“I loved the Amitim mentoring program so much that I want to do another one. How blessed I was to have wonderful partners in Michael Weil of Amitim and Tammy Halamish-Eisen at Aluma an important agency looking to expanding participation in Israeli higher education.”
“It’s important for me to say that as a participant in the program, I really enjoy what it offers. Our connection with Doris Jacobson is simply wonderful, and the meetings are already bearing initial fruit on the issue of stabilizing the board of directors and other matters. Thank you for what you do!”
“I am proud to be a part of Amitim. It is an amazing partnership of experienced Jewish communal professionals and Israeli colleagues leading new startup NGO’s providing important programs and services throughout Israel. The beauty of Amitim is our cooperative and collaborative approach designed to help our Israeli colleagues achieve success while fulfilling an equally important way for me and my North American colleagues to continue to serve Israel and Amcha! Kol HaKavod to Michael Weil for his genius, determination and commitment helping to establish and guide Amitim.”
“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible opportunity to participate in the prestigious Peer Mentoring Program. As the CEO of One in Nine, being selected for this program was both an honor and a privilege, and I deeply appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness that went into the matching process. My mentor has been nothing short of extraordinary—she is exactly what I needed, and our sessions have been invaluable. The guidance, insights, and support I receive through this program exceed my expectations, helping me grow both professionally and personally. It truly feels like the perfect match, and I am immensely grateful for this experience. Thank you for creating such a meaningful and impactful program. It is a transformative journey, and I look forward to carrying these lessons forward.”
“Through the AMITIM program, I have the privilege of mentoring Obayda Abu Asbeh, the CEO of Sanad, a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering social entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable development in Israel’s Arab society. Our recent virtual sessions have been thought-provoking and inspiring, reinforcing the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. Sanad’s work in leadership development and social impact aligns deeply with the values of AMITIM—building bridges, amplifying voices, and strengthening communities. Our conversations have centered on strategy, leadership challenges, and opportunities for growth, and I am continually impressed by Obayda’s vision and dedication. This mentorship is not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about learning from each other and co-creating solutions that make a lasting impact. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue this journey with Obayda and the broader AMITIM community.”
“I’m not in sync with the politics in Israel right now, but that doesn’t change my unabating love and concern for the Israeli population and society. So, it has helped me reconnect. I’ve told everybody that I’ve gained as much or more from Ohad than he has gained from me.”
“Pitchon-Lev is a most impressive, sophisticated Israeli NGO where I am privileged to serve as their pro bono, strategic advisor. They are respectful of my time. Their actions reflect that they can integrate and benefit from the expertise I provide. I am most fortunate as an American Jewish communal professional to be value-added to such a relevant Israeli organization that is devoted to breaking the cycle of poverty in Israel. Their role is even more relevant now as the result of the internal devastation by the war.”
“As the new CEO of an Israeli organization amid a war with its myriad challenges, I encountered the Amitim project. This mentoring program equipped me with invaluable tools and perspectives that enabled me to navigate the complexities and repercussions of that turbulent period. This was made possible by the professionalism and dedication of a mentor renowned for their extensive experience in the field.”
“I was fortunate to join the Amitim Program and to have Paul as my mentor. Despite having over ten years of experience in the nonprofit world, I have learned so much in a short period of time. What amazes me is that two Jewish individuals, located in different parts of the world but sharing the same DNA, can come together to do good for Israel.”
“The connection to Steven is very significant on a professional level for me as CEO and for the House of Wheels association. Meetings with an experienced professional in management using American methods create a very effective work practice in Israel. Seeing the organizational structure as the key to success has created and continues to create a very positive process in the House of Wheels association.”
“In the first meeting, I was asked how my organization is helping the State of Israel get out of the current situation and rehabilitate. I am not used to such questions, I know how to explain what my organization does and why its work is so important and helps 50,000 young men and women in Israel, but I have never thought about our place and role in Zoom Out as an organization whose work is an essential part of the rehabilitation process of the State of Israel. I changed the organizational perception – instead of focusing on ‘what we are doing now, we moved on to talking about ‘what we are doing today so that in 2030 the State of Israel will be a good and worthy place to live.’”
It is intended to expand Amitim to include more former Federation CEOs and also senior professionals from other communal organizations in North America and Europe and widen our reach in Israel and other vulnerable communities (such as in South America and Eastern Europe) in order to make a positive impact on Jewish communal life globally.
Also, under consideration is bringing all the mentors and mentees together for an in person symposium at some time in the future.
In March 2025, Amitim joined Global Jewry as one of its signature programs. Amitim will benefit from Global Jewry’s extensive global network, organizational infrastructure, and marketing resources while Amitim will enrich the efforts of Global Jewry with an important new dimension—bridging connections within the Jewish organizational ecosystem in a practical and impactful way.
Founding Director
