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Team

מדיניות פרטיות

Hanadi Sha’er

Vice CEO

Resident of Beer Sheva, originally from Yafia.

A social worker with an M.S. in Public Policy Administration.
Graduate of the Rothschild Ambassadors Organization for growing leadership. 

Hanadi feels that it is extremely important for different sectors to work together to advance policy and reduce socio-economic disparities across all communities, particularly within Israel’s Arab society

Past roles:

Managed safe houses for victims of domestic violence in the Yachdav NGO, freelance advisor and provider of support for organizations in crisis and facilitating groups composed of diverse populations of youth, people with disabilities, female victims of domestic violence, and so forth

I am convinced that any challenge we encounter in life is a valuable lesson for our further development and growth. Out of crisis we grow and if we fail to see a challenge as an opportunity, then we must have missed something

Ilan Amit

Co-CEO

A husband and a father of three. Born and raised in the Negev, currently living in Jerusalem. Holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a Ph.D. in Anthropology and Immigration from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. A weekend scuba diver who loves the sea and live music.

Current roles:

 Ilan has been developing, managing, and leading community planning and development programs promoting a joint Arab-Jewish society for two decades. Ilan has worked with the Arab-Bedouin society in the Negev and within the Israeli-Palestinian space while simultaneously doing academic work – researching, writing, and publishing academic papers related to his fieldwork.

In his work in civil society, Ilan laid the foundations for programs narrowing gaps in health, environmental development programs, and education for a shared society. In the academic world, Ilan lectured at the Ben-Gurion University, the University of Amsterdam, the Open University, and the Amsterdam University College – in academic courses and programs focused on the Middle East and civil society. Over the years, Ilan led and participated in a variety of exchange programs, mutually learning from local and international mediation and conflict resolution models, including Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and more.


AJEEC's superpower is the ability to turn unfamiliarity with the Other and negative interdependence into tremendous positive motivation to promote a shared society and build a better future.

Sliman Al-Amour

Co-CEO

Resident of Kseifeh, 42 years old, married and a father of five.
M.S. in Public Administration and Policy from the Hebrew University.
Graduate of: the Maoz Fellowship Program; a group facilitators course run by Kay college and the Ministry of Education; Shatil’s “Enabling Leadership” course; and, the “Window to Government” program – an introduction to the interface between civil society organizations and the government ministries

Current roles:

Has been working in AJEEC for 15 years and has filled the role of Co-CEO of the organization for the past two years. Leader of AJEEC’s strategic plan, developer of community programs, and pioneer of work processes which are based on public trust and engagement

Past roles:

Began his work at AJEEC as Coordinator of an empowerment project for boys and girls in the Bedouin communities in the Negev. Coordinated, among other things, the Taliyah Gap Year for Arab women. Managed the team of coordinators who work within AJEEC’s “Volunteer Tent”. In 2009, Sliman became the manager of the Volunteer Tent and began working on forming partnerships with local authority leaders, deans in colleges and universities, and managers of social organizations and government ministries.

Meeting and discussing together is just the beginning. Persevering together is progress, and working together for the greater good is success

Kher Albaz

Chairman

Resident of Tel Sheva, married, father of seven.
B.A. in social work from Ben Gurion University in the Negev, M.A. in Planning and Social Policy from WLU in Canada, M.B.A. from the University of Haifa. Graduated from courses in social and economic systems management. 

A poetry and sci-fi movies enthusiast

Current roles:

Expert on government social policy and current trends in Bedouin society. Involved in a broad range of projects related to community planning and development, both at the local and national level. Serving as a member of the board of directors in several civil society organizations including Sapir College,  the Abraham Fund Initiative, Igul-Letova, Midot, and others. Member of the Board of Governors of Ben Gurion University and a member of the Public Council – Magen Israel for fighting the Coronavirus.

Past roles:

Many years as manager of the regional Welfare authority, which provided services to Segev Shalom, Kseifeh, Ar’ara and the unrecognized Bedouin localities in the Negev. Worked as welfare and social worker in Canada for three years.

