Team

Meet our team

We’re passionate about Israel and are committed to delivering custom, world-class programs and experiences.

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 holds an MA in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a BA in Religion from Columbia University. Before co-founding Aardvark Israel, she served as Assistant Director of Young Judaea’s FZY Year Course and as a Youth Advisor and Family Education Director at a synagogue in the United States. She made Aliyah in 2001. In 2021, Masa named her one of its “Inspiring 12 Jewish Women Working to Make a Difference.” Debbie builds programs around a single conviction: an Israel experience can anchor a stronger, more connected Jewish community. Outside of work, she practices ceramics and values time with family and friends.

Simon Cohen

Co-Founder and Director of Admissions
and Innovation

Simon holds a BA in Economics and Economic History from the University of Manchester and an MA in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He made Aliyah from London in 2000 and spent a decade running gap year programs with FZY and Young Judaea Year Course before founding Aardvark Israel in 2010. He describes the program as a “Leap Year” rather than a gap year: students gain skills and a connection to Israel that puts them ahead of their peers. He enjoys football, hiking, and time with family.

Moshe Levi

Director of Education

Moshe holds a BA in Jewish History and an MA in Comparative Religion from the Hebrew University. His career centers on Jewish educational leadership, including several years as a Shaliach for USY in the American Midwest and for the GMW Federation in New Jersey, and seven years lecturing at Mechinat Aderet. He served three years as a combat medic in the Nachal Brigade. Moshe views Aardvark Israel as a path toward a deeper connection with Israel and a stronger Jewish identity. In his free time, he reads, bakes, and listens to classical music.

James Williams

Program Director

James’s academic background spans informal Jewish education, rabbinic ordination, and psychology, with degrees from Jews’ College and Walden University. He made Aliyah from the United Kingdom in 2002 and has since worked with Jewish youth across the UK, Israel, Canada, and the US, including two periods of shlichut, national leadership roles with Bnei Akiva, and positions at Alexander Muss High School, Birthright Israel, and Jewish summer camps. He joined Aardvark Israel for the opportunity to work with a wider, more diverse group of students. His interests include reading, cooking, and travel.

Staff

Doron Mendil

Assistant Director of Education

Doron is completing a B.Ed in Informal Education at Kibbutzim College and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Learning Disabilities and ADHD. Born and raised in Israel, she served as a Commander and Platoon Coordinator at the Michve Alon base, teaching Hebrew to new immigrants, an experience that shaped her commitment to Diaspora Jewry. She began at Aardvark Israel as a counselor, advanced to Community Manager, and now serves as the Assistant Director of Education. Doron plans to pursue Shlichut after completing her degree. She enjoys running, watching sunsets at the beach, and spending time with dogs.

Dvir Tovy

Community Manager

Dvir built his career in informal Jewish education, beginning as a camp counselor and advancing to Madrich and later Rakaz for Betar’s Shnat Hachshara gap year program, where he managed logistics for participants from Australia and Latin America. He most recently served two years as Betar’s Federal Shaliach in Australia through the Jewish Agency. He completed full IDF service as a paratrooper in the 890th Battalion, serving as a commander, drone operator, and navigator. He regards his work at Aardvark as a continuation of his own shlichut. He enjoys hiking, rock climbing, running, and reading.

Daniella Shamir

Community Manager

Daniella holds a BA in Government, Strategy and Diplomacy from Reichman University. She has worked as an instructor at a military boarding school in Haifa, at the Rabin Center, as a guide for international students at Reichman University, and as a counselor with Onward. She relocated to Israel in 2018 to join the army. She joined Aardvark Israel to support Jewish Diaspora youth during a difficult global moment, and aims to give students both community and confidence. Her interests include running and photography.

Ishay David

Community Manager

Ishay studied Behavioral Science and has worked as a Shaliach in Toronto, a counselor at Camp Ramah Wisconsin for two summers, a Teachers Coordinator at Olam Shalem, and with Onward. He served as a Commander and Operations Sergeant in a Combat Engineering unit. Ishay believes it is essential for Diaspora Jews to understand Israel from a direct, Israeli perspective rather than through the media, and encourages students to form their own understanding of the country. His interests include hiking, the beach, cooking, and music.

