Washington DC, USA
Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, Founder and President
Cathy Bolinger, Vice President for Operations and Finance
Jacky Wershbale, Senior Director of Development
Meagan Shaina Buren, Director of Research and Training
Jennifer Packer, Editor in Chief
Brandon Gray, Senior Associate for Web Advocacy and Outreach
Michael Wain, Media Communications Associate
Elizabeth Carp, Development Events and Logistics Associate
Erin Carr, Executive Assistant to the President
Julie Hazan, European Affairs Web Specialist
Dinah Goldberg, Web Advocacy Assistant
Lauren Appelbaum, Media and Special Projects Coordinator
Barbara Ledeen, Senior Advisor on Iran
Mark B. Toubin, National Leadership Consultant
Mitch Bard, Consultant
Jerusalem, Israel
Marcus Sheff, Executive Director
Laura Kam, Senior Advisor for European Affairs and Special Projects
Eli Ovits, Director of Communications
Leah Soibel, Senior Advisor for Research and Communications
Christoph Heil, European Affairs Associate
Jeremy Sharon, Research and Communications Associate
Ronit Shebson, Communications Associate
Hamodie Abu Nadda, Editor, Arabic Media Project
Shimrit Meir, Senior Advisor, Arabic Media Project
Shai Oseran, Media Tours Coordinator
Lili Aram, Development Coordinator
Rachel Ranel, Operations and Finance Manager
Valdo Borodov, Multimedia and Web Associate
Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, Founder and President
Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi is the founder and president of The Israel Project (TIP), an international non-profit organization devoted to educating the press and the public about Israel while promoting security, freedom and peace. TIP has offices in Washington, DC and Jerusalem.
Mizrahi meets regularly with top Israeli leaders such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Ambassador Michael Oren, Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon and many others. She also works frequently with pro-Israel organizations including the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Jewish federations, Jewish community relations councils and Hillel organizations.
Mizrahi previously served as a foreign affairs legislative assistant to the U.S. Congress. She studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and has degrees in International Relations and Judaic Studies from Emory University. Her work earned her recognition as a "Point of Light" by President H. W. Bush. Mizrahi also has been honored with the Louis D. Brandeis Award by the Baltimore Zionist District. The Forward newspaper has twice listed Mizrahi in its "Forward 50" most influential Jews in America. Mizrahi was recently named to the March of the Living’s newly established advisory board and completed close to a decade as the volunteer campaign chair for UJC in Anne Arundel County.
Prior to starting The Israel Project, Mizrahi was the founder and president of Laszlo & Associates, Inc., a strategic communications and public policy company. Mizrahi has worked on projects with the White House, President Clinton, Vice President Gore and dozens of U.S. Senators. For six years Mizrahi published a weekly column on public policy in The Daily Record in North Carolina. Mizrahi has been interviewed on "One on One with John McLaughlin," CNN, CNBC, FOX, MSNBC and C-SPAN. She has been quoted in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Washington Times, Newsweek, The Economist, People and Investor's Business Daily. She also has been profiled in The Washington Post, Working Woman, the Jewish Times, The Jewish Press, Lifestyles, The Capitol, Hadassah, Washington Jewish Week, Jewish Sages and other publications.
Full Bio: [html] [pdf]
jenniferm@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6644
Cathy Bolinger, Vice President for Operations and Finance
Cathy Bolinger joined The Israel Project as chief operating and financial officer in 2005 following more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors. Bolinger works behind the scenes, overseeing the day-to-day operations to ensure that every aspect of the organization - ranging from strategic business decisions and financial management to fundraising - runs smoothly.
Bolinger's service to the non-profit community includes serving as COO and CFO of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago for seven years and assistant treasurer and first CFO for the United Service Organizations (USO). In her position at the American Red Cross, Bolinger directed all business, planning, marketing and communications, support and strategic business operations for the second largest chapter of the organization. During her post at the USO, Bolinger directed all business and financial management activities for the organization's world headquarters and 31 overseas operations, operating on a $30 million annual budget.
