Team
Meet our team
Letter from the executive director
Dear Prospective Participants and Parents,
If you had an entire year to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
Perhaps you’d travel. Maybe you’d learn a new skill. You’d probably welcome the chance to meet interesting people, to experience things you’ve never tried before, to reduce the stress and pressures of today’s world.
This is exactly what awaits you on Aardvark Israel.
No one ever regrets having taken a gap year, but plenty of people regret not having taken one. The world is your classroom and spending a year abroad opens the door to personal growth, developing independence, defining your values, and figuring out who you are as an adult. With Israel as the unique landscape for this adventure, you will explore how you fit into the larger Jewish Community and connect with Israeli society as well.
Within Aardvark Israel, we pride ourselves on providing students with individualized attention, opportunities, and guidance. Each student will discover a year filled with challenges, fun, fascination, learning, volunteering, self-discovery, maturity, and joy. Parents will find a partner in their child’s development and our staff will take care of your children as if they were our own. At the end of the program, students will return home more mature, better prepared to cope with the challenges of university life, and more dedicated to the future of the Jewish People and the State of Israel.
We look forward to working together with each of you on this incredible journey.
Sincerely,
Debbie Goldsmith
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Leadership
Debbie Goldsmith
Executive Director
Co-Founder
Debbie has worked in the field of Jewish and Zionist education for almost 30 years. In honor of International Women’s Day 2021, she was recognized as one of Masa’s Inspiring 12 Jewish Women Working to Make a Difference. Debbie grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and after spending her gap year in Israel on USY’s Nativ program, she completed her BA at Columbia University in Religion and at the Jewish Theological Seminary in Talmud. She also earned an MA in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Prior to co-founding Aardvark Israel, she was the Assistant Director of Young Judaea/FZY Year Course in Israel. Debbie lives in Yishuv Alon with her three children. Her oldest is currently serving in the Israeli army after having taken a gap year and her middle child is exploring gap year programs for next year.
Simon Cohen
Director of Innovation and Admissions
Co-Founder
Simon grew up in England as an active participant in the Federation of Zionist Youth (FZY) and served as FZY’s National Director of Education prior to moving to Israel in 2000. In addition to participating in Young Judaea/FZY’s Year Course in 1994-95, he dedicated a decade to working for the program as a senior staff member. Simon is also an experienced guide for Jewish educational tours to Poland. He holds a BA in Economics and Economic History from Manchester University and an MA in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University. Simon lives in Tzur Hadassah with his wife and their three children.
Moshe Levi
Director of Education
Moshe, born and raised in Jerusalem, began his career in Jewish education straight after completing his military service in the IDF, where he served for three years as an infantry medic. He holds an MA in Comparative Religion from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has extensive experience in Jewish and Israel education. Moshe has worked with different Jewish Summer Camps and as a community Shaliach across North America and served as The Jewish Agency’s coordinator of Youth Movement Fellows. He looks forward to bringing his passion and knowledge of Israel and Jewish education to the Aardvark Israel participants.
Yifat Nadler
Program Director
Yifat was born in Canada, made Aliyah when she was 15 years old and currently resides in Tel Aviv. Yifat earned a BA in Political Science and Anthropology from Tel Aviv University and an MA in Nonprofit Management from Hebrew University. She has been passionate about education ever since her army service in the Educational Corps and has worked for various Jewish organizations including The Jewish Agency, Masa, JDC Lauder Camp Szarvas in Hungry, and Diller Teen Fellows. Prior to becoming Program Director, she was a Tel Aviv Community Manager with Aardvark Israel. In her free time, Yifat loves to read books and enjoy nature.
Staff
Rachel Tessema
Tel Aviv Community Manager
Rachel grew up in Afula and currently lives in Holon. She holds a BA and MA in international relations and communications; she found her passion for Israeli education during her work in Hillel Israel. Rachel was a Jewish Agency Fellow at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, a lovely small town in Central California. She’s into everything that involves nature and good music.
