Leadership
President & Founder
Metuka Benjamin
Metuka Benjamin has dedicated her life to educating Jewish youth, distinguishing herself as one of the most innovative Jewish leaders of her time. Upon completing her position in establishing one of the largest Jewish school systems in America, the Stephen Wise schools and the Milken Community School, she saw a serious and urgent need to create the Connect Israel program.
Metuka’s passion for educating the next generation of Jews has earned her countless leadership and educator awards, including the Milken Family Foundation Educators Award and Teacher of the Year Award by the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education. Metuka has also been honored by the Israeli government, served as the international president of the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Israel and currently sits on the UCLA Nazarian Center for Israel Studies Advisory Board.
Metuka is a graduate of Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, holding MA degrees in education from both institutions. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the American Jewish University.
Director of Growth Operations
Edon Cohanim
Born in Los Angeles, Edon Cohanim and his family made Aliyah to Israel at a young age. He served as a Sergeant First Class in the Israeli Air Force, where he received recognition for exemplary service.
After his military service, Edon returned to Los Angeles and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UCLA. He continued his education at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Public Policy with a specialization in statistical methods.
In addition to his work with Connect Israel, Edon co-founded a retained executive search practice focused on connecting Israeli technology companies with American executives. This venture directly ties into Connect's mission of fostering connections through business, innovation, and shared values.
A Message From Our Founder
Since our inaugural trip, our fellows have already been making a huge impact on our global Jewish community. Not even a pandemic could stop them.
We’re only just getting started! Even with our fellows fronting a portion of the cost for their experience, your contribution can help us bridge the gap in a new, disruptive way between our two nations – and beyond.
Whether it’s engaging and connecting American Jews with their Israeli counterparts, preparing our fellows as the next generation of leaders and contributors to the Jewish world, or expanding and widening the personal, human relationships across industries and borders, our plans to “connect” Israel are as bold as the times demand right now.
- Metuka Benjamin
Metuka Benjamin meeting with Israeli ambassador to the Emirates.