Yehudit Rosenfeld

Internships Coordinator

Yehudit, born and raised in Jerusalem, did her gap year at Midreshet Be’er in Yerucham. 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 also 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.

Dror Preisman

Special Programs and Logistics Coordinator

Dror holds a B.Ed in Youth Education and Land of Israel Studies along with a tour guiding license from Beit Berel College, and an MA in American Jewish Studies from the University of Haifa. He has guided groups for HSI, Birthright, and Masa, and directed educational programs. He served as a tank commander in the IDF. Dror encourages students to step outside their comfort zone and make full use of what Aardvark offers. His interests include climbing and hiking.

Allison Hartman

Parent Liaison

Allison 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.

Carolyn Reiffman

Registrar and Admissions Assistant

Carolyn holds a BA in Communications and an M.Ed in Secondary Education. She taught for thirteen years at a Jewish Zionist school in the United States before making Aliyah in 2018 from Denver, Colorado, with her husband, three children, and dog. Carolyn is passionate about bringing Jewish youth to Israel to experience it firsthand, and encourages students to remain open to new people and places. Her interests include travel, scuba diving, reading, and puzzles.

Jordana Bernstein

Admissions Coordinator

Jordana holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas and an M.Ed from the University of North Texas. She spent twenty-seven years at Akiba Yavneh Academy of Dallas, first as a teacher and later as Early Childhood Director, before making Aliyah from Dallas in 2023. Jordana regards firsthand experience in Israel as one of the strongest tools against misinformation and antisemitism, and helps students build both identity and independent life skills. A proud Texan and proud advocate for Israel, she enjoys grilling, spending time with her family and dogs, and true crime podcasts.

Nicole Wiznitzer

Admissions Coordinator

Originally from Colombia, Nicole first came to Israel on a gap year and quickly fell in love with the country and its people. She decided to stay and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Reichman University in Herzliya. Nicole has worked in HR across various industries as well as in the non-profit sector, gaining broad experience in working with people and organizations. Currently based in Tel Aviv, she is passionate about connecting with others, and in her free time, she loves meeting new people over a good cup of coffee or spending time at the beach.

Liv Schneider

Admissions Coordinator

Liv holds a BA in Judaic Studies with a certificate in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Arizona. She previously served as the Israel Specialist and Program Director at UC Santa Barbara Hillel, and as the StandWithUs Campus Regional Manager for the Northwest. She made Aliyah from Los Angeles in 2024. Her work on US campuses showed her how a strong Jewish community builds students’ confidence and resilience against antisemitism, and that observation now shapes her work in Admissions. Her interests include exploring new cafés and long drives.

Raphael Silberman Dereczynski

Internship and Volunteering Coordinator

Raphael studied Pedagogy and Human Resources Management and previously served as a Madrich and Rosh Chinuch at Bnei Akiva. He made Aliyah from Brazil in 2017, at age 23. He is committed to helping young adults reach their professional potential, and advises students to learn from their mistakes. His interests include reading, repairing objects, and cooking.

Victor Hyman

PR & Marketing Manager

Victor holds a BFA in Multidisciplinary Art from Shenkar College and a certificate in Post-Production and Production from the Open University of Israel. He made Aliyah from Estonia in 2002. He served as a Military Graphic Designer in the IDF’s Intelligence Corps, translating complex information into clear visual communication under tight deadlines. Victor views Aardvark Israel as a platform for identity development among young Jews, and sought a role that combines his creative work with a sense of purpose. His interests include painting, sculpture, photography, video production, and exploring Israel’s natural landscapes.

Nick Lees

Digital Marketing Manager

Nick holds a BA in Journalism and Public Relations from Cleveland State University. He worked as a camp counselor at multiple Jewish summer camps in the United States and led Birthright trips before making Aliyah from Ohio in 2010. He served in the IDF Spokesperson Unit, working with international journalists. A high school exchange program changed the course of his own life, and he is committed to giving other young people that same opportunity. He advises students to keep a journal throughout their year. His interests include piano, reading, exercise, and travel.

Ofir Dagan

Logistics

Ofir studied music and served in the Israeli Air Force. He is responsible for maintaining students’ apartments and resolving issues as they arise, ensuring day-to-day life on the program runs smoothly. He recently oversaw the renovation of the Jerusalem office and classrooms. He was drawn to Aardvark Israel by its mission and its people. His interests include cooking, music, and fitness.