Rotem Ashur
Jerusalem community manager
Rotem grew up in Hod Hasharon and currently lives in Jerusalem. She holds a BA in Education and HR from Tel Hai College. With extensive experience working with children and youth movements, Rotem is passionate about fostering community engagement. She is dedicated to the role of the Jewish Diaspora and firmly believes in the power of community to drive meaningful transformation.
Allison Hartman
Parent Liaison
Allison Hartman was born and raised in New Jersey, recently made Aliyah, and currently lives in Jerusalem. In 2008, Allison received her Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College and has been working as a Clinical Social Worker in various settings, including both private practice and school-based services. Working with school-age youth, provided Allison the opportunity to work with families at large. Allison is passionate about supporting young people by helping them find & develop their voices, and in turn, empowering them to communicate their wants and needs. In addition to working with high-achieving teens across the Greater New York region, Allison has worked with survivors of domestic violence and those afflicted with addiction.
Talya Yunion
Internships Coordinator
Talya grew up in the Jerusalem area and now lives in Yaffo. After completing her national service, she spent a year in New Jersey working for Bnei Akiva. She holds a BA in Social Work from Ariel University and has worked as a counselor in camps and on Israel tours. Talya is deeply passionate about Jewish education and Zionism.
Yehudit Rosenfeld
Internships Coordinator
Yehudit was born and raised in Jerusalem. She did her gap year at Midreshet Be’er in
Yerucham where she and her friend started a community garden. In the IDF
Education Corps, she was a commander of new olim who spoke little or no Hebrew. Before joining Aardvark Israel, Yehudit was coordinator of student initiatives at the Department of Service and Citizenship at Shalem College, where she earned a BA in philosophy and Jewish thought. Yehudit volunteered at Tevel B’Tzedek in Nepal and interned at Kan—Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation’s podcasting
department. Yehudit loves singing, dancing, and theater. She enjoys reading.
spending time with family and friends. But her favorite hobby is people-watching. In his free time he enjoys reading, meeting with friends, playing football or volleyball and going to the beach.
Anna Vengerovski
Internships Coordinator
Anna Vengerovski, originally from Ukraine, made Aliyah at 17, made a preparatory program in a Hebrew University mechina, and served as a lone soldier in the IDF, specializing as a Sar El Instructor. She completed her BA in International Relations and Journalism & Communications at Hebrew University, working later at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Anna’s commitment extended to roles as a counselor at Rothberg International School and Garin Tzabar, progressing to a program coordinator at Garin Tzabar. Currently pursuing an MA in Communications: New Media and Internet at Hebrew University, she enjoys travel, concerts, and quality time with friends.
Zach Freund
Tel Aviv Community Manager
Zach grew up in Perth, Australia. He completed a Microbiology and Immunology degree in Perth after spending a year in Israel on a Masa gap year program. Zach was a part of Habonim Dror youth movement most of his life, and has been working as an informal Jewish educator for 10 years now. With a passion for Jewish-Zionist education, he decided to return to higher education in order to study Informal Education here in Israel, in which he is in his final year. Zach enjoys running, collecting records, and cooking for his friends.
Carolyn Reiffman
Registrar and Admissions Assistant
Carolyn grew up in Kansas City and made Aliyah to Ma’ale Adumim in 2018, following a 13-year teaching career in a Jewish day school in Denver, Colorado. With a BA in Communications and an M.Ed in secondary education, her career path has included sports writing, dance instruction, cake decorating, social studies, English classes and more. When she isn’t busy supporting Aardvark students and staff, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her family, scuba diving, geocaching, and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Revital Rahmani
Admissions Coordinator
Revital was born in Milan, Italy. She made Aliyah when she finished high school and currently resides in Tel Aviv. Growing up, Revital was a participant and counselor in Bnei Akiva. She took a gap year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, earned her BA in Communication and Sociology at Bar Ilan University and her master’s from the University of the Arts In Television in London. She loves meeting new people from all over the world and visiting her family abroad and in Israel. She speaks 5 languages fluently – Italian, French, Spanish, English and Hebrew.
