Dr. Shai Satran is an assistant professor at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Tel-
Aviv University. An anthropologist trained as a psychotherapist (MA in clinical psychology), Shai’s
research lies at the intersection of psychology and technology. A lieutenant colonel in the intelligence corps, Shai has been in reserve duty since Oct. 7th, at the IDF hostage intelligence headquarters.
David Gurov Originally from Germany, David is a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, focusing on materials that emit light under mechanical stress. These materials can be used in advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and sensing applications in healthcare.
Gadi Ezra is Israel’s former National Public Diplomacy Unit Director at the Prime Minister’s Office. Today, he’s a commentator for different Israeli and international platforms on national security and diplomacy. Forbes Magazine named Gadi one of the most influential leaders in Israel under 30 list.
Dr. Malka Z. Simkovich is the Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society and Visiting Professor at Yeshiva University’s Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies. She published several books and hundreds articles including pieces that have been published in journals such as the Harvard Theological Review, the Journal for the Study of Judaism and more.
Diego Chojkier leads strategy and business operations at The Walt Disney Company. He previously held roles in marketing, corporate development, and strategy at Live Nation Entertainment, HP Inc., and Boston Consulting Group. Earlier in his career, Diego spent over a decade with the U.S. Department of Defense, working across intelligence, policy, and international diplomacy.
Max August is an Investor at General Atlantic and moved to Tel Aviv in 2021 to help open the firm’s Israel office. Since joining 4 years ago, Max has helped the firm deploy over $1B+ into 11 Israeli companies. Max is very involved in Jewish and Israel non-profit work. While at Harvard, he started the Israel Summit, a grassroots movement dedicated to helping college students engage with Israel.
Rabbi Ofek Meir has dedicated over 35 years to teaching, leadership, and community-building at the Leo Baeck Education Center. Over the years, he has held key roles, including founding and serving as Headmaster of the Leo Baeck Elementary School and later leading the Middle School.
Dr. Lenore Walker is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist with a distinguished career spanning independent practice and academic appointments. She is a professor at Nova Southeastern University and continues to lead a private practice focused on forensic cases . In 2023, she co-founded the Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP) in response to antisemitism experienced within the field.
Dr. David Bryfman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Jewish Education Project. After working in formal and informal Jewish educational institutions in Australia, Israel, and North America, David earned his PhD in Education and Jewish Studies from NYU, focusing on the identity development of Jewish adolescents.
Dr. Alexandra Herzog serves as AJC’s National Deputy Director of the William Petschek Contemporary Jewish Life department where she oversees global Jewish communal engagement, research, and education, Jewish peoplehood initiatives, and Israel-Diaspora relations. She holds a PhD in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University.
Aija Mayrock is a writer, bestselling author of Dear Girl and The Survival Guide to Bullying, and MBA from Columbia Business School. Aija, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, has 600k social media followers and has spoken to over 4 million people.
Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned relationship coach and matchmaker who shot to international fame as the star of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking. She is also the host of the “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” podcast. To date, she has successfully helped over 250 people make their way down the aisle, and has trained over 350 matchmakers and coaches.