I regard the lives of people, wherever they may be, to be of supreme value and work to create a shared space where equal opportunities for education and employment prevail for all. I believe in every individual’s right to live with dignity and with a sense of belonging and security

Eliana Ben-Sheleg

Director of Resource Development

Eliana was born in the United States and moved to Israel from Richmond, Virginia at age 18. After a decade of living and working in the Negev, Eliana now lives in Jerusalem with her partner and two children.

She brings with her broad experience from people-to-people initiatives and peacebuilding and shared society organizations within Israel. Eliana also has a research background in public health and applied science, which she uses to strengthen AJEEC’s strategic processes, evaluation, and impact amplification.

Past roles:

-AJEEC grant writer 

-Coordinator for the Jewish Agency’s Partnership Together program

-Resource Development Coordinator at Tech2Peace

-Member of the Miami-Yerucham Partnership steering committee

“It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it” - Mishna Avot 2:16

Liora Schraiber

Director of Finance

Mother of four. In her free time she enjoys music, travel, reading, seminary studies, conversations with friends, and pottery.

One of the founders of Migvan – the Urban Kibbutz in Sderot, where she remains a member to this day.

Current roles:

Has been working with AJEEC since 2006. Since 2013, she has been the organization’s Finance Officer.

Past roles:

A social worker by vocation, which has helped with her success in the organization.

The aim is the creation of sane alternatives for living in our challenging country

Avigayil Hatzur Sivan

Director of the Knowledge and Development Center

Married to Nadav and mother to three children, a dog, three cats, three rabbits, and two hamsters.

Member of Kibbutz Maanit.

Research MA in community social work for social change.

Current roles:

Director of the Organizational Knowledge and Development Center, social entrepreneur who works in program development, leading processes of strategic thinking, professionalism, knowledge development, content and training.

Expert in working with marginalized communities with an emphasis on youth and young adults dealing with life on the margins, risk and social exclusion, as well as developing and leading social ventures designed to create solutions to diverse social problems, with an emphasis on intersections of parenthood and young women at risk, employment in risk situations, gender- and trauma-sensitive work, and sustainable community development.

"Where there is love, there is life."

Yana Shaked

Director of Human Resources

Married and mother of three.

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a Master’s degree in Labor Studies from Tel-Aviv University

Past roles:

 Yana has 20 years of experience in human resource management within various fields, including employee lifecycle management, employee-manager guidance and development, work programs for the field of development and training, career paths, and more. 

Yana joined AJEEC out of a desire for challenging and meaningful work, learning and development – a position through which she can give of herself, and contribute her experience to the organization. 

I believe in looking at others with a favorable eye - seeing their uniqueness and strengths, and providing answers and solutions based on one’s specific needs and circumstances

David Shavlev

Co-Director of Child Health and Welfare Department

Married to Yifat, father of five, lives in Einav.

Holds an Executive MBA from Bar-Ilan University, a Master’s degree in Health Sociology from Bar-Ilan, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education from the Open University. Additionally, completed a course in service improvement led by Dr. Tamuz and the Ministry of Welfare and a professional course in resource pooling.

Currently serves as the volunteer CEO of the “Doron for Einav” Association and is a board member of the regional council where he lives.

Current Roles:

Co-Director of the Child Health and Welfare Department at AJEEC. Also, manages health initiatives at the Yanabia Association and participates in regional and national health forums.

Past Roles:

Worked for 16 years in various managerial roles at Chimes Israel, providing services to individuals with special needs. His last role in the organization was as National Manager for Early Childhood and Nursing Adult Services, managing dozens of facilities, and building partnerships with government offices and 20 municipalities across Israel. Additionally, served as the organization’s professional Chief Information Officer and a family and financial consultant at Paamonim.

In the Negev, the people of Israel and their state will be tested" (David Ben-Gurion)

Ahlam Abu Karen Abu Ganem

Co-Director of Child Health and Welfare Department

Married and a mother of four – Diyaa, Nuran, Mohammed, and Umniya. A PhD candidate in the Department of Social Work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Ben-Gurion University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the Hebrew University. A graduate of the “Kerem – Israel’s Early Childhood Experts” program and the “Intimaa” program for leadership in the Bedouin community. She enjoys walking, hiking in the mountains, playing netball, and cooking.