Liat Warszawski
Admissions Coordinator
Liat was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she stayed up to the end of high school and prior to her aliyah. Liat was part of HaShomer Hatzair Youth Movement for most of her life. She decided to come to Aardvark Israel for her Gap Year, and by the end of the program, Liat decided to stay in Israel and join the army through Garin Tzabar where she served as a Search and Rescue Instructor. Liat now lives in Herzliya, and in her free time, she likes going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and doing sports.
Liv Schneider
Admissions Coordinator
Liv recently made Aliyah from Los Angeles. After earning a BA in Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona, she participated in a transformative year-long Masa program. Upon return to the US, she worked with students on college campuses across the West Coast region as an Israel educator at Hillel and later as Campus Regional Manager at StandWithUs. Liv loves outdoor cafes, documentaries, and the Red Sea.
Grace Silverstein
Admissions Coordinator
Grace grew up in London, UK. She came to Israel for a gap year and then went back to the UK to study Business Management with Marketing at Leeds Beckett University. After graduating, Grace worked at the Union of Jewish Students, where she ran sessions and mentored Jewish students on university campuses across the UK. She made aliyah and now lives in Tel Aviv. Grace enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking and loves meeting new people.
Dan Katsman
Marketing and PR Coordinator
Dan was born and raised in Nof Ha’Galil. During high school, he was part of The Israeli Scouts youth movement, and afterward, he completed a ‘SHNAT Sherut’ (Year of Service) in Bat Yam. In the IDF, he served as a ‘Marva’ commander. After his army service, he completed his studies in User Experience and User Interface design. In the past, Dan worked as a counselor in various programs and camps in Israel and remains enthusiastic about the country.
Nick Lees
Communications Coordinator
Nick was born and raised in Akron Ohio, and made Aliyah in 2010. He is a veteran press officer in the IDF Spokesperson Unit and has worked for several years in private sector digital marketing. He joined as Communications Coordinator of Aardvark Israel in order to help other young Jews also have enriching educational experiences and deepen their relationship with Israel and Judaism. He currently lives in Petah Tikva with his wife and son.
Ofir Dagan
Logistics Coordinator
Ofir was born and raised in Jerusalem. He graduated from high school with a specialization in electronics and computer studies. In the IDF, he served in the Israeli Air Force, and later on, learned Music Production studies at BPM College in Tel Aviv. Later on, he worked in the Security Industry in Israel, for more than 12 years. In his free time, Ofir enjoys working out, traveling, and cooking.
Etai Gil
Logistics Coordinator
Etai was born in Ramot Naftali, in the Upper Galilee region. Later on, he moved with his family to Nairobi, Kenya. He returned to Israel as a Lone Soldier as a Combat Engineer. Up until he joined Aardvark Israel, he was a hotelier and has an extensive experience with hotel management. He is passionate about fixing, repairing, and providing top service.
Elie Herszaft
Parent Liaison
Elie Herszaft is originally from New York but made Aliyah this past year. Prior to moving to Israel, he has a BA in psychology from Binghamton University and received a Master’s in Social Work from Silberman School of Social work in Manhattan. His previous work experience includes individual, group and family therapy, as well as school social work. He also has an extensive history working in jewish summer camps, igniting his love for working in informal education with teens and young adults. In his free time he loves baking, skiing and playing football.
Educators
Matthew Lipman
Matthew has been working in Israel education for over 15 years. He has taught Judaic Studies at Jewish Day Schools in North America and led many innovative programs at those schools. has written high-tech educational materials for U.S. public schools and the IDF and directed the multimedia development of an online Jewish day school. In addition to his teaching work at several gap year programs in Israel; he has trained Day School leaders in North America to create meaningful Israel education programs. Matthew has a B.A. in Politics and History from the University of Liverpool and holds a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University. He lives with his family in Modi’in.