In addition, Bolinger spent several years as executive vice president/chief operating officer of the Research Center for Government Financial Management in Washington, D.C. There, she played a vital role in expanding the organization's membership, programs and services and collaborated with CEOs and CFOs from more than 75 Fortune 100 and 500 companies, as well as senior executives from more than 20 federal government departments.
Bolinger is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Indiana University at South Bend and professional certifications from Harvard University and Northwestern University.
cathyb@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6697
Marcus Sheff, Executive Director, TIP Israel
As Executive Director of The Israel Project’s Israel Office, Sheff leads The Israel Project’s team in Israel. In this capacity, he manages the delivery of information from Jerusalem to over 56,000 journalists around the world, as well as day-to-day direct outreach to the 450 members of the foreign press based in Israel. The Jerusalem-based operation drives TIP’s unique programs in Israel, which include regular press conferences and press events, the ‘Intellicopter’ (helicopter) and specially crafted ground tours for the media, as well as TIP’s Media Center in Sderot. TIP’s Israel Office also conducts media training of pro-Israel advocates and outreach to the Arab-language press in Israel and around the world.
Sheff and the Israel team created what has become a vital resource for the media based in Israel, where 70% of the news about the region is gathered. He meets regularly with Israeli leaders, spokespeople, diplomats and NGOs on strategic communications issues and appears regularly in the international media.
Sheff has worked as a media and communications professional in Israel for 20 years, beginning as a political reporter for the The Nation and later becoming an editor at The Jerusalem Post. He then set up a strategic communications company whose clients included government ministries, many of Israel's top 20 companies and international publishers and advertising agencies. The company became the leader in its field. After selling the company, Sheff represented international publishers and media organizations in Israel and around the world.
As a reserve officer in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, Sheff was a prominent spokesperson for the IDF during all recent crises and trained senior IDF officers in media skills. He has appeared on behalf of the IDF on the BBC, ITV and Sky News, as well as dozens of other US and European TV and radio outlets. He serves on the editorial board of “Engage,” an organization that challenges contemporary anti-Semitism. Sheff studied at the University of Leeds, where he was elected General Secretary of the Leeds University Union and was active in national student politics.
marcuss@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427
Laura Kam, Senior Advisor for European Affairs and Special Projects
TIP's Senior Advisor, Laura Kam meets regularly with top politicians, diplomats and think-tanks across Europe, the United Kingdom, Israel and the United States. A dynamic speaker and innovator, she is an expert on Israel-related issues and threats facing the nation.
As head of TIP’s Iran and European projects Laura manages the delivery of information in six languages to 76,000 journalists and opinion-makers across the globe. Laura also arranges high profile media events and tours throughout Europe to disseminate TIP's research-based, Europe-specific messages.
Prior to joining TIP, Laura worked for the Anti-Defamation League for 17 years, including as co-director of the ADL's Israel office, where she regularly met with leading Israeli and Middle East officials and policymakers. Laura was responsible for all areas of media relations for the League's Jerusalem office including developing and maintaining relations with the foreign and local media corps and serving as a liaison between the national headquarters and various Israeli government ministries and institutions. In addition, Laura was responsible for organizing missions that brought key U.S. and state legislators, law enforcement officials, journalists and others to Israel.
Laura has expertise on Iran and international terrorism, teaches pro-Israel advocacy, and has worked as a press officer at the Israeli Consulate in New York. Kam holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, M.A. in Social Work (Community Organization) from Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and has completed all course work towards a doctorate in Social Welfare Administration from the Hunter College School of Social Work.
laurak@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427
Jacky Wershbale, Senior Director of Development
As senior director of development, Jacky Wershbale heads all administrative and day-to-day operations of The Israel Project’s development department and is responsible for all grant-writing and development activities. Wershbale has 16 years of experience in fundraising in the United States – locally, nationally and internationally.
