Last year we launched our first list of 18. See who we're highlighting this year and how they're making an impact and shaping the future of Zionism.

American Zionist women’s voices have played a critical role since Hamas’ attacks and atrocities on October 7, advocating for Israel, building understanding and speaking out against hate and falsehoods aimed at Israel and Jews.

Like Israel today, Zionism embraces many viewpoints, identities and expressions. And so does Hadassah's 2024 list of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know.

From an Emmy Award-winning actress to our own Hadassah superstars, we love our list for its diversity — and because each of the women is a force to be reckoned with. Here, you’ll find a Scottish pop culture journalist turned Israeli advocate, a goat-herding social media influencer and an LGBTQ+ progressive Zionist, alongside a constitutional scholar with a degree in neuroscience from Kansas City, MO, a Kiev-born student activist in Minnesota building a movement to fight antisemitism, and a Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem midwife known for speaking out for women’s health and Israel.

At Hadassah, we’ve been voicing our values as American Zionist women since before the creation of the state of Israel. We believe that our vision and values — and those of likeminded women in the US and around the globe — can help shape the future of Zionism and Israel. And that’s just what’s happening.

Shai Albrecht — Pro-Israel Social Media Influencer

Shai Albrecht, a certified personal trainer, is a prominent Jewish and pro-Israel social media influencer known for her dedicated support for Israel and her efforts to combat Jewish hate. Shai started her social media platform focused on fitness and mental and physical health, and in response to rising antisemitism, she began advocating for Orthodox Jewish women and correcting misconceptions about Israel.

Shai has been vocal about her support for Israel aimed at bringing awareness to the younger generation. During a visit to Israel on October 7, 2023, she witnessed the country's resilience in the face of horrific attacks and shared her emotional reflections with her followers. Shai has also been critical of anti-Israel rhetoric on college campuses and has called for the suspension of pro-Palestinian groups that promote violence against Jews.

Raised in Maryland, she grew up in a tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community and later moved to the Shenandoah mountains where she raises her three children, chickens and goats on a homestead.

Shai Albrecht — Pro-Israel Social Media Influencer

Shai Albrecht, a certified personal trainer, is a prominent Jewish and pro-Israel social media influencer known for her dedicated support for Israel and her efforts to combat Jewish hate. Shai started her social media platform focused on fitness and mental and physical health, and in response to rising antisemitism, she began advocating for Orthodox Jewish women and correcting misconceptions about Israel.

Shai has been vocal about her support for Israel aimed at bringing awareness to the younger generation. During a visit to Israel on October 7, 2023, she witnessed the country's resilience in the face of horrific attacks and shared her emotional reflections with her followers. Shai has also been critical of anti-Israel rhetoric on college campuses and has called for the suspension of pro-Palestinian groups that promote violence against Jews.

Raised in Maryland, she grew up in a tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community and later moved to the Shenandoah mountains where she raises her three children, chickens and goats on a homestead.

Destiny Albritton — Christian Zionist Activist and Content Creator

Destiny Albritton is the senior director of Next Gen at Christians United for Israel (CUFI), where she works to ensure the next generation of Christian support for Israel is strong. In her role, Destiny oversees the Israel Collective, a program for young Christian leaders with influence to connect to the Holy Land, in addition to supporting CUFI on Campus, CUFI High School and young pastors.

She has led many advocacy missions to Israel for young allies of Israel and the Jewish people, including the CUFI Solidarity Mission to Israel, Jewish National Fund's Caravan for Democracy and the Israel on Campus Coalition’s (ICC) Geller International Fellowship Mission to Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Formerly, she served as the ICC national outreach director. Destiny has a substantial online presence as a Christian content creator and Zionist activist, with over 900,000 followers on TikTok.

Destiny Albritton — Christian Zionist Activist and Content Creator

Destiny Albritton is the senior director of Next Gen at Christians United for Israel (CUFI), where she works to ensure the next generation of Christian support for Israel is strong. In her role, Destiny oversees the Israel Collective, a program for young Christian leaders with influence to connect to the Holy Land, in addition to supporting CUFI on Campus, CUFI High School and young pastors.

She has led many advocacy missions to Israel for young allies of Israel and the Jewish people, including the CUFI Solidarity Mission to Israel, Jewish National Fund's Caravan for Democracy and the Israel on Campus Coalition’s (ICC) Geller International Fellowship Mission to Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Formerly, she served as the ICC national outreach director. Destiny has a substantial online presence as a Christian content creator and Zionist activist, with over 900,000 followers on TikTok.

Eve Barlow — Writer, Thought Leader and Jewish Advocate

Eve Barlow is an LA-based writer, thought leader and Jewish advocate. She is the creator and writer of the newsletter Blacklisted, which has ranked #1 on Substack several times.

Since October 7, Eve has made two reporting trips to Israel and made a mini documentary with HonestReporting. She is one of today’s strongest advocacy voices for fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism on social media, with a monthly reach of over 1.5 million people. Her work empowers many to push back.

Eve has spoken at dozens of Jewish organizations around the world, including BBYO, WIZO and JNF. Eve has been recognized by The Algemeiner as one of the “Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life” in 2020 and 2021. She was deputy editor of the NME and contributed to New York Magazine, The Guardian, Billboard, The Los Angeles Times, Pitchfork and GQ, among other publications, before she was blacklisted for her Jewish advocacy.

Eve Barlow — Writer, Thought Leader and Jewish Advocate

Eve Barlow is an LA-based writer, thought leader and Jewish advocate. She is the creator and writer of the newsletter Blacklisted, which has ranked #1 on Substack several times.

Since October 7, Eve has made two reporting trips to Israel and made a mini documentary with HonestReporting. She is one of today’s strongest advocacy voices for fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism on social media, with a monthly reach of over 1.5 million people. Her work empowers many to push back.

Eve has spoken at dozens of Jewish organizations around the world, including BBYO, WIZO and JNF. Eve has been recognized by The Algemeiner as one of the “Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life” in 2020 and 2021. She was deputy editor of the NME and contributed to New York Magazine, The Guardian, Billboard, The Los Angeles Times, Pitchfork and GQ, among other publications, before she was blacklisted for her Jewish advocacy.

Emily Briskman — Jewish Communal Leader and Educator

Emily Briskman is associate vice president, JUF Campus Affairs and executive director of the Hillels of Illinois.

Emily is an expert in informal Jewish and Israel education with 19 years of experience at JUF and Hillel. She built JUF's Israel Education Center into a nationally renowned entity that tracks trends and designs interventions to combat antisemitism in Illinois and around the country.

Emily also serves as a consultant and expert panelist, speaking to thousands of people annually about how to combat the rising tide of antisemitism and how young people understand their connections to Jewish identity and Israel. Outside the office, Emily is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and an executive member of the Rubin Community Health Fund. She graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in political science.

Emily Briskman — Jewish Communal Leader and Educator

Emily Briskman is associate vice president, JUF Campus Affairs and executive director of the Hillels of Illinois.

Emily is an expert in informal Jewish and Israel education with 19 years of experience at JUF and Hillel. She built JUF's Israel Education Center into a nationally renowned entity that tracks trends and designs interventions to combat antisemitism in Illinois and around the country.

Emily also serves as a consultant and expert panelist, speaking to thousands of people annually about how to combat the rising tide of antisemitism and how young people understand their connections to Jewish identity and Israel. Outside the office, Emily is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and an executive member of the Rubin Community Health Fund. She graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in political science.

Valeria Chazin — Award-Winning Activist and Founder

Valeria Chazin is the co-founder of the Students Supporting Israel (SSI) movement, which, with the help of her strategic vision, developed from a single campus group into an international student organization. She empowers thousands of students across North America to be a strong voice for Israel and Zionism and against antisemitism, and she leads the development of multiple educational programs and events. In addition, she serves as a member of the Va’ad Hapoel of the World Zionist Organization, is on the JCRC board in Minnesota, where she lives, and is involved with other community programs.

Valeria has received several recognition awards for her activism, and she is a public speaker. Her opinion pieces appear in such publications as The Jerusalem Post, The Algemeiner and The Times of Israel. Born in Kiev, Valeria grew up in Israel, served in the IDF and holds a juris doctor law degree.

Valeria Chazin — Award-Winning Activist and Founder

Valeria Chazin is the co-founder of the Students Supporting Israel (SSI) movement, which, with the help of her strategic vision, developed from a single campus group into an international student organization. She empowers thousands of students across North America to be a strong voice for Israel and Zionism and against antisemitism, and she leads the development of multiple educational programs and events. In addition, she serves as a member of the Va’ad Hapoel of the World Zionist Organization, is on the JCRC board in Minnesota, where she lives, and is involved with other community programs.

Valeria has received several recognition awards for her activism, and she is a public speaker. Her opinion pieces appear in such publications as The Jerusalem Post, The Algemeiner and The Times of Israel. Born in Kiev, Valeria grew up in Israel, served in the IDF and holds a juris doctor law degree.

Adela Cojab — Author and Israel Activist

Adela Cojab is the northeast coordinator for the Maccabee Task Force. She is a recent NYU graduate, published author and Israel activist. As a student, she was president of Realize Israel, a senator in the NYU student government, vice president of her sorority, AEPhi, and served as the official representative of Jewish students at the United Nations.

Before graduating, Adela filed a Title VI complaint with the Office of Civil Rights against NYU for failing to protect the Jewish community from consistent harassment, making headlines in secular media such as the New York Post and triggering similar lawsuits across US campuses.

Her work has been recognized by national and international organizations, earning her designation as one of the Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” Jewish leaders of 2018.

Adela Cojab — Author and Israel Activist

Adela Cojab is the northeast coordinator for the Maccabee Task Force. She is a recent NYU graduate, published author and Israel activist. As a student, she was president of Realize Israel, a senator in the NYU student government, vice president of her sorority, AEPhi, and served as the official representative of Jewish students at the United Nations.

Before graduating, Adela filed a Title VI complaint with the Office of Civil Rights against NYU for failing to protect the Jewish community from consistent harassment, making headlines in secular media such as the New York Post and triggering similar lawsuits across US campuses.

Her work has been recognized by national and international organizations, earning her designation as one of the Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” Jewish leaders of 2018.

Diana Diner — Israel/Zionist Educator

Diana Diner is Hadassah's Zionist educator. Diana’s first experience with Israel was on a Birthright Israel trip, and those 10 days sparked a career. Before coming (back) to work for Hadassah, she spent almost 20 years working with teens and young adults on Israel and Zionist education and programming, including four years as the Young Judaea Israel programs manager. She has worked for Hillel International, Birthright, Israel on Campus Coalition, Masa Israel Journey and the Consulate of Israel in New York, in addition to other Jewish and Israel organizations.

She went to Rutgers for her BA in psychology and broadcast journalism and the Jewish Theological Seminary for her master’s degree in Jewish education. Diana is fluent in Russian and is learning Hebrew. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she picked up a love of running and ran her first NYC Marathon in 2023.

Diana Diner — Israel/Zionist Educator

Diana Diner is Hadassah's Zionist educator. Diana’s first experience with Israel was on a Birthright Israel trip, and those 10 days sparked a career. Before coming (back) to work for Hadassah, she spent almost 20 years working with teens and young adults on Israel and Zionist education and programming, including four years as the Young Judaea Israel programs manager. She has worked for Hillel International, Birthright, Israel on Campus Coalition, Masa Israel Journey and the Consulate of Israel in New York, in addition to other Jewish and Israel organizations.

She went to Rutgers for her BA in psychology and broadcast journalism and the Jewish Theological Seminary for her master’s degree in Jewish education. Diana is fluent in Russian and is learning Hebrew. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she picked up a love of running and ran her first NYC Marathon in 2023.

Virag Gulyas — Speaker, Author and Former Diplomat

Virag Gulyas, a speaker, journalist, conscious activist and former EU diplomat, leads the Global Jewish Speakers Bureau powered by JNF-USA and embodies unwavering dedication to her cause. Virag is an informed and fierce critic of the BDS movement, the UN's anti-Israel sentiments and the insidious exploitation of educational curricula aimed at cultivating a generation sympathetic to anti-Zionist ideologies. Through impactful educational and high-profile PR campaigns, she challenges false narratives on Israel and exposes double standards in Jewish civil rights actions.

Growing up amidst antisemitic sentiments, she candidly shares her journey on her blog, The Almost Jewish, resonating across the US, Europe and Israel. As a vocal pro-Jewish advocate and a Hungarian and non-Jewish Zionist, her activism transcends mere hobby; it's a commitment to Jewish liberation from the bigotry permeating every facet of her life. She holds a master's degree in Jewish studies from Touro College, Manhattan.

Virag Gulyas — Speaker, Author and Former Diplomat

Virag Gulyas, a speaker, journalist, conscious activist and former EU diplomat, leads the Global Jewish Speakers Bureau powered by JNF-USA and embodies unwavering dedication to her cause. Virag is an informed and fierce critic of the BDS movement, the UN's anti-Israel sentiments and the insidious exploitation of educational curricula aimed at cultivating a generation sympathetic to anti-Zionist ideologies. Through impactful educational and high-profile PR campaigns, she challenges false narratives on Israel and exposes double standards in Jewish civil rights actions.

Growing up amidst antisemitic sentiments, she candidly shares her journey on her blog, The Almost Jewish, resonating across the US, Europe and Israel. As a vocal pro-Jewish advocate and a Hungarian and non-Jewish Zionist, her activism transcends mere hobby; it's a commitment to Jewish liberation from the bigotry permeating every facet of her life. She holds a master's degree in Jewish studies from Touro College, Manhattan.

Jenn Handel — Educator and Jewish Non-Profit Professional

Jenn Handel is the director of Israel engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. She previously spent nine years working at Jewish Life at Duke and Stony Brook Hillel. Jenn was recently recognized as one of Atlanta’s “Jewish 40 Under 40” and has had the privilege of speaking on various panels related to antisemitism and Zionism.

Participating in Birthright Israel in 2010 changed the course of Jenn’s personal and professional life. For the first time, she felt Jewish enough to be Jewish. Craving a deeper relationship with Israel, she participated in the first cohort of Masa Israel Teaching Fellows in Rishon LeZion. Originally from North Babylon, NY, Jenn holds a BA in history education from SUNY Cortland and an MA from Stony Brook University.

Jenn Handel — Educator and Jewish Non-Profit Professional

Jenn Handel is the director of Israel engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. She previously spent nine years working at Jewish Life at Duke and Stony Brook Hillel. Jenn was recently recognized as one of Atlanta’s “Jewish 40 Under 40” and has had the privilege of speaking on various panels related to antisemitism and Zionism.

Participating in Birthright Israel in 2010 changed the course of Jenn’s personal and professional life. For the first time, she felt Jewish enough to be Jewish. Craving a deeper relationship with Israel, she participated in the first cohort of Masa Israel Teaching Fellows in Rishon LeZion. Originally from North Babylon, NY, Jenn holds a BA in history education from SUNY Cortland and an MA from Stony Brook University.

Toby Klein — LGBTQ+ Progressive Zionist

Toby (she/her), a proud LGBTQ+ progressive Zionist, is a program manager at A Wider Bridge, building bridges between the North American and Israeli LGBTQ communities, primarily through virtual programming and in-person trips to Israel.

In the wake of October 7, LGBTQphobia and antisemitism skyrocketed, leaving both personal and professional communities shattered, scattered and isolated. With an alarming lack of community, especially among progressive LGBTQ Zionists, Toby was proud to take a group of 15 LGBTQ leaders to Israel in January to witness the aftermath of October 7 and volunteer alongside LGBTQ Israelis.

She recently completed her PhD in public policy with a specialization in social justice from the University of Arkansas. Toby continues to hope for and work toward a day when all LGBTQ Zionists are safe and able to be their full authentic selves in all spaces.

Toby Klein — LGBTQ+ Progressive Zionist

Toby (she/her), a proud LGBTQ+ progressive Zionist, is a program manager at A Wider Bridge, building bridges between the North American and Israeli LGBTQ communities, primarily through virtual programming and in-person trips to Israel.

In the wake of October 7, LGBTQphobia and antisemitism skyrocketed, leaving both personal and professional communities shattered, scattered and isolated. With an alarming lack of community, especially among progressive LGBTQ Zionists, Toby was proud to take a group of 15 LGBTQ leaders to Israel in January to witness the aftermath of October 7 and volunteer alongside LGBTQ Israelis.

She recently completed her PhD in public policy with a specialization in social justice from the University of Arkansas. Toby continues to hope for and work toward a day when all LGBTQ Zionists are safe and able to be their full authentic selves in all spaces.

Aviva Klompas — Writer, Speaker and CEO

Toby (she/her), a proud LGBTQ+ progressive Zionist, is a program manager at A Wider Bridge, building bridges between the North American and Israeli LGBTQ communities, primarily through virtual programming and in-person trips to Israel.

In the wake of October 7, LGBTQphobia and antisemitism skyrocketed, leaving both personal and professional communities shattered, scattered and isolated. With an alarming lack of community, especially among progressive LGBTQ Zionists, Toby was proud to take a group of 15 LGBTQ leaders to Israel in January to witness the aftermath of October 7 and volunteer alongside LGBTQ Israelis.

She recently completed her PhD in public policy with a specialization in social justice from the University of Arkansas. Toby continues to hope for and work toward a day when all LGBTQ Zionists are safe and able to be their full authentic selves in all spaces.

Aviva Klompas — Writer, Speaker and CEO

Toby (she/her), a proud LGBTQ+ progressive Zionist, is a program manager at A Wider Bridge, building bridges between the North American and Israeli LGBTQ communities, primarily through virtual programming and in-person trips to Israel.

In the wake of October 7, LGBTQphobia and antisemitism skyrocketed, leaving both personal and professional communities shattered, scattered and isolated. With an alarming lack of community, especially among progressive LGBTQ Zionists, Toby was proud to take a group of 15 LGBTQ leaders to Israel in January to witness the aftermath of October 7 and volunteer alongside LGBTQ Israelis.

She recently completed her PhD in public policy with a specialization in social justice from the University of Arkansas. Toby continues to hope for and work toward a day when all LGBTQ Zionists are safe and able to be their full authentic selves in all spaces.

Debra Messing — Actress and Activist

Debra Messing is an Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, and social justice and human rights advocate, best known for her Emmy and SAG Award-winning role as Grace Adler on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning comedy series Will & Grace. Messing has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Women In Film’s Lucy Award, The Gracie Allen Award and American Comedy Award, among 50 more nominations.

In the wake of the atrocities committed on October 7, Debra has used her platform to be one of the strongest, clearest and most informed voices advocating for Israel, the end of hate and misinformation and the release of the hostages. She spoke at the March for Israel in DC as well as UJA’s United for Israel rally in New York City. Messing traveled to Israel in December 2023 to bear witness to the massacre and meet with hostage families and survivors. She has been traveling around the country speaking and is executive producing the documentary Primal Fear about the explosion of antisemitism since October 7.

Debra Messing — Actress and Activist

Debra Messing is an Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, and social justice and human rights advocate, best known for her Emmy and SAG Award-winning role as Grace Adler on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning comedy series Will & Grace. Messing has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Women In Film’s Lucy Award, The Gracie Allen Award and American Comedy Award, among 50 more nominations.

In the wake of the atrocities committed on October 7, Debra has used her platform to be one of the strongest, clearest and most informed voices advocating for Israel, the end of hate and misinformation and the release of the hostages. She spoke at the March for Israel in DC as well as UJA’s United for Israel rally in New York City. Messing traveled to Israel in December 2023 to bear witness to the massacre and meet with hostage families and survivors. She has been traveling around the country speaking and is executive producing the documentary Primal Fear about the explosion of antisemitism since October 7.

Luisa Narins — Pro-Israel Advocate

Luisa Narins is a volunteer co-coordinator in Hadassah's Engagement Division. She first traveled to Israel with Hadassah as part of the Face2Face Young Women’s Mission. It quickly became apparent to her why Israel needed to be a Jewish nation, not while visiting the Kotel or Yad Vashem but rather walking through the Machane Yehuda market before Shabbat; the smell of fresh baked challah, the open casks of colorful spices and people rushing to finish their shopping and wishing each other Shabbat Shalom all inspired Luisa.

Living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Luisa found a community where it was “normal” to be Jewish, where she didn’t have to explain to anyone why she wanted to take off early on Friday. This inclusive atmosphere illustrated to her why Israel needed to be a free, democratic Jewish State, one that respected and acknowledged other cultures, ethnicities and religions but ultimately protected Judaism in all its forms. She views Israel as a home that will welcome all Jews and give them shelter any time they need it.

Luisa Narins — Pro-Israel Advocate

Luisa Narins is a volunteer co-coordinator in Hadassah's Engagement Division. She first traveled to Israel with Hadassah as part of the Face2Face Young Women’s Mission. It quickly became apparent to her why Israel needed to be a Jewish nation, not while visiting the Kotel or Yad Vashem but rather walking through the Machane Yehuda market before Shabbat; the smell of fresh baked challah, the open casks of colorful spices and people rushing to finish their shopping and wishing each other Shabbat Shalom all inspired Luisa.

Living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Luisa found a community where it was “normal” to be Jewish, where she didn’t have to explain to anyone why she wanted to take off early on Friday. This inclusive atmosphere illustrated to her why Israel needed to be a free, democratic Jewish State, one that respected and acknowledged other cultures, ethnicities and religions but ultimately protected Judaism in all its forms. She views Israel as a home that will welcome all Jews and give them shelter any time they need it.

Tova Ricardo — Poet and Digital Media Creator

Tova Ricardo is an award-winning writer, spoken-word poet, social media content creator and Jewish community advocate. Tova is deeply invested in Israel advocacy, Jewish empowerment and speaking about the intersections of being black and Jewish. She regularly elevates these themes on her social media platform, @tovathepoet, as a digital producer with the Tel Aviv Institute and as a founding facilitator of Zioness’ Zahav Fellowship for Black Jewish Zionists.

Her extensive background in writing, journalism, digital media and community engagement has elevated her voice onto public platforms; she served as the 2015 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, received an award from the American Jewish Press Association and has secured bylines and features in New York Jewish Week, Jewish Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle and Jewish News of Northern California.

Tova Ricardo — Poet and Digital Media Creator

Tova Ricardo is an award-winning writer, spoken-word poet, social media content creator and Jewish community advocate. Tova is deeply invested in Israel advocacy, Jewish empowerment and speaking about the intersections of being black and Jewish. She regularly elevates these themes on her social media platform, @tovathepoet, as a digital producer with the Tel Aviv Institute and as a founding facilitator of Zioness’ Zahav Fellowship for Black Jewish Zionists.

Her extensive background in writing, journalism, digital media and community engagement has elevated her voice onto public platforms; she served as the 2015 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, received an award from the American Jewish Press Association and has secured bylines and features in New York Jewish Week, Jewish Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle and Jewish News of Northern California.

Michelle Rojas-Tal — Global Speaker and Advocate

Michelle Rojas-Tal is the director of strategic partnerships at Sixpoint Media. She previously served as Hadassah's Zionist scholar-in-residence. Michelle is a global speaker, advocate and trailblazer in helping young Jews navigate complex conversations about Zionism, Jewish identity and Israel engagement. She was a senior shlicha (emissary) to Hillel International and director of the Israel Fellows program of The Jewish Agency for Israel. Prior, she was the director of diaspora education for the Israeli advocacy organization StandWithUs.

The Tel Aviv Institute named Michelle to the 2021-2022 "The Jewish 100" list of influential activists, educators and leaders who are fighting hate. In 2013, she was featured in The Jerusalem Post's list of the “50 Most Influential Jews” in the world and named one of only six "Women to Watch" in the Jewish world. Michelle is a proud member of the Schusterman Foundation's ROI Community for global Jewish leaders. Her first trip to Israel was with Taglit-Birthright Israel.

Michelle Rojas-Tal — Global Speaker and Advocate

Michelle Rojas-Tal is the director of strategic partnerships at Sixpoint Media. She previously served as Hadassah's Zionist scholar-in-residence. Michelle is a global speaker, advocate and trailblazer in helping young Jews navigate complex conversations about Zionism, Jewish identity and Israel engagement. She was a senior shlicha (emissary) to Hillel International and director of the Israel Fellows program of The Jewish Agency for Israel. Prior, she was the director of diaspora education for the Israeli advocacy organization StandWithUs.

The Tel Aviv Institute named Michelle to the 2021-2022 "The Jewish 100" list of influential activists, educators and leaders who are fighting hate. In 2013, she was featured in The Jerusalem Post's list of the “50 Most Influential Jews” in the world and named one of only six "Women to Watch" in the Jewish world. Michelle is a proud member of the Schusterman Foundation's ROI Community for global Jewish leaders. Her first trip to Israel was with Taglit-Birthright Israel.

Ashira Solomon — International Speaker and Political Moderator

Ashira Solomon is an international speaker and political moderator who empowers others and fosters positive change. Ashira is currently the co-host of the talk show The Quad, alongside Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan, journalist Emily Schrader and previous Canadian Ambassador to Israel Vivian Bercovici. She recently emceed the fifth annual Reykjavik Global Forum for Women Political Leaders (WPL) in Iceland and the Forbes Africa Woman Summit in South Africa, and she continues to support and assist US Embassy events in Israel.

In addition to volunteering at several charities, she advocates to secure the future of Israel and for women's health and political participation. Ashira holds a BS and an MPA with an option in health administration from California State University, Chico. She received the Boren National Security Fellowship Award from the US Department of State and the Running Star Fellowship Award. Ashira is helping to fight against antisemitism in the African-American community.

Ashira Solomon — International Speaker and Political Moderator

Ashira Solomon is an international speaker and political moderator who empowers others and fosters positive change. Ashira is currently the co-host of the talk show The Quad, alongside Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan, journalist Emily Schrader and previous Canadian Ambassador to Israel Vivian Bercovici. She recently emceed the fifth annual Reykjavik Global Forum for Women Political Leaders (WPL) in Iceland and the Forbes Africa Woman Summit in South Africa, and she continues to support and assist US Embassy events in Israel.

In addition to volunteering at several charities, she advocates to secure the future of Israel and for women's health and political participation. Ashira holds a BS and an MPA with an option in health administration from California State University, Chico. She received the Boren National Security Fellowship Award from the US Department of State and the Running Star Fellowship Award. Ashira is helping to fight against antisemitism in the African-American community.

Sam Von Ende — Social Innovator and Constitutional Scholar

Sam von Ende has worked in legal education, international development, constitutional reform and diplomatic affairs for the past decade. As a constitutional scholar, she has worked in judicial chambers at the county and federal circuit levels, has spoken in front of four supreme courts and boasts an active publication record in the field of comparative constitutional law. She also consults for multiple organizations, shaping policy and advancing inter-community relations.

Sam hails from Kansas City, MO, and has studied throughout the US, earning degrees in neuroscience, bioethics and law and employment in social entrepreneurship, advocacy and constitutional design. She is a steering committee member in the Israel Policy Forum Atid Program, participated in the Ostrom Graduate Fellowship and was a gold medalist for the 2010 Maccabi Games in Sydney, Australia. She is recently engaged to Gavriela Geller.

Sam Von Ende — Social Innovator and Constitutional Scholar

Sam von Ende has worked in legal education, international development, constitutional reform and diplomatic affairs for the past decade. As a constitutional scholar, she has worked in judicial chambers at the county and federal circuit levels, has spoken in front of four supreme courts and boasts an active publication record in the field of comparative constitutional law. She also consults for multiple organizations, shaping policy and advancing inter-community relations.

Sam hails from Kansas City, MO, and has studied throughout the US, earning degrees in neuroscience, bioethics and law and employment in social entrepreneurship, advocacy and constitutional design. She is a steering committee member in the Israel Policy Forum Atid Program, participated in the Ostrom Graduate Fellowship and was a gold medalist for the 2010 Maccabi Games in Sydney, Australia. She is recently engaged to Gavriela Geller.

Gila Zarbiv —Certified Nurse Midwife

Gila Zarbiv is a certified nurse midwife at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. She made aliyah in 2007 to fulfill her lifelong ambition of contributing to Israel's future. She has a master's degree in women's health and is a PhD candidate at Ben Gurion University, focusing on midwifery-led continuity of care. Gila sits on the Israel Midwives Association's Executive Board and chairs the International Relations Committee.

For winning numerous awards for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and publishing multiple articles on maternal and neonatal health, she became one of the "Midwives to Watch in 2020." Also a clinician, educator, researcher and policymaker, Gila lectures internationally on the complexities of life, birth and medicine in Israel. Gila represents Israel in the International Confederation of Midwives and is a fellow at the Israel Implementation Science and Policy Engagement Centre (IS-PEC). She is married to oncologist Yonaton Zarbiv, and together they have four children.

Gila Zarbiv —Certified Nurse Midwife

Gila Zarbiv is a certified nurse midwife at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. She made aliyah in 2007 to fulfill her lifelong ambition of contributing to Israel's future. She has a master's degree in women's health and is a PhD candidate at Ben Gurion University, focusing on midwifery-led continuity of care. Gila sits on the Israel Midwives Association's Executive Board and chairs the International Relations Committee.

For winning numerous awards for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and publishing multiple articles on maternal and neonatal health, she became one of the "Midwives to Watch in 2020." Also a clinician, educator, researcher and policymaker, Gila lectures internationally on the complexities of life, birth and medicine in Israel. Gila represents Israel in the International Confederation of Midwives and is a fellow at the Israel Implementation Science and Policy Engagement Centre (IS-PEC). She is married to oncologist Yonaton Zarbiv, and together they have four children.