Liel Zahavi-Asa
Liel Zahavi-Asa made Aliyah from Berkeley, California with her parents when she was six; she and her siblings grew up in Efrat. Liel moved back to the States upon completing her national service in Israel. She spent eight years living on both the West Coast and the East Coast, working as a Jewish and Israel educator in various frameworks, including Hillel on Campus. She served as the Director of Jewish Life and Israel Engagement at Rutgers Hillel in New Jersey. Liel holds a Masters Degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew University and her second Masters in Jewish Peoplehood from Haifa University. A licensed tour guide in Israel, Liel works with various educational groups and organizations which include Birthright Israel, Onward Israel, Masa, The Jewish Agency, and others. Liel and her husband Dor, also a tour guide and educator, live in Usfiya in the Carmel.
Rabbi Liad Braude
Rabbi Liad was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He subsequently moved to San Diego, California where he spent most of his formative years. Braude received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California in Santa Barbara. He then went on to spend over a year living and working in countries throughout Asia and South America. During that time, he studied the spiritual faiths of the various regions he visited as well as worked in close proximity with the Jewish community of each location. In 2016, Braude moved to Jerusalem where he furthered his education in the fields of rabbinic studies and Jewish education. He received his master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Melton Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Braude has been teaching in gap year programs throughout Israel for the past three years and currently lives in Efrat with his wife Dinah Tiferes.
Ayo Oppenheimer Abitbol
Ayo is a born teacher who firmly believes that everyone can benefit from yoga, acroyoga, and hoop dance regardless of level or perceived ability. Ayo has an uplifting positivity to her and is the type of teacher who will take her time with you and break down complicated moves with ease. She has multiple certifications in yoga and acroyoga, 10+ years of teaching experience, and is a trained facilitator of compassionate communication. Ayo leads wellness retreats and workshops around the world in addition to her 10 weekly StudioAYO yoga and acroyoga classes in Jerusalem. Join her!
Misha Brenner
Misha is a Political Science Master’s student at Hebrew University, a Digital Marketing Expert, a husband and a father of two amazing boys. He is in love with asking big questions about G-d and the world, and with understanding fake news and how people determine what is right and what is wrong. Misha made Aliyah 9 years ago after studying at the University of Maryland due to his appreciation of Zionism and his love of Israel. He also is a basketball maestro, so don’t bother challenging him (unless you don’t mind a bruised ego!)
Avi Mandel
Grew up and currently lives with his family in Ginot Shomron. He studied at several yeshiva programs, served in the IDF, and earned a Master of Jewish Education (MJEd) degree in Jewish Day School Education from Hebrew College, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Jewish Studies at the Day School Educators Program of Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. He has taught in different educational settings, including camps, high school, and post-high school programs. His hobbies are hiking with his wife and 2 kids, playing music and coming up with 3 examples.
Yehonatan (Hona) Dodge
Yehonatan is an educator from Melbourne, Australia. He served as head of Jewish Life (experiential Jewish education) at Leibler Yavneh College where he also taught Israel education, Jewish studies, and history. Hona has degrees in Law, Commerce and Education and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Jewish history at Bar Ilan University.
Maya Glaser
Maya Glaser, Graduate of Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. As a multidisciplinary artist she moves between experimental art forms and classical oil painting. participating in multiple exhibitions, Maya has taught painting techniques and drawing classes in numerous settings, is a poet, book binder and graphic designer.
Sapir Agagani
Sapir was born and raised in Tel Aviv. At the young age of 16, she delved into the world of meditation, and it was on a transformative journey across Asia after completing her military service that she discovered her love for yoga. Certified as a vinyasa yoga teacher under the guidance of Ashley Sunshine School and specializing in yoga for women with Hadas Perry, she’s honed her skills with various teachers both in Israel and beyond. Now settled in Israel with her husband, Gal, and their two wonderful children, she holds an art degree and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy. As she aptly puts it, “Yoga is known to almost everyone as a philosophy or a way, but only a few know that yoga is also an art” (BKS Iyengar, The Yoga Tree).
