Benny Biton Chairman of the Board of Youth Futures and Mayor of Dimona
Benny Biton has served as Chair of the Board of Youth Futures since 2021 and has led the organization to significant successes and growth in complex and challenging times in Israeli society. Benny Biton has served as Mayor of Dimona since 2013. During his tenure, he has led strategic development initiatives in Dimona and the Eastern Negev, including the advancement of large-scale projects in construction, education, and infrastructure, significant investment in the municipal education system, and the promotion of major tourism and economic development projects. Under his leadership, economic development agreements have been signed with government entities, municipal revenues have increased, and he has worked to expand the local employment base and advance a long-term vision for demographic and economic growth.In addition, Biton serves as Vice Chair of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel and as Chair of the Forum of Development Towns in Israel, playing a key role in leading national initiatives to improve public services. As Chair of the Board of Youth Futures, he brings extensive leadership and managerial experience, a deep understanding of the challenges facing Israel’s periphery, and a strong ability to connect local government, national authorities, and civil society in advancing the organization’s mission.
Moshe Yarden Entrepreneur , CEO and Owner of Medisims LTD Board Member and Chair of the Finance Committee
Moshe Yarden serves as Chairman of a company specializing in the development manufacturing, and marketing of medical diagnostic equipment operating in international markets. In his role, he leads a profitable and well-established company and brings extensive experience in managing complex systems, business development, global marketing, and leading collaborations with organizations in Israel and abroad. Moshe has a broad engineering and managerial background, including leadership of multidisciplinary R&D projects, patent registration, establishment of manufacturing operations in Israel and overseas, and management of regulatory and technological interfaces. He holds an Executive MBA (EMBA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering with honors. In recent years, Moshe has been engaged in social initiatives aimed at strengthening Israel’s peripheral regions. Within Youth Futures, he serves as Chair of the Finance Committee, contributing his professional expertise to the development of strategic processes and to strengthening the organization’s financial management.
Dafna Kiro Cohen , Director of the Israel Administration, The Jewish Agency
Dafna kiro cohen is a senior public sector executive with extensive experience leading complex public organizations, driving strategic management, and advancing large-scale development initiatives. She currently serves as Director of the Israel Administration at The Jewish Agency for Israel. Previously, she served as Director General (CEO) of the Ness Ziona Municipality, where she led the municipality’s operations across urban development, resident services, education, welfare, innovation, and digital transformation, while overseeing significant budgets and managing hundreds of employees. Dafna brings a broad professional and executive background that includes leading organizational change, developing long-term strategies, managing complex projects, collaborating with government ministries, and overseeing regulatory and development initiatives. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), both with distinction, combining extensive expertise in public administration, legal affairs, and organizational leadership. Alongside her executive career, Dafna is committed to promoting innovation, excellence, and high-quality public service. Throughout her career, she has led pioneering initiatives in urban development, environmental sustainability, and resident-centered services, earning professional recognition and numerous achievements for her contributions to innovation, human capital management, and the advancement of local government in Israel.
Riki August Cohen, Director of Financial Operations Israel, Finance Unit, Jewish Agency Board Member and Member of the Finance Comittee
Riki August Cohen currently serves as Director of Financial Operations in Israel within the Finance Unit of the Jewish Agency. Over the years, she has accumulated extensive managerial experience in the public sector and in the field of philanthropy, including training and supervising teams, developing field programs, and leading significant social and economic projects. Riki is also active on additional boards of directors, including Nativ – the National Center for Identity and Conversion, Olamit, Idod Bank , and Daroma Ltd., and is a member of the steering and founding committee of the Bedouin youth village “Neve Midbar” in Nitzana. Riki holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), specializing in Finance and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy (MPA). Her broad, multidisciplinary education, alongside professional training programs, enables her to contribute to the board with a deep strategic, managerial, and financial perspective.
Ilanit Gerblich-Kalir, Vice President International Operations at the Jewish Federation of cleveland Board Member
Ilanit Gerblich-Klair serves as Vice President of External Affairs and Managing Director of the Department of International Operations at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland where she oversees all of the Federation’s programs in Israel and Russia. a Prior to her current role, she served as Co-Executive Director of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps, where she played a significant role in doubling the organization’s scope of activity, increasing its revenues, and strengthening its public presence. Additional roles she has held include Acting Executive Director of the New Israel Fund and Director of International Relations at the World Union of Progressive Judaism, alongside experience in public diplomacy and working with governmental institutions. Ilanit holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree Comparative Politics. As a member of the Board of Youth Futures, she brings extensive international experience in systems management, partnership development, and leadership of philanthropic organization.