Wershbale joined TIP in September 2008 after seven years as associate director of Friends of Yemin Orde where, as part of a three-person team, Jacky helped to raise more than $72 million in seven years. From 2004 - 2007 Jacky directed a $50 million campaign for Friends of Yemin Orde which included endowment and capital-building components. Wershbale’s past positions have included director of development at the Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center and Jewish Women International. She was also director of operations for the development department at the Brady Campaign to Prevent Handgun Violence.
A native of England, Wershbale is a graduate of the University of London and lived in Israel from 1981 to 1991, mostly as a member of Kibbutz Shamir in the Upper Galilee.
jackyw@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6655
Meagan Shaina Buren, Director, Research and Training
Meagan Buren is The Israel Project's research and training director. As such, Buren is on the front lines of understanding and impacting public opinion about issues that affect Israel's security. Buren is responsible for managing TIP's consultant-led focus groups and polling in the United States, France, Germany, England, Spain and Russia.
A dynamic speaker and trainer, Buren has conducted interactive training sessions on strategic communications and media for more than 1,000 Israel advocates, professionals and lay leaders who are key to impacting Israel's image. She is an expert on Israel and Iran and has trained top leaders to do media interviews on those topics.
A five-year veteran of The Israel Project, Buren was previously TIP's communications and outreach manager, running high-profile events for the community and media. These included rallies for more than 1,000 people at both the Republican and Democratic Conventions and the annual Ultimate Training Seminar for Pro-Israel Advocates. Buren has organized media events attended by outlets ranging from CNN and CBS to The New York Times, The Washington Post and the BBC.
Buren earned her master's degree from Georgetown University in communications, culture and technology; her thesis was entitled, "Spinning, Spending and Sponsoring: Efforts to Generate Anti-Israel and Pro-Palestinian Media Coverage and Public Opinion." She graduated from Ohio State University cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in arts and sciences for international studies focusing on the Middle East and a B.A. in humanities for Hebrew.
meaganb@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6671
Jennifer Packer, Editor in Chief
Jennifer Packer, a seasoned former journalist, joined The Israel Project in January 2005 where she has been on the front lines helping reporters in the United States and abroad get the facts they need to cover Israel. During Israel's summer 2006 defensive war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, Packer was in northern Israel as missiles fell to help journalists from around the world see the destruction and devastation caused by the attacks from southern Lebanon. Packer was also in Gaza during Israel's disengagement from that region to disseminate facts to reporters and write about Israel's painful sacrifices for peace. Packer also helped begin The Israel Project's Jerusalem office.
In Washington, Packer heads TIP's content team, working closely with journalists to provide them sources and information about Israel. An expert on Israel, she also conducts research and writes press releases, fact sheets and other material about issues ranging from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel's commitment to peace. Her work has been read by thousands of journalists worldwide. Packer also has organized and led dozens of press conferences and events in Washington, New York and beyond with top Israeli officials such as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Ambassador to the United Nations Dan Gillerman. Additionally, Packer serves as The Israel Project's in-house editor and twice has run the organization's summer Media Fellowship program.
Prior to joining The Israel Project, Packer worked as a senior editor for a Washington, D.C.-area counter-terrorism think-tank. Before that, she spent more than 10 years as a reporter, the last seven as a staff writer for The Dallas Morning News. Her journalism career also includes working as a Jerusalem-based freelance reporter for a dozen major U.S. newspapers, during which time she covered various aspects of the first intifada, the Israeli Cabinet and wrote numerous features stories about life in Israel. Packer also worked for the Jerusalem bureau of United Press International.
Packer, a San Francisco-Bay Area native, holds a B.A. in English and Spanish from U.C. Berkeley and an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University. As an undergraduate, Packer worked as a freelance reporter for the Los Angeles Times in addition to serving as an editor and reporter for Berkeley's The Daily Californian. She also has written freelance articles for the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Examiner.
jenniferp@theisraelproject.org
202-207-6122
Brandon Gray, Senior Associate for Web Advocacy and Outreach
Brandon Gray joined The Israel Project's team in July 2007 as a Development Associate. In February 2008 Brandon transitioned to his current position. His primary responsibilities include the creation and maintenance of TIP's multimedia webpages.