Shai Yosipov
I’m Shai, and navigating complex issues through the lens of Conflict Resolution is my passion. My journey began as an Israeli MFA “Youth Ambassador,” representing Israel in the US, sparking a lifelong interest in fostering understanding about narratives. This passion led me to pursue a B.A in International Relations and Political Science and an M.A in Conflict Management and Resolution. My background isn’t just academic (think of holding a Conflict Resolution M.A. like a decoder ring for real-world issues!), it’s steeped in real-world experience. I’ve honed my ability to craft compelling narratives, having worked as a Media Consultant. This experience taught me how powerful – and sometimes misleading – media portrayals can be. Building on this foundation, I directly contributed to public diplomacy efforts at Israel’s international aid agency, “Mashav,” and participated in several Public Diplomacy missions in Europe. Now at Hebrew University, I leverage this experience by managing high-profile international visits and developing future leaders. Think of me as your personal decoder ring, helping you navigate this complex situation with a focus on facts and empathy.
Moshe Levi
Moshe Levi is Aardvark Israel’s Director of Education. Moshe began his career in Jewish education straight after completing his military service in the IDF. In the past, Moshe worked with USY, both on summer programs and on gap year programs. He has extensive experience in Jewish and Israel education. For two years he served as a shaliach for the United Synagogue Youth in Minneapolis, Minnesota and he has worked with the Avi Chai Foundation and the Shalem Center on a variety of educational initiatives. After returning to Israel after Minnesota, Moshe served as The Jewish Agency’s coordinator of Youth Movement Shlichim. In the summer of 2017, Moshe finished his service of four years as the community Shaliach for the Greater MetroWest Jewish Federation in New Jersey, where he was the senior Shaliach and Israel education specialist. Following his return to Israel, Moshe joined the Aardvark educators’ team and taught a class about the History of Zionism. Moshe has also worked with different Jewish summer camps in North America. Moshe was born in Israel and he grew up in Jerusalem. He served for three years as a medic in an infantry unit in the IDF and he holds an MA in Comparative Religion from the Hebrew University. Moshe looks forward to bringing his passion and knowledge of Israel and Jewish education to the Aardvark participants. Moshe currently lives in Jerusalem.
Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg
Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg is an American- Canadian-Israeli Queer Jewish educator-activist. Elliot teaches and advocates for many topics relating to Jewish pluralism and inclusion, refugee rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and human rights; his educator-activist approach focuses on the application of Jewish culture for social change. Elliot has been teaching at Aardvark Israel since 2019. He is also a senior educator at BINA: The Jewish Movement for Social Change and a leading activist for refugee rights in Israel. Elliot is co-chair of Right Now: Advocates for Asylum Seekers in Israel, a blogger for The Times of Israel, and has published in Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, The Jewish Week, and elsewhere. A native of Chicago, Elliot currently lives in Jaffa and holds a B.A. from McGill University, and an M.A. in Jewish Education and an M.A. in Jewish Literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Calev Ben-Dor
Calev Ben-Dor is an analyst and educator focusing on Israel, the Middle East, and the relevance of contemporary and traditional Jewish texts.
He grew up and was educated in England, where he earned his BA from Leeds University in International History and Politics and an MSc from LSE in the History of International Relations.
Following his academic studies, Calev worked in the Public Affairs Department of the Israeli Embassy in London before making Aliyah in 2005. He has subsequently spent over a decade in policy circles both inside and outside government – as an analyst in the Reut Institute’s National Security team, the Policy Planning Department of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, and Director of Research at BICOM, an independent British research center producing analysis on Israel and the Middle East.
He formerly wrote a monthly column for the Jewish Thinker in the Ha’aretz online edition, and his articles have appeared in a number of other media outlets.
He is currently deputy editor of the Fathom Journal, teaches for the Masa Leadership and Impact Center’s Israel Education Initiative (IEI) and lectures on Jewish and Zionist thought to a variety of audiences.
Madrichim
Elisheva Hyman
Elisheva was born and raised in Hashmonaim, where she was a madricha in the “Bnei akiva” youth movement. After highschool she did national service for two years, where she worked with אח”י, a jewish identity organization for highschoolers, and then in Nitzan, as a youth coordinator and in a kindergarten for children with developmental delays.
She loves art, music, traveling, and meeting new people.
Adi Preger
My name is Adi, and I grew up in Kfar Saba. In high school, I volunteered with special needs adults through the organization Akim, which was a rewarding experience. Before my military service, I attended a Mechina (pre-military program) at Kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch, and then served in the IDF’s intelligence force. After my service, I traveled for nine months in Asia, exploring different cultures and landscapes. I enjoy music, traveling, and meeting new people, which continually expands my perspectives and connections.
Yoav Shlezinger
Yoav was raised on a modest farm in Rosh Pina, a town in northern Israel. While in high school, he attended the Tawonga summer camp in California, where he encountered the realm of Jewish education. He volunteered as a hiking guide for the Israel Society for the Protection of Nature following his graduation from high school. He was a fitness trainer during his military service and afterwards traveled across the world for a year and a half.
Doron Mendil
My name is Doron, and I grew up in Kfar Saba. In high school, I studied Jewish philosophy, which significantly influenced my perspective. I served in the army as a commander at Michve Alon, where I taught Hebrew to new immigrants (Olim Hadashim), a role that was both enjoyable and meaningful. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in education, focusing on unique populations. In my free time, I enjoy cooking for friends, spending time with dogs, and exploring Israel’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
Arbel Langerman
Arbel grew up in the southern Israeli kibbutz of Beit Nir, where she was involved in the “Hashomer Hatzair” youth movement. As a counselor at the “Hakfar Hayarok” youth village, she volunteered for a gap year following her graduation. She collaborated with several international Jewish organizations during her military service in the international branch of the IDF spokesperson unit. Arbel derives pleasure from traveling to various destinations in Israel and beyond during her free time. She also enjoys baking and cooking.
Klil Amar
Klil grew up in Kibbutz Gevim, located in the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council. During high school, she volunteered as a counselor in the youth movement “HaOved VeHaLomed” and participated in several youth delegations to the Diaspora. After graduating from high school and before enlisting in the IDF, Klil spent a year of service in the Jewish community of San Diego, California. In the IDF, she served in the Paratrooper Patrol as the head of the education department. Klil enjoys meeting new people and spending time with her family and friends. She has a strong interest in art and fashion design and enjoys music, reading, Pilates, and traveling around the world.
Meyran Garusi
My name is Meyran. I’m 24 years old, and I’m from Moshav Melilot. During high school, I was part of the Israeli Scouts youth movement in “Shevet Noam.” Before the army, I participated in a gap year program—Mechinat Gal of the Ma’ase Center. During my military service, I served in the Caracal Battalion as a combat soldier. In the summer of 2022, I worked as a counselor at Camp Kingswood in Maine. Over the last two years, I worked as the coordinator of ‘Shevet Eshel’ in the Israeli Scouts youth movement and as a counselor at a women’s shelter.
Yuval Karikov
Yuval, originally from Ashdod and now living in Holon, served as a UAV mechanic in the Israeli Air Force. After his military service, he discovered a passion for working with people, leading him to a Jewish summer camp in Texas and inspiring his love for travel and the outdoors. This is his second time as a counselor at Aardvark Israel, where he enjoys working with international students. In his free time, Yuval loves creating art, reading, and meeting new people, and he’s excited to help make the students’ gap year unforgettable.
