin cancer prevention program in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Shlomit Kaplan
Policy Research Director
Legal expert and public policy researcher. With a decade of experience in research and policy development – in the Knesset, government, and civil society. In her roles, Shlomit has worked on studying socio-economic issues, drafting legislation, analyzing regulation, writing policy papers, designing strategies, and promoting them among decision-makers in the public arena. Shlomit believes that translating knowledge and information into professional insights is the key to creating meaningful social change.
Shira Lorentz Reiner
Advocacy & Government Relations
As a social activist, Shira previously ran an organization that supported girls serving as lone National Service recruits, and has also served as a parliamentary advisor to two Members of Knesset. Shira holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, in addition to a teaching certificate and a Master's degree in Business Administration.
Dr. Reoute Diamant
Senior Policy Researcher
A researcher and expert in managing in-depth research projects and evaluating social and educational programs. She has extensive experience providing research consultancy to organizations, local authorities, and nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on education, social issues, and early childhood. Her expertise includes developing research tools, conducting both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and producing comprehensive research reports aimed at improving social programs and informing social policy, with an emphasis on diverse populations. She holds a PhD in Political Science from Bar-Ilan University, as well as professional training as a Data Analyst Expert specializing in SQL, Python, and Power BI.
Dolev Cnaan
Policy Researcher
Holds an LL.B. in Law and a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Licensed attorney in Israel, following a legal internship at the Labor Law Department of the State Attorney’s Office. Actively engaged in social involvement – developing initiatives and working with diverse communities. Experienced in data collection, analysis, and research aimed at promoting social change.
Matan Shamay
Community Activism Manager
An entrepreneur and social activist in the fields of youth and student engagement, experienced in guiding diverse social projects. Has held management positions in non-profit organizations and gained experience working alongside a city council member and later a Member of Parliament. Driven by a vision to lead significant initiatives at both the municipal and national levels. Possesses expertise in working with the elderly, particularly addressing challenges related to urban renewal. Led initiatives to create a unique community for divorced fathers, building supportive social infrastructures and recruiting volunteers and activists to establish a robust community support network. Holds a bachelor's degree in Community Social Work.
Ami Grunberg
Head of Elderly Affairs
A highly experienced professional in marketing management, training, and sales, with a rich background in various roles within leading companies and academia. Previously, he served as the National Marketing, Training, and Sales Manager at Electra Trade, managing wholesale and retail operations with an annual turnover of hundreds of millions of shekels. Additionally, he developed and delivered educational programs, courses, and workshops at Bar-Ilan University and in the business sector, specializing in soft skills such as executive development, leadership, and emotional and social intelligence. He also served as an instructor, coach, mentor, and team leader at Ben Gurion Airport, and is certified as a business and organizational coach by Bar-Ilan University's School of Education. He holds a Master’s certificate in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) using Richard Bandler's method from the University of California. He volunteered at the Tzahala organization, mentoring at-risk youth. In recent years, he has been active in advocating for the rights of senior citizens. He identifies with the fight for social justice and is determined to combat societal injustices.
Keren Spigelman
Partnerships Coordinator
Holds a degree in Sociology, Anthropology, and International Relations. Has a wealth of hands-on experience in both professional and volunteer capacities, working on aid projects for a wide range of communities. These include seniors, refugees seeking asylum, people struggling with mental health issues, and many others. Throughout her career, she's taken the lead on major collaborative initiatives that span multiple sectors.
Ellen Shayevich Ackerman
Early Childhood Activism Coordinator, in partnership with The Israeli Movement
Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Business Administration from the College of Management and a Master’s degree in Communication and Social Responsibility from Tel Aviv University. Mother of three, actively involved in their daycare and educational settings from birth. Brings 11 years of experience in kindergarten and school parent committees. Strongly believes that parents must be engaged in every educational framework their children are part of, in order to foster a warm, trusting, and supportive relationship with educators. Advocates for collaboration, convinced that only as a community can we create a better reality.
Noam Hugi
Spokesperson
Has six years of experience in journalism. Worked for two years as an investigator at Channel 13 News. Subsequently, served as a researcher for two seasons in the investigative program "Citizen Goeta" on Channel 11. Worked as a communications consultant at "Kamhazi" PR firm in the capital market department.