Prior to joining The Israel Project, Gray worked for the sales and marketing department of iComply Incorporated, a division of Washington-based Lotstein Buckman, LLP, a mortgage banking law firm. Gray also spent two years with Kraft Foods in Richmond, Va., representing the company at almost 40 retail stores in Virginia and North Carolina, where he worked as part of a team that won awards for highest market share growth.
Gray graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2003 with a B.S. in consumer science; he minored in business administration. As an undergraduate, Gray was a delegate to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee campaign training institute in Washington, D.C. and was active in the University of Tennessee's Jewish student center. Gray has been to Israel numerous times and spent a summer there studying Hebrew and Israeli culture.
brandong@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6627
Michael Wain, Media Communications Associate
Michael Wain joined The Israel Project’s team in 2008 as Media Communications Associate. Wain is responsible for conducting research, writing and editing press releases and organizing events for journalists. Wain returns to TIP after completing TIP’s 2005 summer Media Fellowship.
As a student, Wain completed a year-long, graduate-level fellowship with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a D.C.-based think tank, during which he attended counterterrorism seminars in Tel Aviv and Washington, and organized events to educate fellow students about the threat of terrorism. Wain also completed an internship with the Near East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies at National Defense University, where he gained exposure to top Middle Eastern leaders and coauthored an academic paper with a faculty member.
Wain graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs.
Prior to joining The Israel Project, Wain worked as a legal assistant for the law firm of Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, PLLC.
michaelw@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6653
Elizabeth Carp, Development Events and Logistics Associate
Elizabeth Carp joined The Israel Project in August 2009 as its Development Events and Logistics Associate. She organizes all aspects of donor and prospect events and assists with other development projects.
Prior to joining The Israel Project, Carp held various corporate marketing and advertising positions in both for-profit and non-profit organizations; including her most recent position of marketing manager for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington DC hotel . She has eight years’ experience in event planning and management.
Carp holds a master’s degree in marketing from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Rhode Island.
elizabethc@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6638
Erin Carr, Executive Assistant to the President
Erin A. Carr is the executive assistant to the president and founder of The Israel Project. She manages administrative and operational tasks for the president, serves as a scheduler and supports a wide variety of other projects and activities ranging from events to development. Additionally, Carr aids the senior advisor and works closely with other staff members to carry out initiatives and various programs.
Prior to joining The Israel Project, Carr held positions at several trade associations, where she specialized in communications and media issues. Carr has a strong background in writing, editing, media relations, collateral design and production and Web site management.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing management from Northwood University and a master’s degree in public communications from American University.
erinc@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6616
Julie Hazan, European Affairs Web Specialist
As TIP’s European affairs Web specialist, Julie Hazan carries out extensive research focusing on European media coverage of Israel and the Middle East. Through her research, Hazan helps develop TIP’s communication strategy for Europe and reaches out to members of the European press. Hazan also identifies and maintains TIP’s database of European experts on Israel and Iran
Hazan completed TIP’s 2007 summer Media Fellowship, during which she gained experience in European media relations and established meaningful relationships with notable French journalists and experts.
Hazan studied law and completed a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications at the University of Marseille. Hazan received a master’s degree in public management with a focus in European and international public affairs at the University of Aix en Provence. Prior to TIP, Hazan worked for the Fonds Social Juif Unifié in Marseille where she was responsible for organizing events involving experts in the field of Israel advocacy.
julieh@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6765
Dinah Goldberg, Web Advocacy Assistant
Dinah R. Goldberg joined the Israel Project as Web Advocacy Assistant in October 2009. Her responsibilities include assisting with the creation and maintenance of Web pages, generating e-mail newsletters, developing TIP’s social networking and new media through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and tracking how activists and reporters use TIP’s Web site and other online media.
Before coming to The Israel Project, Goldberg traveled extensively throughout Israel and completed a 5-week leadership training course. She also spent a year in Boston working in a number of positions at Harvard University, most notably at Harvard College’s Office for the Arts. Goldberg is originally from Burlington, Vt. where she worked as Web manager for a jewelry and imports store and as a paralegal.
