Leadership

Metuka Benjamin, Founder & CEO

Metuka Benjamin has dedicated her life to educating Jewish youth, distinguishing herself as one of the most innovative Jewish leaders of her time with influence spanning from Los Angeles to Israel. She established and built one of the largest Jewish school systems in America, the Stephen Wise schools and the Milken Community School. Upon completing her position, she saw a serious and urgent need to create the Connect Israel program.

She has received numerous awards for her leadership as an educator including the Milken Family Foundation Educators Award and Teacher of the Year Award by the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education. She, along with renowned businessman and philanthropist Charles Bronfman, became the first Jews in the Diaspora honored by the Israeli government for their impact through Jewish and Israel education upon a new generation. They were invited to light the torch in Jerusalem at the annual official Israel Independence Day celebration.

In addition to these honors, Metuka has 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. She is also an active advocate and fundraiser for a number of Israeli causes, including the Israeli Air Force, Shevach Mofet School, Atidim, Ayalim, and the education system of the city of Ariel.

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.