Current roles:

  • Co-Director of the Child Health and Well-Being Promotion Department at AJEEC – NISPED.
  • Leads health promotion and healthy lifestyle initiatives, including the “Al-Razi” program encouraging young people to join health professions and strategies to improve the quality of early childhood education.
  • Member of the “Nabat” research incubator, the “Intimaa” leadership network for the Bedouin community, and the “Kerem” leadership network.
  • Facilitates groups in health, parenting, and early childhood fields and is a member of the Autism Forum at Ben-Gurion University.

Previous roles:

  • Head of the Socio-Economic Action Department at AJEEC – Leading fields of community resilience, health, early childhood education, women’s employment, and emergency preparedness.
  • Public health nurse at the Ministry of Health – Leading the system for detecting and screening children on the autism spectrum.
  • Director of the “Efshari Bari” (“Healthy Is Possible”) program in the Lakia local council.
  • Pediatric nurse in the children’s ward at Soroka Medical Center and at Clalit Health Services.

I believe in the power of people and the importance of focusing on their strengths. Every individual holds unique potential, and sometimes all that is needed is someone to believe in them – I strive to be that person. For me, investing in early childhood is the key to broad social change, laying the foundations for a better, more equitable, and inclusive future.

Awatef Abu Maamar

Director of Community Development

From Segev Shalom, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and a Master’s degree in Conflict Management and Resolution from Ben-Gurion University.

Past Roles:

Worked in both formal and informal education across various NGOs and organizations in the Negev. Additionally, she worked as an instructor and lecturer in early childhood education at Achva College and as a group facilitator.

Be the best version of yourself

Ali Abu Ajaj

Director of Government Relations

Father of Hassan, Ahmad, and Hani. Husband of Dr. Lama, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Currently residing in Be’er Sheva.

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences, Management, and Economics, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ben-Gurion University.

Past Roles:

Managed the STEM and ecosystem department for the Bedouin community in the Negev—regional partnership for promoting tech education and employment in high-tech for the Bedouin society in the Negev under Eshkolot Negev, the Rothschild Fund, and the Economic and Social Development Directorate. Also managed the Kuseife Community Center, which included managing informal education, promoting national programs, and managing departments for youth, sports, women, early childhood, and national programs. Additionally, managed employer relations at the Rayan Centers – Southern Headquarters during the pilot and establishment phases.

I believe in the power of society and community, that diversity and variety among its members create the richness that enables growth and development. Shared living, despite its challenges, offers a unique opportunity to create a strong and resilient social fabric. Through continuous collaboration and dialogue, a healthy and balanced society can arise, capable of addressing the challenges of the present and the future

Suheir Abu Akel

Director of Teen and Youth Leadership Programs - Northern Region

Age 39, mother of Rouaa and Wared lives in Kfar Yasif, originally from Akko.

M.A. in Human Resource Management, group facilitator, coach, parent counsellor and developer of inspirational cards for groups and schools

Past roles:

In the past six years Suheir has worked on inclusion of women in gainful employment. She has managed Employment Circles centers in the north and the Eshet Hayil Program in the Misgav District of the Be’Atsmi Organization.

I am a firm believer in the power of youths to make a difference and influence and I believe in group strength

Elham Alzabargha–Abu Dgosh

Director of the Young Leadership Unit

Elham, mother of Salma and Ahmad, holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Ben-Gurion University as part of the Cadets for Local Government Program, and a master’s degree in Public Administration. She is also a graduate of the Mandel Leadership Institute in the Negev and the Kedem program – “Kedma Derech Moreshet” (Advancing Through Heritage).

she has supported children with cancer at Soroka Medical Center as part of projects led by the Sunrise organization.

Malek Bennabi: “True renaissance begins in minds before it is translated into reality.

Past roles:

-she worked as an assistant to the CEO of the Rahat Economic Corporation and was part of its founding team.

-she established and led the Department for Tourism and Small Businesses in Rahat.