Goldberg graduated in 2005 from Bard College in upstate New York with a degree in philosophy and theology.
dinahg@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6578
Valdo Borodov, Multimedia and Web Associate, TIP Israel
As TIP’s Jerusalem Multimedia and Web Associate, Valdo works to strengthen Israel’s image online in English and in Russian.
Brought up in Azerbaijan, he made aliyah to Israel in 2003. Valdo has worked for a number of companies over the last six years as a Web master. Also, he worked for the Jewish Agency in Israel and as a foreign emissary to Russia. Prior to joining TIP, Valdo was working as a Web master at the internationally renown high-tech company Delta Three.
Valdo has a BA in philosophy from the University of Azerbaijan. He is fluent in English, Hebrew and Russian.
valdob@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 108
Lauren Appelbaum, Media and Special Projects Coordinator
Lauren Appelbaum joined The Israel Project in November 2009 as Media and Special Projects Coordinator. Appelbaum is responsible for organizing events and media tours for journalists and coordinates the organization’s summer Media Fellowship program, an internship for the best and brightest undergraduates and recent graduates in journalism and strategic communications.
Prior to joining The Israel Project, Appelbaum worked for NBC News’ political unit. She covered the 2006 midterm and 2008 presidential elections, assisting correspondents and producers for NBC Nightly News, the Today Show, MSNBC and CNBC. Appelbaum worked closely with NBC’s political and foreign policy correspondents in the Washington, D.C., bureau and across the world. She regularly wrote articles and analyses for MSNBC’s political blog, First Read.
Appelbaum, a Philadelphia-area native, earned her master’s degree from Syracuse University in broadcast journalism. She graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in urban studies/political science and from List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary with a B.A. in Midrash. As an undergraduate, Appelbaum interned and freelanced for The Forward in addition to serving as publisher and production editor for Columbia University’s The Columbia Daily Spectator.
laurena@theisraelproject.org
202-857-6617
Eli Ovits, Director of Communications, TIP Israel
As Director of Communications, Eli Ovits leads The Israel Project’s daily outreach to the foreign press by developing personal relationships with the 470 journalists based in Israel and those visiting the region. From pitching stories to organizing media tours, Ovits provides members of the media with TIP’s cutting edge research and expertise.
Ovits oversees TIP’s Sderot Media Center and provides on-site information to correspondents during crises. Guiding TIP’s flagship ‘Intellicopter’ tour (which has hosted more than 850 journalists) and developing new products, he works to constantly raise the profile and added value of TIP among the press.
Ovits’ career in public affairs began at the Embassy of Israel in London and as a Youth Director for the Jewish National Fund. In 2000, he was appointed National Director of Bnei Akiva youth movement and in 2001 he became Executive Director of the Mizrachi Federation of Great Britain and Ireland.
After moving to Israel, Ovits completed Ulpan Etzion language school and was recruited by Investec Private Banking to cultivate client relationships in the individual and non-profit sectors. He also worked with the BBC Middle East Bureau during the 2006 general election campaign.
Ovits came to TIP from the the Joint Distribution Committee, a prestigious global humanitarian organization. At JDC, he briefed high-level delegations across Israel, Ethiopia, Great Britain and Ireland. An accomplished orator on Israel's social and security affairs, he was charged with devising a communications strategy for specific partners, which resulted in significant support for Israel.
Drafted into the Israel Defense Forces Spokespersons Unit in 2003, Ovits managed relations with the British and Australian media. As an officer in the reserves, he served as a spokesman during the Disengagement and Second Lebanon War, during which he was regularly interviewed by major news outlets, including CNN and the BBC.
Ovits has a Masters degree in International Relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he specialized in Diplomacy and National Security. He is also a graduate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Israel Advocacy Program.
elio@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 103
Leah Soibel, Senior Advisor for Research and Communications, TIP Israel
At The Israel Project, Soibel conducts research on the Iran-backed activities of terrorist groups including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah. She also studies how Israel goes about working for peace. Her work is published regularly in TIP’s press releases, backgrounders and fact sheets read by thousands of journalists worldwide.
