About us

"A verdadeira liderança é capacitar pessoas boas a realizar grandes feitos."

Uri Poliavich
Co-fundador
Who We Are

Our why

In today's world, it is essential to nurture a strong sense of Jewish identity in our children. After all, today's children are tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.

The Yael Foundation is a philanthropic fund driven by the conviction that all Jewish children, irrespective of their geographic location 
or community size, should have access to 
high-quality Jewish and general education.

Strengthening Jewish Education

The Yael Foundation closely collaborates with educators and community leaders worldwide

We create educational opportunities that are both accessible, and tailored to their unique landscape
By empowering schools and programs with resources to enhance their Jewish and academic standards, they emerge as the preferred choice for Jewish families.

Nossos Valores de Orientação

Nossos valores de orientação servem como bússola para cada ação e decisão que tomamos.

Engajamento adaptativo

Nós priorizamos a flexibilidade para atender às necessidades específicas de cada escola e comunidade, investindo em programas de diversos locais, tamanhos, culturas e demografias.

Construção de relacionamento

Nós mantemos comunicação contínua com os beneficiários, demonstrando interesse em seus trabalhos e cultivando uma comunidade global de líderes com ideias semelhantes por meio de relacionamentos duradouros.

Melhoria
contínua

Nós impulsionamos a excelência e o crescimento das escolas, oferecendo diversos programas e bolsas que as desafiam a evoluir e servir melhor as comunidades, enriquecendo as oportunidades para crianças judias em todo o mundo.

Uri e Yael
Poliavich
são líderes empresariais e filantropos.

Co Fundador

Uri Poliavich

yael foundation
Co Fundadora

Yael Poliavich

Uri e Yael Poliavich fundaram a Fundação Yael com a missão de garantir acesso igualitário à educação de alta qualidade para todas as crianças judias, independentemente da sua localização ou tamanho da comunidade. Sob seus auspícios, a Fundação Yael alcançou um sucesso notável, nutrindo dezenas de comunidades em todo o mundo em apenas alguns anos.

A jornada notável de Uri de uma origem modesta para se tornar o Fundador e CEO da Soft2Bet destaca sua dedicação em alavancar o sucesso empresarial para impacto filantrópico. Sob a liderança de Uri e Yael, a Soft2Bet evoluiu para uma potência global, operando em 12 países com mais de 600 funcionários.

Juntos, Uri e Yael combinam suas experiências e visões compartilhadas para impulsionar a missão da Fundação Yael, fornecendo educação judaica excelente e criando oportunidades para que todas as crianças judias prosperem.

A Equipe da Yael

Diretora Executiva

Chaya Yosovich

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Executive Director

Chaya Yosovich

Chaya é uma consultora estratégica com bacharelado em Psicologia que atuou como consultora sênior do Ministro das Finanças em Israel e administrou uma rede de escolas judaicas na antiga União Soviética. Ela é uma empreendedora e ativista social, envolvida em projetos governamentais e filantrópicos em Israel e na Diáspora.

Diretora Adjunta

Naomi Kovitz

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COO

Naomi Kovitz

Naomi tem mais de duas décadas de experiência em liderança sem fins lucrativos, direcionando projetos de alto impacto em 11 países e unindo diversos grupos por meio de soluções inteligentes e estratégicas. Ela possui bacharelado em Administração de Empresas e mestrado em Relações entre Judeus americanos e Israel.

CFO

Mordechai Katsevman

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CFO

Mordechai Katsevman

Mordechai is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in both the United States and Israel. A graduate of the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College (CUNY), New York, he has led complex financial operations, audits, and strategic planning for nonprofit and corporate entities. Combining technical expertise with cross-border financial insight, Mordechai is dedicated to leveraging his professional skills to strengthen and give back to the global Jewish community through his work at the Yael Foundation.

Head of HR

Danit Feldstern

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Head of HR

Danit Feldstern

Danit is a seasoned professional with over 16 years of experience across the nonprofit and private sectors. With a background in social work, she brings a deep understanding of people, community dynamics, and organizational development to her work, combining empathy with strategic vision to drive meaningful social impact.

Head of Grants

Bilana Shakhar

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Head of Grants

Bilana Shakhar

Bilana joined the Yael Foundation in 2025 as Head of Grants, bringing over two decades of leadership experience in education and community development. Before joining the Foundation, she led the Jewish Agency Delegation to the Former Soviet Union, advancing large-scale educational initiatives and partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide. A former officer in the IDF Education and Youth Corps, she completed her service with the rank of Major. Bilana is driven by a deep belief in the power of education to strengthen Jewish identity and connection to Israel.

Logistics Manager

Betzalel Sulay

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Logistics Manager

Betzalel Sulay

Betzalel has many years of experience in community development, particularly within European Jewish communities. He played a significant role in the largest Jewish community in Ukraine, coordinating visits with politicians and oligarchs. Additionally, Betzalel has a background in the import and export industry.

Head of Events

Eliya Kelaty

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Head of Events

Eliya Kelaty

With seven years in camp programming, Eliya has led campers and staff on numerous international trips, overseeing recruitment, training, program development, and logistics. A skilled organizer and mentor, he collaborates with program directors to deliver dynamic, impactful experiences that leave a lasting impression on every child.

