ATZUM was established in 2002 to remedy injustices in Israel society, and to encourage individuals to become social activists and agents of change. The organization was founded on the belief that Israel should serve as an example for the rest of the world by confronting and rectifying social injustices. ATZUM strives to build an Israel protective of its democratic checks and balances and of its most vulnerable minorities and denizens– a State that “wrestled with God and human and prevailed, Medinat Yisrael. Since ATZUM’s founding, its work has allowed countless individuals and families to live with greater dignity, economic security, and personal well-being.
By drastically reducing administrative and general overhead costs, ATZUM ensures that every dollar donated significantly benefits social action in Israel.
Methods employed to reduce costs include:
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Personal Information
“Personal Information” is information that identifies you personally, such as your name, address, telephone number, and email address. We collect and store the personally identifiable information that you have provided us when you contact us via phone or email; if you register as a volunteer or request services; and/or if you make a donation. We will not sell, trade, or share your personal information, collected on the website or through any other business activities with anyone else. We will not send you mailings on behalf of other organizations. We will collect payment information, billing address and other information necessary to process a donation. Online donations are processed through Root Funding, and we do not store donors’ credit card data. We may use your information to comply with the law and tax reporting, and/or to protect against potential fraud. You have the right to review information that we have collected about you. To review that information, please contact us by mail or email.
Director of Israel Programs for The Jewish Theological Seminary of America and co-founder of Kol Ha-Ot, a Jerusalem-based endeavor devoted to exploring the synthesis of the arts with Jewish learning.
Susi works in high-tech and is a founding, prominent member of Girl Friends of IDF fallen soldiers. Married to Dave, they are raising their four children in Jerusalem.
Retired psychologist, Sharett Institute of Oncology-Hadassah Medical Center, Ein Kerem
Founding Executive Director, ATZUM
Faculty, Yad Vashem
Jewish Educator
Founder and Executive Director of Yahel Israel Service Learning, an educational organization offering immersive service learning and social action programs in Israel.
Levi Lauer
Levi Lauer is Founding Executive Director of ATZUM. His professional background includes Hillel Director at the University of Missouri; 18 years as Executive Director of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies; Dean of the Brandeis-Bardin Camp Institute; and Director of Rabbinic Enrichment at the Shalom Hartman Institute. A pioneer educator and social activist, Levi’s concern for making social justice a priority of Jewish devotion led him to found ATZUM in 2002 to address glaring injustices and bring assistance to Israelis disadvantaged by inadequate access to public and private protection. Levi is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and has lived in Israel since 1976. He served for 11 years in a reserve combat artillery unit of the IDF. His wife, Chaya, who co-founded ATZUM, died in January, 2021.
Moria Rodal Silfen
Moria Silfen, Director of ATUM’s Task Force on Human Trafficking (TFHT), heads the project’s mission to eradicate human trafficking and prostitution in Israel. She has a background in media, government, positions in the Knesset and government, alongside a 15-year commitment to advocating for gender equality and supporting women survivors of violence. She is a member of the board of the Women’s Lobby in Israel, and previously served on the board of the Rape Victim Assistance Center in Jerusalem. She has a Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and International Relations.
Noa Rodman
Noa Rodman is ATZUM’s Rehabilitation and Anti-Trafficking Coordinator. She coordinates the efforts of the TFHT in preventing and dealing with sex trafficking in israel. She maintains close contact with direct aid organizations in the field and creates pilot programs to address major gaps as well as policy work on a large scale.
Olga Shimansky
Olga Shimansky is Director of the ATZILAH Project. She is a graduate of the Mandel Social Leadership Program for Northern Israel and a member of the Board of Directors of “Lo Omdot Mineged,” which assists prostituted women.
Shiri Cohen
Shiri Cohen is ATZUM’s Spokesperson and New Media Manager. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Film from Sapir College, where she was Chair of the Feminist Collective.
Elana Ben Haim
Elana Ben Haim is ATZUM’s Grants Manager, overseeing resource development, grants, and donor management. She has expertise in strategic planning and organizational development and in fundraising for NGO’s focused on women’s rights, refugees, and the arts.
Ori Keidar
Attorney and mediator, Ori is senior partner in the law firm Nevo-Keidar-Blum, specializing in litigation, civil-commercial law and administrative-governmental law. In 2006, he was voted one of the 50 most influential people in Israel education in recognition of his efforts on behalf of alternative education and the educational rights of lesser abled children. He has also served as Chair of the Legislation and Civil Rights Committees of the Israel Bar Association and is pro bono Co-Founder/Chair of the Task Force on Human Trafficking and Prostitution. He is considered Israel’s leading authority on gender equality and safeguarding in sport, adviser to Israel’s Ministry of Education and Olympic Committee in those matters. He completed his military service in the Israel Air Force and resides in Mevaseret Zion with his wife, Dafna, and four children.
Osnat Hitron
Osnat Hitron is ATZUM’s Government Liaison Director. She leads policy work to prevent consumption of prostitution and to better the lives of prostituted populations. She maintains direct contact with both political and professional key figures, and creates pilot programs to promote long-term change.
Phyllis Nutkis
Phyllis Nutkis is ATZUM’s volunteer U.S. office representative, handling donations, donor relations, and other correspondence. She recently retired from her work in fundraising and marketing for a nonprofit social service agency which serves low-income Jews in Chicago.
In Tribute: Ellen Singer
We also pay tribute to ELLEN SINGER, Director of ATZUM’s U.S. Office for 11 years. Ellen died in June 2013, but her contribution to ATZUM and her commitment to making the world a better place will endure forever.