Soibel has put her life at risk more than once to get the facts to journalists. As the southern city of Sderot was under siege by Gaza-based Palestinian groups launching hundreds of Qassam rockets, Soibel was in Sderot bomb shelters sending out press releases and at the Gaza border providing information to the foreign press. During Israel's defensive war against Iran-backed Hezbollah, Soibel was on the front lines getting reporters the facts they needed to get the story right.
Soibel, who has served in intelligence, is a meticulous researcher with expert knowledge of cyber-terrorism/jihad and Arab/Islamic public diplomacy. She has conducted in-depth analyses of the connections among Iranian, Palestinian and Hezbollah terror Web sites used as platforms to wage sophisticated media campaigns and terrorist efforts against Israel and the United States.
Soibel is a National Security Education Program Fellow and has traveled throughout the Arab world. In 2000-2001 she studied at the American University in Cairo's Arabic Language Institute. She earned a B.A. in Middle Eastern history and Judaic studies from Dickinson College and an M.A. from George Washington University in security policy studies, focusing on the Middle East. She is currently working towards her Ph.D. in political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, focusing on international public diplomacy campaigns.
Soibel is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew and Arabic and is currently learning Farsi.
leahs@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 104
Christoph Heil, European Affairs Associate
As a European affairs associate at The Israel Project, Christoph Heil organizes and hosts media tours and press events aimed at European journalists in Berlin, Vienna, Paris, London and Brussels. A native of Germany, Heil writes and translates press releases and fact sheets on issues such as Iran and terrorism, which are distributed to thousands of journalists, experts and officials throughout Europe. Heil works out of TIP’s Jerusalem office, where he also conducts research on European foreign policy, develops and maintains contacts with European journalists who cover Middle East issues and helps identify experts on Iran and terrorism in Europe.
Prior to joining TIP, Heil worked for five years as a public affairs associate at the Embassy of Israel in Germany. He earned his undergraduate degree in Protestant theology at Humboldt University of Berlin and a master’s degree in theology at Heidelberg University. He also completed internships at the United Nations Development Programme Baghdad; the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories, Gaza; and the Centre for Applied Policy Research in Munich. He is fluent in German, English and Hebrew and reads and writes French.
christophh@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 109
Jeremy Sharon, Research and Communications Associate, TIP Israel
As research and communications associate in The Israel Project’s Jerusalem office, Jeremy Sharon is responsible for writing many of the press releases generated by the Israel office. He also produces other written material distributed to journalists in Israel ranging from booklets about areas of Israel under almost constant attack by Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza to guides for TIP’s helicopter tours. To help ensure that TIP is always providing up-to-date and relevant information to journalists, Sharon compiles statistical information about the Israeli-Arab conflict that is sent to journalists and posted on TIP’s Web site, such as data on Palestinian rocket fire and Israeli casualties. Sharon also helps journalists connect with Israel-based experts to get comment for their stories.
Sharon previously worked as senior researcher for NGO Monitor, compiling reports and studies on NGO activity in Israel and the Palestinian Authority and their funding sources. He was also a research assistant at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies where he worked with Dr. Yehudit Ronen on her book Qaddafi's Libya in World Politics about Libyan foreign policy under Qaddafi, published in October 2008.
Sharon, a native of England, has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Leeds and a master’s degree in the history of international relations from the London School of Economics.
jeremys@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 111
Ronit Shebson, Communications Associate, TIP Israel
As Communications Associate, Ronit Shebson is an intrinsic part of TIPs press relations operation in Israel. Ronit works closely with TIPs communications team helping implement a strategic communications outreach program designed to support the 470+ foreign correspondents based in Israel and the hundreds of journalists visiting the region annually. Ronit is involved in all areas of TIP’s press liaison activities including organizing TIP’s trademark press conferences and briefings and media tours as well as overseeing TIPs press lists, daily media review and analysis.