Idan Zait

Logistics Coordinator

Idan was born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel. He is married with three children. Idan holds a degree in Management and Economics from the College of Management. He served in the elite Orev unit of the Israel Defense Forces. In his free time, Idan enjoys running and walking four times a week and is an avid news consumer.

Elie Herszaft

Student Welfare Coordinator, HR Coordinator

Elie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College. He spent several years working at Jewish summer camps. He made Aliyah from New York in 2023, an experience that shaped his relationship with Israel and Judaism. Elie is passionate about working with teenagers in informal educational settings and encourages students to view their year as an opportunity for reinvention. His interests include cooking, snowboarding, and soccer.

Adi Finzi

Internship and Volunteer Manager

Adi holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, European Studies, and Gender Studies from Ben-Gurion University. She spent four summers as a counselor and unit head at URJ Eisner Camp, and served two and a half years in an elite Intelligence Technology Unit in the IDF. Adi is committed to providing students with a well-supported, meaningful gap year, and encourages them to stay open-minded. Her interests include cooking and sports.

Aviva Vyushkov

Internships & Volunteering Coordinator

Aviva studied Psychology at IU International and served as a Shaliach in Germany, providing educational and social support to teenage Olim. She completed Sherut Leumi in the Human Resources Division of the Israel Police National Headquarters. She made Aliyah from Belgium in 2002. Aviva is a strong advocate for experiential education, and finds it rewarding to guide students through real responsibility and growth. Her main interest is travel.

Ella Wise

Internships & Volunteering Coordinator

Ella studied Public Relations and Media and previously served as a leader at a Youth Community Centre and as Treasurer of the Birmingham City University Jewish Society. She made Aliyah from Manchester, United Kingdom, in 2024. Her own gap year shaped her ability to advocate for Israel and navigate difficult conversations, and she advises incoming students to slow down and trust their individuality. Her interests include yoga, coffee, and surfing.

Madrichim

Dalia Arnheim

Madricha

Dalia has worked in informal education since her teenage years, beginning as a madricha in Bnei Akiva and most recently serving as a logistics and educational madricha on an FZY tour for youth from England. In the IDF, she taught Hebrew and technology to Druze youth in an education unit, and later helped support families evacuated from the Gaza envelope and the north following October 7th. She subsequently spent six months backpacking in Asia and worked at Shalva, supporting adults with special needs in independent living. Zionism and Jewish identity are central to who she is, which is why she finds it meaningful to guide young adults through this chapter of their lives. Her interests include yoga, travel, and cooking.

Noa Tellem

Madricha

Noa holds a certificate in songwriting and music composition from the Rimon School of Music. She coordinated youth programs at a dog adoption nonprofit in Jerusalem, studied at a mechina focused on leadership and Jewish identity, and later returned to teach there. In the IDF, she served as an Iron Dome instructor and commander of the instructors’ course. Having lived abroad as a child and backpacked through Southeast Asia after her service, she is committed to sharing both the beauty and the challenges of life in Israel with students. Her interests include composing, writing, and performing music.

Ofri Moshe

Madricha

Ofri served as a BINA emissary in India, organizing Shabbat gatherings, workshops, and community events for Jewish and Israeli travelers, and completed the Nachshon Galon pre-military leadership academy. In the IDF, she served as a Navigation and Camouflage Instructor and later led the Camouflage Section, training personnel across multiple units. Ofri believes a year in Israel builds independence, lasting relationships, and a stronger sense of identity, and is dedicated to supporting students through hands-on, experience-based learning. Her interests include theater, cooking, travel, and reading.

Tali Chen

Madrich

Tali worked at The Scouts youth movement, leading educational activities and mentoring counselors, and taught Hebrew to American youth through a Jewish Agency program. In the IDF, she commanded a unit of new Olim, helping them integrate into the country and the army while teaching Hebrew and Zionism. Tali is committed to strengthening ties between Israel and Diaspora communities, and considers Aardvark’s model of living in and connecting with major Israeli cities the most effective way to build that bond. Her interests include travel, music, and sports.