Rivka Dwight
Partnerships Coordinator
Holds a B.A. in Behavioral Sciences and an M.A. in Migration and Social Integration. Brings experience in community work and leading programs for at-risk youth and young adults. In her various roles, she has forged connections and partnerships with law enforcement agencies, educational systems, non-profits, organizations, and employers.
Tamar Rosenthal
Administration & Human Resources Coordinator
Holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology-Anthropology and Labor Studies from Tel Aviv University. Currently a master's student in Labor Studies at Tel Aviv University. Sees Human Resources as a tool for creating an inclusive and humane organizational culture that fosters employee development. Aspires to shape meaningful work environments, driven by a professional commitment to social impact.
Snir Shefer
Digital Director
Snir is an expert in website development and digital marketing. He has built e-commerce websites and run effective social media campaigns for businesses and social organizations throughout Israel. He holds a BA in Business Administration, with a specialization in Marketing.
Meital Shoshan
Graphic designer and Illustrator
Owner of SoBetty Studio in Tel Aviv since 2009, focusing on design and illustration for nonprofit organizations, environmental projects and corporate clients.
Public Council
Yossi Kuchik
Chair of the Israel Direct Insurance group, owner of Yossi Kuchik Enterprises, Management and Consulting Ltd. Former Director General of the Prime Minister's Office.
Rina Matzliach
Former Leading commentator for Israel’s Channel 2 News, presenter for the “Meet the Press” program on Channel 2, and the “What’s the Hurry?” show on Galei Tzahel Radio. She holds an MA in Communications and is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Israel Journalists Association.
Tali Yariv-Mashal
Jurist and Educational Policy Expert. Former CEO of the Beracha Foundation, a philanthropic fund focusing on education, environment, and culture. During her tenure, she initiated educational entrepreneurship programs for teachers and principals, including the "Mifas" program, the "Fund for Encouraging Entrepreneurship”, "Mindset", and more. She promoted urban sustainability, and diverse and original arts and culture. She served as the chairperson of the Foundations Forum, a professional community of about 100 philanthropic funds active in Israel. She teaches at the School of Public Policy at the Hebrew University and conducts research on managing philanthropic funds and social organizations.
Meital Bonchek
Vice President of the Briah Fund that promotes women’s rights in health care, a political and social activist for the new Right focusing on advancing women and disadvantaged populations. She lives in Maale Adumim.
Granit Almog-Bareket
Director of the Alumni Unit at the Mandel Foundation, Chair of “Hakhlama Halomit” thatsupports children with chronic disease.
Bambi Tzuri
Strategic-regulatory consultant, specializing in health, welfare, law and education. Board member of the Ruth Vrobel Foundation, former Vice President of Gilad Lobbying, and parliamentary aide to MK Moshe Arens.
Iris Shalgi
Iris Shalgi is a philanthropist and impact investor in Israel. In 2015, Iris founded the Mahalach Foundation and has served as its Chair since its establishment. The foundation was established to assist social organizations in developing independent revenue sources, driven by a vision of ensuring economic resilience within Israel’s social sector. This initiative aims to diversify funding sources and support non-profit organizations in achieving financial independence. Iris also serves as an ambassador for the Olympic Committee of Israel. Additionally, she is a member of the Israeli Council for Culture and Art, serves on the Theater Committee, is Chair of the Board at "Be For Good," and a Board Member at "BTB." She is also an active member of JFN Israel, as well as the founder and board member of the non-profit organization "100 Dagim." Currently, Iris invests in socially impactful companies, aiming to advance groundbreaking startups with significant social impact.
Ilan Karwan
Senior manager at Intel Israel with extensive experience in information systems, systems engineering, and global management. He has a BA in Computer Science and an MA in Business Administration from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He lives in Modiin.
Eitan Singer
CPA, CEO and co-owner of Probook, co-founder of Spacing. Professor of Marketing at two colleges, and board member of Israel’s Marketing Association. Former CEO of Zap, Rest and Dyunon, and VP of Publicis Ariely.