Ronit’s career spans over 10 years, with experience across corporate and political PR. During her time at a top London PR agency she worked on client accounts including The Princes’ Trust and The London Parade before moving on to head up an analysis project in the press office of the UK Conservative Party. In 2000 she was head-hunted for the position of Head of PR for Anglo-Jewry’s leading Child & Family Services charity where she devised and implemented an integrated PR strategy and advised the chairman and board on corporate communications and crisis management. Since moving to Israel in 2006, Ronit has been a PR consultant, specializing in the non-profit sector.
Ronit has a degree in Marketing Communications from London University.
ronits@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 113
Hamodie Abu Nadda, Editor, Arabic Media Project, TIP Israel
Hamodie Abu Nadda is the Editor, Arabic Media Project, TIP Israel at The Israel Project’s Jerusalem Office.
Israel’s messages of peace and coexistence in Arabic through TIP’s weekly press releases and Arabic Web site to nearly 7,000 Arab journalists worldwide. Abu Nadda works to improve Israel’s image in the Arab world and its coverage in the Arab press.
Prior to joining TIP, Abu Nadda worked at the Anti-Defamation League on the Arabic desk as an Arabic media analyst, where he used his Arabic media skills to highlight anti-Semitic stories in the Arab press and identify key media reporting trends. These issues were published in the ADL’s monthly Arabic Media Review, read by researchers, journalists and diplomats around the world.
An Israeli Druze, Abu Nadda is fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, English and Farsi. Abu Nadda has a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and Middle Eastern studies from the Hebrew University. Abu Nadda also serves as a tank company commander in the Israel Defense Forces.
hamodiean@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 107
Shimrit Meir, Senior Advisor, Arabic Media Project, TIP Israel
As a key member of The Israel Project’s Arabic Media Project, Shimrit Meir is responsible for getting facts and sources to thousands of Arabic language journalists in the Middle East and around the world. Meir develops factual press materials geared to the needs and interests of Arab audiences so there can be more balanced coverage of Israel in the Arab media. She has worked on press events with top Israeli leaders and is an expert on Israel’s coexistence programs.
Meir draws upon more than 12 years of experience researching and covering the Arab world, mostly as a journalist, to facilitate the flow of information between TIP and the Arab media. Prior to joining TIP, Meir was the Arab affairs correspondent and commentator for Galei Zahal, Israel’s popular army radio station. Previously, Meir worked for both Israeli public television (Israel Broadcast Authority) and for Channel 2 News, the country’s largest commercial channel.
Meir is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She is fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, English and French.
shimritm@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 121
Shai Oseran, Media Tours Coordinator, TIP Israel
As Media Tours Coordinator at The Israel Project's Jerusalem office, Shai Oseran is responsible for coordinating all Israel-based media tours and helping to develop new programs. He is responsible forTIP's flagship Intellicopter program which educates key journalists on Israel’s tiny size and enormous security threats as well as for ground tours in Jerusalem and Sderot. Oseran also works with the head of TIP's European team in building itineraries for visiting media delegations from overseas. He is also involved in organizing TIP’s press conferences.
For several years, Oseran worked for Archaeological Seminars, where he served as a tour guide for families and youth groups visiting Israel from all over the world. He also participated in an Israeli-Arab coexistence program which included conflict resolution seminars and meetings with U.S. members of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Oseran holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and business management from the Hebrew University. He is fluent in Hebrew and English, and has attained a high level of proficiency in Arabic.
shaio@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 118
Lili Aram, Development Coordinator, TIP Israel
Lili Aram joined The Israel Project in December 2009 as Development Coordinator for TIP’s Jerusalem office. Aram previously spent three years working at AIPAC as Leadership Management Director in Boston where she was responsible for achieving annual fundraising goals through donor cultivation and development work. Before that, Aram was the Northeast Regional Director for the Student Division of the World Zionist Organization.
Aram holds a master’s degree in government and counter-terrorism from the IDC Herzliya and a bachelor’s degree in political science with a specialization in international relations from Northeastern University. She speaks English, Farsi and Hebrew.
lilia@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 119
Rachel Ranel, Operations and Finance Manager, TIP Israel
Rachel Ranel has been working for The Israel Project since its Jerusalem office opened in 2005, when she began as General Administrative and Logistics Manager. Ranel’s role has grown as TIP’s Jerusalem office has expanded.