Tzipa Carmon, CEO TC Exports LTD Board Member and Member of the Finance Committee
Tzipa is an entrepreneur and leader in marketing, manufacturing, and international trade. She is the founder and owner of TC Exports Ltd., a company specializing in the production and export of consumer goods to international markets, and has worked for many years to promote Israeli companies on the global stage, with a particular focus on the DIY sector. Over the course of its operations, the company has achieved cumulative exports exceeding a billion dollars and has received multiple export awards. Tzipa serves as a director on the boards of public and government-owned companies and has long been involved in philanthropic and social initiatives. Among other roles, she has served as Chair of Knafayim Shel Krembo, as a member of the Presidency of Adi Negev, and as a board member and President of the IWF. She currently serves on the boards of Bishvil HaMachar and the Batsheva Dance Company. Tzipa holds an MBA and is a graduate of executive leadership programs in Israel and abroad. She brings to the board of Youth Futures broad business, social, and mangerial experience.
Shelly Saban- CEO of the Jewish Agency Pension Management Fund
Shelly Saban serves as CEO of the Jewish Agency Pension Management Fund and is responsible for managing assets totaling approximately 4 billion NIS, including real estate and financial assets. Previously, she served as Chief Financial Officer of the Jewish Agency Pension Fund and held senior management positions in the Capital Markets, Insurance, and Savings Division of Israel’s Ministry of Finance, where she contributed to shaping policy and regulation in the pension and insurance sectors. Shelly has extensive experience in managing complex financial systems, corporate governance, supervision, and investments, and regularly participates in audit, budget, and investment committees. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Relations, and is a graduate of an executive leadership program. Her professional experience brings deep economic, strategic, and managerial insight to the board of Youth Futures.
Lee Gat, Vice President of Strategy, Communications, and Government Relations at Sheba Medical Center
Lee Gat serves as Vice President of Strategy, Government Relations, Public Affairs, and Sustainability at Sheba Medical Center, where she leads large-scale strategic processes at the intersection of the healthcare system, government, and the public. In her role, she is responsible for shaping organizational strategy, managing regulatory and government relations, overseeing spokesperson and communications activities, leading public crisis management, and developing sustainability programs. Lee brings over two decades of professional experience in strategy, public communications, and government relations in the public and general sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Conflict Research, Management, and Resolution, and contributes her strategic and public-sector expertise to the board of Youth Futures.
Rafi Heumann, Deputy Director European Division, Keren Hayesod
Rafi Heumann serves as Deputy Director of the Europe Region at Keren Hayesod, the national institution responsible for fundraising to reduce social disparities and strengthen Israeli society. Rafi is responsible for resource development and the leadership of international projects across various European countries. He is a lawyer by profession, with extensive experience in the public sector, public diplomacy, and international philanthropy. Rafi served for six years as a Keren Hayesod emissary in Germany, where he managed the Germany and Austria campaigns and led collaborations with Jewish communities and institutional partners. Previously, he served as a parliamentary advisor in the Knesset and took part in leading legislative processes and committee work. His combined experience in public service and international engagement contributes significantly to the work of the board of Youth Futures.
Mofid Marai is a retired Colonel (Res.) in the Israel Defense Forces and a Member of the Board of Governors of The Jewish Agency for Israel.
Mofid Marai is a public leader and retired Colonel (Res.) in the Israel Defense Forces, with extensive experience in military command, leading complex organizations, and advancing strategic initiatives across the public, security, and municipal sectors. Throughout his career, he held a number of senior command positions in the IDF, served as a Member of the Knesset, and later assumed senior public service roles, including Head of the Hurfeish Local Council and Chairman of the Forum of Druze and Circassian Local Authorities in Israel. Mofid has a broad background in security and executive leadership, including overseeing audit and oversight systems, managing national projects, advancing strategic planning and development processes, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and National Security, a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies, and is a graduate of the National Security College. Alongside his professional career, Mofid has been deeply committed to public service and community development. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Tel-Hai Practical Engineering College, sits on the boards of several public organizations and non-profit associations, lectures on leadership and society, and leads initiatives that strengthen partnerships between communities, promote local government development, and advance long-term social initiatives.
Miriam Peretz – Israel Prize Laureate, Educator, and Public Speaker
Mrs. Miriam Peretz is an educator, social leader, and public speaker with decades of experience in educational leadership, public administration, and community service. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of senior leadership positions within Israel’s Ministry of Education, including District Supervisor in the Society and Youth Administration and Principal of educational institutions, leading nationwide educational, values-based, and organizational initiatives with broad impact. Miriam has a strong academic and leadership background. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Jewish History and Hebrew Literature, and a Teaching Certificate, in addition to advanced training in leadership, management, marketing, and public relations. Her professional experience includes leading teams and complex organizations, developing educational leadership, mentoring school leaders, and driving transformational change within the public sector. Alongside her professional career, Miriam has dedicated many years to volunteer work and public service in Israel and around the world. She speaks to diverse audiences on resilience, mutual responsibility, Jewish identity, and the spirit of Israeli society. She also serves as a member of Israel’s Council for Higher Education (CHE) and President of the World Zionist Jewish Youth Congress. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to Israeli society and the State of Israel, Miriam has received numerous awards and honors, foremost among them the Israel Prize, awarded for her outstanding contribution to strengthening the Jewish and Israeli spirit.