Rafi Pomrock
Rafi Pomrock is a businessman, entrepreneur, and owner of the Dynamo Group, which operates business complexes and event spaces. After studying law and becoming a licensed attorney, he shifted his focus to business, establishing and managing numerous enterprises in Tel Aviv. Pomrock has also served for many years as a reserve combat soldier in the IDF Paratroopers Brigade, participating in military operations and wars, including extensive service during Operation "Iron Swords," skillfully balancing his civilian and military commitments. His appointment to the Public Council brings with it substantial experience in cultural and social affairs, along with deep familiarity with Tel Aviv's history and heritage. Rafi is a well-known figure in the city, the great-grandson of Aharon Chelouche, one of the founders of the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. He believes in uniting all sectors of Israeli society to address national crises and operates with a profound understanding of the growing social needs during these challenging times.
Ishai Wureit
Independent Consultant in Communications and Regulation. Until recently, he served as the head of the Communications and Regulation Department at Discount Bank. Previously, he held roles including the Corporate Communications Manager for Teva Pharmaceuticals in emerging markets and CEO of the lobbying firm Gilad. Yishai was an editor and producer at “Galei Tzahal” (IDF Radio) and, after his discharge, joined the Maariv newspaper, where he worked as a stock market correspondent and editor of the daily economic section. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Law at Tel Aviv University and the Executive MBA program at the university.
Iris Fried-Mayzel
CEO of Logos Communications, a media relations firm. Senior strategic consultant with a wealth of experience in leading campaigns and crisis management.
Yosef Zeira
Economics Professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, specializing in macroeconomics, growth and inequality. He is also a member of the Finance Ministry Advisory Board and serves as President of the Israel Economics Association.
David Farber
David Farber is a Partner in the FDA & Life Sciences practice at King & Spalding, an international law firm, where he is resident in the Washington, D.C. office. David works before the courts, the Agencies, and the Congress, representing drug, biologic, and device manufacturers in meeting their business objectives. David is also active in Jewish communal affairs, currently serving on the Boards of the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Washington. He is married to Eve Farren, and is the proud father of Alexandra, Olivia and Jenna.
Hanan Rubin
Social-business entrepreneur, educator, and publicist. He established, managed, and partnered in social organizations such as the "Awakening" movement in Jerusalem, the "Upside Down Hat" association, the "New Spirit" association in the Teachers' Organization, the "Attention Revolution" association, and the "Derech Eretz" association. Additionally, Rubin is a member of the management committee of the Israel Museum and the pre-military preparatory network "Between Heaven and Earth." Previously, he was a council member of the Jerusalem Municipality on behalf of the "Awakening" movement, holding portfolios for youth, families, and students, chairing the municipal support committee, the ethics committee, and a member of the urban planning and construction committee.
Shoshi Shtub
Media and government relations consultant. Former Marketing VP for the Kol Barama radio station and the Haredi College in Jerusalem. Worked with Adina Bar Shalom to expand Ultra-Orthodox access to higher education.
Yoav Shechter
Public policy expert, working in the lobbying field for the past three decades. He manages a Global Center of Excellence at Merck & Co Inc., where he evaluates new technologies for the company's use in public policy. Yoav has a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the Hebrew University, a Master's degree in the same field from the University of Amsterdam, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His doctoral research focused on interest groups in the pharmaceutical industry and how these companies influence public policy in the European Union.
David Ben Gigi
Government relations consultant and entrepreneur, Chair of the Jerusalem District Council of the Association of IDF Veterans with Disabilities. Former Chief of Staff to Deputy Minister of Transportation, Tzippi Hotovely.
Nasreen Hadad Haj Yehia
Head of the program for Jewish-Arab relations at the Israel Democracy Institute, completing her PHD on employment among Arab young adults in Israel, board member of the non-profit Ajeel. She lives in Taybeh.
Rabbi Rafi Feuerstein
President of The Feuerstein Institute. Rabbi of the National Religious community in Jerusalem’s Har Nof neighborhood. Co-Chair of Tzohar – an organization that seeks to strengthen a shared Jewish identity across Israeli society. Rabbi Feuerstein holds a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem and an MA from the University of Paris 8 in France.