Naveh Bar Hama

Madrich

Naveh has worked as a logistics madrich for Diller ISS and at Camp Mesorah. He served in the IDF as a tactical driver in Sayeret Matkal. He joined Aardvark Israel to connect with Jewish youth from the Diaspora and share what he values about Jewish identity, and expects students to leave with a clearer sense of their place in the Jewish world. His interests include scuba and free diving, climbing, hiking, and nature photography.

Noam Friedler

Madricha

Noam worked at Szarvas summer camp and completed her own gap year with the Jewish Agency in Montreal. She served as an Iron Dome instructor in the IDF. Her own experience taught her the impact Diaspora Jews have, and she values learning from students as much as guiding them. Her interests include painting, travel, theater, design, and writing.

Yael Croitoro

Madricha

Yael completed her own gap year in Los Angeles through the Jewish Agency, volunteering at a Jewish elementary school and with the Israeli Scouts. In the IDF, she began as a combat soldier in a search-and-rescue unit before transitioning to a technology role within the same unit. Her own year abroad drew her back to work with the Jewish community and to help shape students’ relationship with Israel. She danced for eight years and enjoys cooking.

Amit Sargarof

Madrich

Amit completed his own gap year on Year Course and spent summers at Camp Tel Yehuda before serving in Naval Intelligence. He believes a gap year like Aardvark’s builds independence, confidence, and maturity while fostering lifelong friendships and leadership skills. He is dedicated to mentoring students through that same journey and encourages them to approach the experience with an open mind. His interests include cooking and drawing.

Einav Bar Oryan

Personal Aid (Madricha)

Einav holds certifications in Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, and yoga instruction. Born and raised in Israel, she worked as a counselor at Green Family Camp in Texas and as a community Shlicha in Windsor, Ontario, leading Hebrew classes, yoga sessions, Israeli dance, and cultural programming. She served in the IDF as a basic training commander in the Magal unit, preparing new recruits for service. Einav admires how Aardvark connects Diaspora Jews with Israel, and is committed to helping students feel welcomed as they explore their identity. Her interests include yoga, art, baking, and working with people.

Educators

Moshe Levi

Director of Education

Haggai Kimmelman

Haggai Kimmelman is a well-known educator, lecturer and consultant, specializing in the history of Judaism, Zionism, Israeli Society and Culture, Jewish Peoplehood and Antisemitism, among other topics. Haggai has worked as the Senior Director of Missions for the Jewish Federations of North America; as a Project Director for the Jerusalem Municipality, integrating the ultra-orthodox community into Israeli society; and as the director of the “Community” project of the Gesher Leadership Institute and the Ministry of Diaspora. From 2009-2014 he served as Director of the English-speaking section at the Machon Leadership Program of the Jewish Agency. Today, Haggai lectures and guides for a variety of organizations in fields related to his personal and professional expertise, looking at the world through an educational prism, and striving to bridge between different people holding different world views. Haggai is a graduate of the M2 Israeli Senior Educators Program, holds an Executive M.A. in Public Policy and a B.A. in Philosophy and Education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and is also an experienced tour guide. A 7th-generation Jerusalemite, Haggai lives with his wife and two children in Jerusalem.

David Ratz

David is a Jewish educator who recently moved to Tel Aviv, has completed the Pardes experiential education program (PEEP), and has a passion for community building. David has been a professional chef in many countries, including Israel and New Zealand. When David decided to become a full-fledged Jewish professional, he lived in the Moishe House on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for three years, serving and connecting with 100s community members. David recently finished working at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at NYU as the IACT coordinator, creating and facilitating meaningful programs around Israel, Judaism, and art. In his free time, he creates art, drawing on inspiration from Israel and Judaism

Keren Meyer Preisman

Keren Meyer Preisman is an experienced educator and youth mentor based in Tel Aviv. After serving in the Israeli Navy as a combat soldier and commander, Keren has since worked with diverse youth populations, including at-risk teens. Keren teaches Bible, History, and Hebrew; she specializes in creating inclusive, emotionally supportive learning environments. With a B.Ed in Bible and Jewish Philosophy from Oranim College, and a MBA in Marketing from Ono Academic College, Keren combines a passion for Jewish education with group facilitation and intercultural dialogue. In her free time, she likes to hike, practice yoga, and spend her time with her husband Dror and their child Soof.