Legal Manager

Benjamin Lankin

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Legal Manager

Benjamin Lankin

Benjy is a corporate and nonprofit lawyer with expertise in venture finance, M&A, and strategic operations. Before joining the Yael Foundation, he practiced at Arnon, Tadmor-Levy, advising startups, investors, and mission-driven organizations on complex transactions and governance. He holds an LL.M. from Cardozo School of Law, and LL.B. and B.A. degrees in Business Administration from the College of Law and Business. Benjy is admitted to practice law in Israel and serves as a sergeant in the IDF Golani reserves, including active duty during the Iron Swords War.

Finance Manager

Galit Podryez

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Finance Manager

Galit Podryez

Before joining the Yael Foundation, Galit served as Senior Manager at the Jewish Community of Kiev and the Jewish Community Workers Institute in Kiev. She holds an MA in Philosophy and Political Studies from International Solomon's University and is a graduate of the international program for teachers at Or Haya Institute in Jerusalem.

Partnerships Manager

Yael Shukrun Zalta

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Partnerships Manager

Yael Shukrun Zalta

Yael has extensive experience in Israeli advocacy through various organizations and delegations worldwide, as well as in public sector project management. In her previous role at the Bet Shemesh municipality, she led the establishment of a new neighborhood, overseeing infrastructure, marketing, and public institution creation. Now, over 1,000 families live there. Yael holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Ben-Gurion University and a Master's degree in Law from Bar-Ilan University.

Content & Program Manager

Ariella Goldstein

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Content & Program Manager

Ariella Goldstein

Ariella Goldstein is an accomplished educational leader with a decade of experience in schools, camps, and community organizations. Her roles as Assistant Principal, Camp Director, and Program Director highlight her strength in building teams and elevating program quality. She brings strategic vision, warmth, and a child-centered approach to every initiative.

Systems Administrator

David Schenkler

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Systems Administrator

David Schenkler

David brings a decade of experience driving clarity and impact across global projects, youth education, and nonprofit leadership. With a background spanning 26 languages and roles in both community and business development, he blends operational insight with mission-driven focus. As a monday.com Ambassador, he supports the Yael Foundation’s innovative educational vision through effective project management and collaboration.

Regional Manager

Peter Kats

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Regional Manager

Peter Kats

Peter holds a B.Ed. in Physical Education with a specialization in Early Childhood. Prior to his current role, he managed programs for new immigrants and lone soldiers at Garin Tzabar, and worked as a professional and social counselor for new immigrant students at the Israel Student Authority. Peter has experience in informal education, counseling, and managing training camps and delegations worldwide with the Jewish Agency.

Regional Manager

Nathalie Blau

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Regional Manager

Nathalie Blau

Nathalie worked as a freelance journalist before serving as the chief editor of the French edition of the Jerusalem Post for 10 years. She joined Yad Vashem in 2018, coordinating French content for the website, social media, and French Desk of International Relations, and later headed the Sales Department for publications. Nathalie holds a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences.

Senior Grants Manager, PRIME Projects

Goldie Sternbuch

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Senior Grants Manager, PRIME Projects

Goldie Sternbuch

Goldie brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit management and strategic philanthropy. Originally from Belgium, she made aliyah nearly three decades ago and lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with her family. Before joining the Yael Foundation, Goldie founded and led innovative social enterprises that empowered vulnerable communities and promoted sustainable growth within Israeli society. At the Foundation, she heads PRIME, its global platform for school transformation—advancing educational quality, leadership development, and infrastructure in Jewish schools worldwide.

Grants Manager

Hodaya Nechemia

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Grants Manager

Hodaya Nechemia

Hodaya brings nearly 15 years of experience working with Jewish communities, particularly in Latin America, where she managed educational initiatives and developed programs focused on Jewish identity and educational tourism to Israel. She has extensive expertise in assessing and selecting candidates for Jewish Agency emissary roles, matching candidates to the needs of communities worldwide. Hodaya holds a BA in Political Science.

Grants Manager

Jackie Rosenwald

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Grants Manager

Jackie Rosenwald

With five years of experience working with global communities, including as a shaliach for Torah MiTzion in Germany, Jackie has served on the Executive Committee of the Zionist General Council and worked as a personal assistant at the World Zionist Organization. He also brings expertise in marketing and advertising, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, and Communication.

Grants Manager

Elisheva Aarons

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Grants Manager

Elisheva Aarons

Elisheva brings nearly a decade of experience in digital marketing and social media strategy to the Yael Foundation. She has a proven track record of building and engaging online audiences in the millions for leading tech companies and organizations. Notably, she has played a significant role in major Israel advocacy social media campaigns such as the #ShameonBenandJerry's campaign and the #SHAMnesty campaign addressing Amnesty International’s anti-Israel bias.

Grants Manager

Tehila Magenheim

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Grants Manager

Tehila Magenheim

Tehila has 15 years of global experience developing Jewish identity and Israel-engagement programs with The Jewish Agency, Jewish Journey, and Birthright. A certified tour guide with a B.A. in Social Work, she specializes in educational tourism and experiential learning. She is committed to fostering meaningful, lasting Jewish connections.

Grants Manager

Shmuel Alloul

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Grants Manager

Shmuel Alloul

Shmuel brings over eight years of Jewish community leadership across Europe. A Bnei Akiva alumnus, he spent eight years leading Birthright programs and two years as Deputy Director of the Jewish Agency in France. He is dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity and engagement throughout European communities.

Grants Manager

Eva Benkin

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Grants Manager

Eva Benkin

Eva brings over a decade of experience working with Jewish communities in France and across Europe. At Masa and the Jewish Agency, she managed scholarship programs and guided candidates through the grant process, fostering educational and professional engagement with Israel. She is passionate about building cross-cultural connections and holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism.