Our Experts

Meet our exceptional army of influencers, artists, writers, researchers, and educators. Bring us to your community to experience inspiring, cutting-edge, and unique perspectives on Jewish identity. We offer speaking, teaching, press appearances, writing, and consulting.

Associates & Digital Producers

Hen Mazzig, Senior Fellow

A globally-recognized speaker, educator, and digital influencer. Historians credit him as the founder of "Mizrahi Hertiage Month," and he has written for NBC News, Newsweek, and the LA Times. He has appeared as an expert on Jewish issues on four continents, over 500 college campuses, BBC, SkyNews, TEDx, and countless Shabbat dinners. He was named in Algemeiner's top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life, the top 50 online pro-Israel Influencers, Top 50 LGBTQ+ Influencers, and won CAMERA’s Portrait in Courage Award.

Dr. Olga Kirschbaum-Shirazki, Visiting Fellow

Dr. Olga Kirschbaum-Shirazki is a historian and co-founder of the Tel Aviv Review of Books. She has a PhD in modern European history from NYU. As a researcher and translator she has collaborated with numerous  authors and organizations on the topics of Jewish history, inter-religious encounters and the universal in Judaism.  She is also the co founder and editor of Tel Aviv Review of Books, an online review that presents the entire spectrum of views from and about Israeli culture, religion, and politics to an international audience.

Dr. Matthias J. Becker, Visiting Fellow

A linguist whose research focuses on discrimination in mainstream society and the construction of implicit hate speech. Since 2020, Dr. Becker leads the international research project “Decoding Antisemitism”. In this 3-year pilot project, 9 researchers analyze antisemitism on mainstream news websites and social media platforms in Germany, France, and in the UK based on a mixed-methods approach, also integrating AI technology. who analyze antisemitism on news sites and social media using AI.

Yseult Polfliet Mukantabana, Research Fellow

Yseult Polfliet Mukantabana is Rwandan, Jewish and a queer woman. She is an author, creative director and social and art advocate. Mukantabana is the Co-founder of Kinswomen, sits on the Board Committee of POWarts, an organization meant to uplift professional womxn in the art industry, Ted Speaker and designer/ co-founder of YOAH, a gender-free children’s’ brand created with her brother Noah Polfliet. Her unique approaches to matters of race issues are global, located mainly in New York, she speaks four languages, lives and travels between Kigali, Paris and Tel Aviv.

Mukantabana has done consulting in anti-racism for small and large groups, her clients have ranged from corporate America, high profile art institutions and prestigious American universities such as Columbia and Yale. She has a distinct way of intersecting spaces and people. Her work aims at making the conversation possible and practical. She makes it available for people to build a realistic plan of action to be impactful and empowered in their advocacy.

David Christopher Kaufman, Adjunct Fellow

David Christopher Kaufman is a New York-based journalist. His work focuses on the intersections between politics, culture, media, and identity across the globe. Currently at the New York Post, he previously served as an editor at The New York Times and Global Digital Director at Architectural Digest, Kaufman regularly contributes to publications ranging from The Financial Times, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal, to Monocle, AirMail, The Telegraph, Tablet, and The Forward. Kaufman studied at Brandeis University and received a graduate degree in Journalism from New York University. He is co-author of the book "Pride: 50 Years of Parades and Protests.”

Daniella Rabbani, Community Manager

Following our 2022 Lab in Tel Aviv, Daniella joined our team officially as a Community Manager. An actress known for her roles as Rabbi Zoe on CBS’ God Friended Me, Jane in HBO’s Scenes from a Marriage, and extensive stage work with The National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene. She hosts the podcast Mom Curious, a safe space to ask moms of all stripes what the real deal is. BFA: NYU Tisch. She sheps nachas over her two kids Ness and Paz + advocates for a better world.

Zoë Buckman, Associate

Zoë Buckman is a multi-disciplinary artist working in sculpture, installation, and photography, exploring themes of Feminism, mortality, and equality. Notable solo shows have included Nomi at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London, No Bleach Thick Enough, at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London, Heavy Rag at Fort Gansevoort Gallery New York, Let Her Rave at Gavlak Gallery Los Angeles, Imprison Her Soft Hand at Project for Empty Space, Newark; Every Curve at PAPILLION ART, Los Angeles; and Present Life at Garis & Hahn Gallery, New York. Public works include a mural, We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident, in collaboration with Natalie Frank at the Ford Foundation Live Gallery of New York Live Arts in NYC. Buckman lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

Liz Teich, Associate

Liz Teich is a New York based fashion stylist, style creator, on-air style expert and mom of two. Liz has been a professional commercial stylist for 15 years, styling fashion and home goods for print and digital advertising campaigns, catalogs and e-commerce for major brands and retailers including Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Alex and Ani, Target, and ESPN. Through the campaigns she’s worked on she’s styled celebrities including Mike Tyson, Tom Brady, Ashley Graham, and the cast of Stranger Things. She has appeared as an on-camera style and lifestyle expert for brands, regional and national news and appeared in and contributes her fashion expertise to national publications such as CNN, NY Post, Forbes, InStyle, DailyMail, Womens Health, USA Today, Better Homes & Gardens, and appeared on the cover of New York Family Magazine. You can find Liz on her blog thenewyorkstylist.com

Jonah Platt, Associate

Jonah Platt is a multi-platform creator and performer whose unique career spans many facets of the entertainment industry. As an actor, Jonah has appeared in prestigious projects from stage to screen, such as Broadway’s smash hit WICKED, Aaron Sorkin’s BEING THE RICARDOS, and TV comedy favorites THE OFFICE and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Most recently, he played the hilarious “Horst” in Darren Starr’s newest series UNCOUPLE, heading to Showtime for Season 2 this year. He'll next be seen onscreen in Universal Picture’s THE LIST, starring Halston Sage, Tubi's SPREAD with Harvey Keitel, and THE MENSCH, starring Jon Rudnitsky, for which he is also a lead producer. He has also written for NBC’s MR. ROBINSON, Fuse’s BILLY ON THE STREET, and Cartoon Network’s ANNOYING ORANGE series. Jonah is also an accomplished musician, composer, singer, and award-winning vocal arranger. Jonah is also highly engaged in the community through a number of different organizations.

Eyal Booker, Associate

Eyal Booker’s debut TV appearance was on ITV’s Love Island in 2018. Eyal was a popular, dynamic and charismatic contestant on the well-loved show, and his presence really set him apart from the cast which has ensured his profile online and in mainstream media has gone from strength to strength. His esteemed modelling career kicked off at a young age, which has seen him feature in global fashion campaigns for the likes of Puma, Adidas, and Bed Head to name a few. Eyal thrives at the opportunity to create beautiful content alongside commercial & editorial partners, ensuring his work is authentic & engaging, always. Eyal has always strived to do his part for charity & community that are close to his heart. Some of these include: World Vision, Rays of Sunshine, Holocaust Educational Trust, March of the Living & the RSPCA to name a few.

Joanie Leeds, Associate

Joanie Leeds is a GRAMMY Winning, NYC based singer-songwriter and National touring artist, early childhood Jewish music educator, and host of JKids Radio Show, Holiday Hang. For her original music, she has won 1st place in the USA Songwriting Competition, Independent Music Awards, The International Songwriting Competition, several Gold Parents' Choice Awards, NAPPA Gold Awards, Family Choice Awards and is a John Lennon Songwriting Award Finalist. Joanie has played at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Clearwater Festival, The Kennedy Center & Lincoln Center, Wolftrap, Levitt Pavilion as well Limmud UK, URJ’s Biennial, Hootenanny NYC and dozens of JCCs, Synagogues and Temples Nation-wide. Her music has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, Parents Magazine, Billboard, Huffington Post, NPR, Washington Post, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, Kveller & JNS. Joanie has 11 albums of original music for both children and adults and Joanie’s 9th children's album, All the Ladies is a female empowerment folk collection and earned a GRAMMY Award in 2021 for Best Children’s Album. Her newest album, Oy Vey Another Christmas Album, features original songs & famous Christmas covers written by Jewish songwriters in a collaboration with hitmaker and activist, Fyütch. www.joanieleeds.com

Nicky Kelvin, Associate

Nicky Kelvin is the Head of The Points Guy UK. A self-proclaimed aviation geek, Nicky qualified as a solicitor with a US based law firm in the capital after completing a law degree in Central London. Not content with the solicitor life, Nicky switched up his career, following his passion, becoming a music lawyer for the UK’s biggest record label Virgin EMI. All the while, Nicky travelled across countries, continuing to dispense airmiles and aviation advice. Photography is also a passion for Nicky. With professional skills he developed on the job working as a photojournalist for a news agency in Israel. Today, Nicky heads up the Webby, Lovie and Travolution award winning UK team at travel expert website The Points Guy, after being noticed for his repeated social media snaps in first class, alongside shooting international music stars such as Justin Bieber.

Ethan Zohn, Associate

Ethan Zohn gives the word survivor a whole new meaning. Ethan is a former professional Jewish soccer player from Lexington MA, winner of the reality television show Survivor Africa, a two-time cancer crusher, sports broadcaster and TV personality, author and co-founder of Grassroot Soccer (GRS). GRS uses the power of soccer and the energy of youth to educate, inspire and mobilize communities to improve health. Over the last 20 years, Ethan has been an important force in driving the strategic direction of GRS and building partnerships that have helped to provide lifesaving education for more than 18 million young people in 60 countries. He has also been named a global ambassador for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, StandUp2Cancer and Cancer Buddy, and an international key note.

Dr. Noa Sterling, Associate

Dr. Christine Noa Sterling is a board-certified ObGyn and founder of Sterling Parents, a membership that drastically reduces the stress of pregnancy, as well as providing comprehensive preparation for birth, breastfeeding, and taking care of baby. Dr. Sterling left her medical practice in 2019 to bring her expertise and passion for supporting people before, during, and after pregnancy to the online space. These days you can find Dr. Sterling educating her social media audience about pregnancy, chatting with members of Sterling Parents over Zoom, and chasing after her vivacious kiddos and they attempt to injure themselves.

Mirna Funk, Associate

Mirna Funk was born in Berlin in 1981. She majored in Philosophy and History at Humboldt University. She composes articles and essays for various publications, has authored two novels, one essay collection, and recently completed her first screenplay for a TV show. Her work frequently centers the presence of Jewish culture, and looks at how cultures of remembrance are being reshaped in the present. With a perspective on Jewish life that is contemporary and personal, she educates through talks, panels, curation and workshops, and writes a monthly column, “Jewish Today”, for Vogue Germany. Funk is a current contributor to Emotion, Myself, Cosmopolitan, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Die Zeit, Jüdische Allgemeine, and Monopol, and is also hosting a podcast about Jewish life in Germany for the association 1700 Jahre.

Nicole Raviv, Associate

Nicole Raviv is an international musical artist. A trilingual singer, songwriter and actress, she has performed on global stages in English, French, Hebrew, and Arabic. Raviv was born in Montreal, Canada to a Romanian mother and Moroccan father who immigrated from Israel. Raised in a multicultural household and trained at McGill University's conservatory of music, Raviv got accepted to The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City and graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) from The New School University in Musical Theatre. Nicole works with Grammy-award winning musicians and producers from around the world, and uses her music and performance to build bridges between the Jewish and outside world. Her recent success has been attributed to her viral rendition of the National Anthem during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the New York Islanders hockey league, leading her to be a recurring guest singer for major New York Sports (NHL, NBA, NFL, MLS) at arclays Center, Metlife Stadium, Redbull Arena, Nassau Coliseum and UBS Arena. She currently resides in Tel Aviv and performs at Habima - The National Israeli Theater, as well as performs concerts with the Alsheikh traditional music orchestra of middle eastern music. She is passionate about her Israeli heritage and is working on her debut trilingual album.

Leslie Schapira, Associate

Leslie is a TV writer/producer, currently writing and serving as consulting producer for Harley Quinn on HBO Max. Leslie has previously written on Two and a Half Men, Big Shot for Disney+ and the upcoming HBO Max comedy, Noonan’s. Other writing credits include The National Lampoon’s The Final Edition Radio Hour, the Writers Guild Awards Shows and SELF Magazine. Leslie also wrote and developed the series, Girl Plans, God Laughs, with Universal Cable Productions. Leslie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UCLA and received her M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management. She serves on AMIT’s national board of directors and was the 2019 recipient of AMIT’s NewGen Emerging Leadership award. Additionally, Leslie co-runs a pro-Israel political network for young professionals in Los Angeles and is a member of the Jewish Federation’s NYL Cabinet. She also founded the Israel advocacy dinner series, The Edit.