 

“True renaissance begins in minds before it is translated into reality." (Malek Bennabi)

Rona Keshet

Manager, Arab-Jewish Partnership Department

Resident of Hod HaSharon, a life-partner, and a mother of two.

Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and General History from Tel-Aviv University, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Behavior from Rishon LeZion’s College of Management Academic Studies.

 

Current roles :

Rona is the Co-Director of Shared Society at AJEEC – she leads initiatives for the Ministry of Education, directs youth conferences, shared-society courses, community-based gap-year programs, and the development of community programsת and work processes based on trust and professionalism between neighboring local authorities. 

 

Past roles:

Rona has over a decade of experience in management and guidance in the Israeli Scout Movement and the Lod Youth Department. She founded “Common Journey”, a project that runs field trips for youth from a diverse range of communities in Israel. 

"A lover of people and action. She believes that the sky's the limit and, graciousness the way.”

khawla Alturi

Co-Director of Shared Society

31 years old, mother of two daughters, Nisan and Talia, and married to Omar. She is originally from Lod, and recently moved to Rahat. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and is a Master’s student in Gender Studies at Tel Aviv University.

Past Roles:

Worked for nearly four years in group facilitation, with mixed groups of high school graduates in the joint programs of the Scouts and AJEEC, as well as with Jewish and Arab teachers, training them for shared society within schools. Additionally, she worked with students in leadership programs at Sapir College through Rothschild partnerships and leads the Leadership Women’s Forum in the Eastern Negev Region.

Those who feel the desire to begin will not be content with crawling

Laila Srour

National Manager, Gap Years

Laila was born and raised in the village of Eilabun and has lived in Kafr Kanna for 13 years with her husband and three children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the Hebrew University and a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Haifa. She is a graduate of the Mandel Program for Social Leadership in the North and is actively involved in the employment of Arab women.

Current roles:

National Gap Year Director at AJEEC-NISPED, responsible for the activity of young adults participating in gap years, and for the development and expansion of activity in the coming months in collaboration with government and philanthropic partners.

Past roles:

Over the past decade, Laila engaged in project management for youth from Israel’s Arab society and managed systemic change processes in the Maoz organization, where she built multiple and diverse partnerships

I believe in the inherent potential of our young people and in their ability to lead Arab society both at the local and national level. Our job is to create the optimal conditions for them to develop and realize this potential

Khawla Yahia

Director of Teen and Youth Leadership Programs - Central Region

Social worker with a master’s degree in research sociology, graduate of the Mandel Leadership Institute for social and educational leadership, an organizational consultant and group facilitator.

Khawla holds more than 20 years of experience in managing and running social programs across various offices and sectors on the municipal and regional level. She specializes in systemic work, policy development, and advancing strategic plans, with an emphasis on developing infrastructure and resources for at-risk children, youth, and young adults, in partnership with local councils, government offices, and civil society organizations.

Change starts from within: with the courage to look, listen, learn, and be changed.

Hanan Bari

Director of the Sabil Leadership Institute in Kfar Qassem

Hanan Bari, 32, mother of three wonderful children, lives in Kfar Qassem. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Learning Disabilities and is certified as a sign language interpreter.

Manages the BridgeTech programs and the Kfar Qassem Leadership Institute. Also works as an interpreter for Israeli sign language to Hebrew/Arabic and vice versa, and conducts training for special education teachers through the Ministry of Education.

Past Roles:

Worked on projects to integrate deaf and hard-of-hearing women into the workforce.

I believe that change begins with the individual’s step towards the group (individualism to collectivism)

Maram Mansour

Director of Alumni

33, from Nazareth, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, a Master’s degree in Community Change, and is certified in group facilitation.

Current Roles:

Has been working at AJEEC for over six years. She was the Coordinator of the Sabil Leadership Institute in Nazareth and, in the past two years, has been managing the alumni department.

Past Roles:

Worked in the Nazareth municipality’s welfare department as a group facilitator for youth. She also worked in teaching special education students and opened her own center for student development and support.

Giving is an essential part of life, and what you give will definitely be returned to you

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