Meet Our Kol Ami Team
Gabi began his career as an instructor in the IBC Youth Program for Australian teens. He is a co-founder of Kol Ami, and is responsible for the IDF's preparatory programs for new immigrants and overseas volunteers (Mahal). He is a lecturer of Bible Leadership in Kol Ami and other Mechinot. He has a BA in political science and communications from Bar-Ilan University and served in the IDF as an infantry. He is a graduate of the religious kibbutz yeshiva in Maale Gilboa.
Ady has spent over 15 years in informal education. He started with Kol Ami as a campus director for Kiryat Yearim, and now serves as our educational director. Ady has a Bachelor's degree in economics, philosophy, political science, and is completing a master's degree in pluralistic Jewish education. He enjoys his work within Jewish Peoplehood, and getting to know Diaspora Jewry - a perspective that is often lost within Israeli society.
Avital studied criminology, sociology, and anthropology. She runs logistics for all of our Mechinot branches. Avital is responsible for visas, health insurance, payments as well as overall organization of programming and events, and relationships with our families. Avital currently lives in Kochav Hashachar and spends a lot of her time in Jerusalem at our main office.
Maya has been working for Kol Ami since 2017, and has enjoyed being part of the process of bringing Jewish teens from all around the world to Israel. Maya has a BA in Human Services & Psychology from the University of Delaware and is currently working towards her Masters in Organizational Behavior & Development at Reichman University in Herzliya. Maya holds strong connections to our participants from abroad, and our recruitment committees in our various campuses around Israel.
Elkana was born and raised in Jerusalem to parents who grew up in America. After completing his army service, he obtained an undergraduate degree in Social work and a graduate degree in diplomacy. An educator at heart, he began his career as a tour guide, sharing his passion for Israel with travelers of all ages and backgrounds. After spending five years on the road, Elkana took on the new challenges, directing the IBC gap year program and leading new business venture.
Meir holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Tel Aviv University and lives in Harish with his family. He graduated from a decade of permanent combat military service but still serves as a major in the reserves.He believes that mechinot have power to spread positive influences within our next generation of Jewish leaders. Meir faces every day with a desire to improve and learn and believes in people's ability to create change.
Rami is a father, husband and resides with his family in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem. Through his studies at Hebrew University, Yeshivat Kedem & kollel Tifereth Yisrael, as well as his work with Bnei Akiva, Nirim foundation, and the Ramah Camping Movement he has crossed paths with Jewish thought leaders of all shapes and sizes. Over the past 8 years he has been doing his best to breach the gap between the different denominations, and bring Am Yisrael closer together through Torah.
Kayla is the director of Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim. She knows the field of Jewish community intimately, as a long-time immigrant who came to Israel in her high school years, and as a graduate of a bachelor's degree in philosophy and Israeli thought at the Shalem Academic Center. She is a graduate of the first year of the Hanton Preparatory School, and served as an officer in the Education and Youth Corps. After her service, Kayla worked at Barma Israel and the Afikim Association.
Hila, 32, is a an educator and musician. She gained her bachelors at the Jerusalem Academy and her Master’s in Amsterdam. While living abroad, Hila was the director of Tzofei Zabar (Israeli scouts) of Netherlands for four successful years. In her past Hila served as young emissary at the Jewish community in Worcester, Massachusets as part of “shnat sherut” program of the Jewish Agency. During her studies she worked and volunteered at different youth organizations such as “Chut Hameshulash”.
Mogs Asenkau has a bachelor's degree in social work, and graduated from the Mandel program for social leadership in the north of Israel. He immigrated to Israel at the age of 15 from Ethiopia, and is dedicated to helping other Olim Chadashim make their way to Israel. This passion has led him to become Director of our Beit Rimon campus that brings together Israelis and Olim Chadashim.