Alan Goldman

Alan Goldman is a distinguished Jewish educator and scholar, specializing in Judaic and Holocaust studies, with particular expertise in Polish-Jewish history. His unique approach combines rigorous academic study with engaging, experiential education developed over three decades of teaching. Alan is currently a senior faculty member of Masa Israel Journey, Midreshet Torah V’Avodah, and JRoots. As a veteran educator, Alan has helped countless students explore their Jewish identity through his innovative educational heritage journeys to Poland. Currently pursuing his Ph.D in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Gratz College, Alan holds a B.A. in Sociology from Clark University, an M.A. in Jewish History from Touro College, and Rabbinic Ordination. His academic credentials complement his extensive practical experience in formal and informal Jewish education. Alan is a frequent participant on the Masa Israel Journey podcast The Israel Conversation, where he helps listeners navigate Israeli politics, news, and culture beyond the headlines. He lives with his family on Moshav Nechusha, where he continues to blend his passion for education with his commitment to Jewish scholarship and heritage preservation.

Shai Yosipov

Shai Yosipov is passionate about navigating complex issues through the lens of Conflict Resolution. His 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 Shai to pursue a B.A. in International Relations and Political Science and an M.A. in Conflict Management and Resolution. In addition to Shai’s academic background, he is grounded in real-world experience. As a media consultant, Shai honed his ability to craft compelling narratives. This experience taught him how powerful – and sometimes misleading – media portrayals can be. Building on this foundation, Shai 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, Shai manages high-profile international visits and developing future leaders. Think of Shai as your personal decoder ring, helping you navigate this complex situation with a focus on facts and empathy.

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. Having grown up in London, he earned his BA from Leeds University in International History and Politics and an MSc from LSE in the History of International Relations before making Aliyah. He has subsequently spent almost 20 years 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 centre producing analysis on Israel and the Middle East. He is currently editor of the Fathom Journal and teaches and lectures on Jewish and Zionist thought to a variety of audiences.

Matthew Lipman

Matthew Lipman has been working in Israel education for over 15 years. He has taught Judaic Studies at Jewish day schools in North America and has led many innovative programs at those schools. He has written high-tech educational materials for US public schools and the IDF, and has directed the multimedia development of an online Jewish day school. In addition to his teaching work at several gap year programs in Israel, Matthew 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.

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, an M.A. in Jewish Education and an M.A. in Jewish Literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Keith Berman z”l

Founding Director

Aardvark Israel was co-founded and directed by Keith Berman z”l until his tragic death in November 2014. Keith was a key figure in the world of Jewish Zionist Education dedicating his career to bringing young adults to Israel for meaningful long-term experiences and encouraging aliya. Aardvark Israel is the actualization of Keith’s legacy of passion and commitment to Israel and his values are represented in the students, staff, and activities of Aardvark Israel. In recognition of his contribution to Israel and the Jewish People, a scholarship was established in Keith’s memory.

keithbermanfund.org

Meet our team

Dear Prospective Participants and Parents,

Debbie Goldsmith

Leadership

Debbie Goldsmith

Simon Cohen

Moshe Levi

James Williams

Staff

Doron Mendil

Dvir Tovy

Daniella Shamir

Ishay David

Yehudit Rosenfeld

Dror Preisman

Allison Hartman

Carolyn Reiffman

Jordana Bernstein

Nicole Wiznitzer

Liv Schneider

Raphael Silberman Dereczynski

Victor Hyman

Nick Lees

Ofir Dagan

Idan Zait

Elie Herszaft

Adi Finzi

Aviva Vyushkov

Ella Wise

Madrichim

Dalia Arnheim

Noa Tellem

Ofri Moshe

Tali Chen

Naveh Bar Hama

Noam Friedler

Yael Croitoro

Amit Sargarof

Einav Bar Oryan

Educators

Moshe Levi

Haggai Kimmelman

David Ratz

Keren Meyer Preisman

Alan Goldman

Shai Yosipov

Calev Ben-Dor

Matthew Lipman

Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg

Keith Berman z”l

Founding Director

Ready to make Israel yours?