Ido Dankner, Associate

Ido Dankner, raised in Tel Aviv, is a former Israeli Defense Force Soldier, who was discovered by posting covers of his favorite American artists on social media. Ido used this platform as a creative outlet to share his music during his time serving in the military, and independently achieving an online social presence surpassing 190,000 verified followers. After being advised by many respected industry mentors, IDO moved to Los Angeles, CA. Also, Ido has been working with “Swat Team For Israel” - a nonprofit pro-Israeli organization that combats the boycotting on Israel on different social media platforms in the entertainment business, encouraging acts and influencers to speak out and support Israel’s rights.

Shanna Fuld, Associate

Shanna Fuld is a writer / reporter / TV news producer. She was born in Queens, New York, and worked at NY1 News in Manhattan until she moved to the Israel in September of 2018. After working in general news, reporting on NYC politics and other issues plaguing her beloved city, Shanna moved her reporting to Jerusalem covering Middle East news, politics and culture. Since then, Shanna has been working in print, television and "modern radio" as she calls it. In 2020 Shanna launched the Israel Daily News Podcast which has become her main daily work. Shanna is also a community organizer who runs high quality events to help new immigrants in Tel Aviv connect to change-makers in Israeli society as well create a deep sense of community and connection for all who attend.

Nicole Zisman, Associate

Nicole Zisman is an artist and designer working across fashion, sculpture, print, and moving images to address fractured identity and assimilation within physical and digital culture. Analysis of her multiple identities (especially her Venezuelan Jewishness and her manufactured digital persona) is consistently woven into Zisman's work. As well as having her own eponymous label, Zisman is a fashion lecturer at Central Saint Martins, and a collaborator with Feminist Internet and Centre for Sustainable Fashion. Her work has been discussed and featured in the likes of Dazed, LOVE Magazine, SHOWstudio, The Face, Vogue Italia, Teen Vogue, Tatler, King Kong Garçon, Schon! Magazine, Culted and ODDA. In October 2019, she presented her first solo exhibition, יהי רצון / So Let It Be Your Will. In February 2020, she presented at London Fashion Week for the first time, as part of the Positive Fashion Exhibition at 180 the Strand. Recent successes include her first award of funding from Arts Council England for her exhibition, בטחון — Tranquila, Mami, which opened at Ein Sof Gallery, London in April 2022.

Margot Touitou, Associate

Margot Touitou is a Jewish content creator and podcast host, currently residing in Tel Aviv, Israel. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she moved to Israel in 2012 and has since fallen in love with the city and its vibrant lifestyle. Margot is passionate about empowering Jewish people through her work, using humor and frank discussions to share her experiences with life in Israel. She is the host of the popular Kiss and Tel Aviv Podcast, where she explores the city's culture and shares her unique perspective with her audience.

Gina Schulman, Associate

Gina Schulman is a founder and entrepreneur passionate about innovative giving and directing resources for good. Experienced executive at the intersection of pop culture and social change. For nearly two decades, I worked as an entertainment publicist with every major entertainment press outlet in all mediums such as TV, Print, Online and syndicated radio. Leveraging my vast network of people "holding microphones", I saw the opportunity within my skill set and experience, to develop partnerships and campaigns with a music industry non-profit called PLUS1. Here, I helped fundraise and raise attention to urgent causes and needs of communities distributing nearly 20M dollars through national tours. A global pandemic led me to found Tzeda, Inc -a subscription based, recommendation giving model aimed to give more people access to strategic giving, while prioritizing BIPOC, local and grassroots organizations.

Aliza J. Sokolow

Aliza J. Sokolow is a pri­vate chef, food styl­ist, and pho­tog­ra­ph­er for both dig­i­tal and print. She attended the Uni­ver­si­ty of Cal­i­for­nia Berke­ley and got her start in the culi­nary world work­ing for Jamie Oliv­er’s Food Rev­o­lu­tion project. Her work has won an Emmy, earned two Emmy nom­i­na­tions, and a James Beard lit­er­ary award. Her pho­tog­ra­phy can be seen in The New York Times, Archi­tec­tur­al Digest, Bon Appetit, The Wall Street Jour­nal, and Los Ange­les Times. Aliza loves to give back to the com­mu­ni­ty and has traveled all over the world to do so.
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