As Operations and Finance Manager, Ranel reports to the Executive Director of TIP Israel and is in charge of financial budgeting, recordkeeping and reporting. She also continues to work closely with the Communications Director in coordinating logistics for TIP’s “Intellicopter” tours and press briefings for foreign journalists based in Israel.
Ranel came to The Israel Project from The Jerusalem Post, where she served as an advertising coordinator, overseeing advertising revenues and production, among other responsibilities.
Ranel graduated with a B.A. in international relations and English literature from Hebrew University. She is fluent in Hebrew and English.
rachelr@theisraelproject.org
011-972-2-6236427 ext. 101
Barbara Ledeen, Senior Advisor on Iran
Barbara Ledeen is a senior advisor at The Israel Project working to support the Iran communications initiative. Ledeen works on projects at the local, state and international level regarding divestment from Iran. She also works with TIP’s researchers and Iran experts to create press materials about Iran.
For the previous six years Ledeen was director of coalitions for the Senate Republican Conference, a Senate leadership position in which she was responsible for strategic communications and the Conference’s coordination with other Senate committees and offices. Before coming to the Senate, Mrs. Ledeen was a founder and for 10 years served as executive director of the Independent Women’s Forum, a national public policy organization. During the Reagan administration, Ledeen was director of communications for the Defense Technology Security Administration in the Department of Defense.
Ledeen is on the board of Miramed, an international non-profit organization concerned with stopping the trafficking of children and women in Russia. She is also a Red Cross volunteer at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Her articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Human Events and, before working in the Senate, she was the subject of a 60 Minutes segment as well as a frequent commentator on cultural issues.
Ledeen holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Beloit College.
barbaral@theisraelproject.org
Mark B. Toubin, National Leadership Consultant
As The Israel Project’s National Leadership Consultant, Mark B. Toubin works with TIP staff to develop strategically the organization throughout the fifty states. With a background in politics, law, communications, Israeli affairs and non-profit organizations, Mark is uniquely suited to promote TIP’s mission of securing Israel and the Jewish People.
Most recently the Southwest Regional Director for the the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Mark graduated from Emory University in 1985 and the University of Texas School of Law in 1988. During his eleven years as a civil litigator, Mark engaged in significant political and Jewish communal activity as a lay leader in Houston, TX before joining AIPAC in 1999. As Southwest Regional Director until February 2008, Mark led political initiatives to federally elected officials on a bipartisan basis, developed effective communication strategies, and successfully completed eight annual campaigns.
A former political talk show host, Mark has served on the boards of the Houston Area Women’s Center, The Inter-Ethnic Forum and the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.
Dr. Mitchell G. Bard, Consultant
Dr. Mitchell G. Bard is the Executive Director of the nonprofit American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE) and a foreign policy analyst who lectures frequently on U.S.-Middle East policy. Bard is also the director of the Jewish Virtual Library, the world¹s most comprehensive online encyclopedia of Jewish history and culture. For three years he was the editor of the Near East Report, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's (AIPAC) weekly newsletter on U.S. Middle East policy. Prior to working at AIPAC, Bard served as a senior analyst in the polling division of the 1988 Bush campaign.
Bard has appeared on Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, CBC, the Jenny Jones Show, and other local and national television and radio outlets. His work has been published in academic journals, magazines and major newspapers. He is the author of 19 books including "The Water's Edge And Beyond: Defining the Limits to Domestic Influence on U.S. Middle East Policy," "Partners for Change: How U.S.-Israel Cooperation Can Benefit America," "Myths And Facts: A Concise Record of the Arab-Israeli Conflict"(coauthor), and "Will Israel Survive?" Bard holds a Ph.D. in political science from UCLA and a master's degree in public policy from UC Berkeley. He received his B.A. in economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
mgbard@aol.com
301-565-3918
