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Healing Space
We aim to provide collective, community healing for a shared trauma, offering professional and social support that opens up the ability for every individual to heal, thrive, and dance again.
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Segev Ben Shalom brings a strong and varied background of working with at-risk youth in various sectors of Israeli society, implementing community organization and building from the ground up, and working closely with Israeli soldiers in need of emotional and mental health intervention, guidance, and treatment. Segev received his BA in sociology from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, studied community social work at the University of Pennsylvania, and earned his MA in social work from Bar Ilan University.
In 1995, shortly before completing his officer training course for an elite IDF Golani unit, Segev suffered a serious hand injury. His three-year recovery required a series of operations and extensive physical and occupational therapy. As a result, Segev was exempt from future army service. When Segev was born, the State of Israel was just twenty-five years old. The grandchild of immigrants from Yemen, Morocco, and Iraq, Segev grew up in Jerusalem where he attended Netiv Meir High School, was a leader in the Bnai Akiva youth movement, and lived and breathed the Zionist values of building the Jewish homeland in Israel. Segev was not about to accept exemption from army service. As such, Segev became a kaban, and did his reserve service as an IDF mental health officer. In the aftermath of October 7th, Segev was attached to units suddenly fighting in Gaza. Segev has extensive experience in the area of Acute Distress Disorder and has pioneered the development of a step-by-step process for addressing the needs of soldiers in real time, on the battlefield.
In addition to his trauma and mental health work with Israeli soldiers, Segev has extensive experience in implementing community projects assisting some of the most vulnerable sectors of Israeli society. Pardes Chana-Karkur is home to a large Ethiopian community that has faced enormous absorption and integration challenges. From 2014-2018, Segev served as the Director of a multi-pronged initiative to address the pressing needs of the Ethiopian community. His responsibilities included recruitment, training, and oversight of social work teams; developing, implementing, and overseeing intervention and engagement programs, community rehab, and more. Segev has also worked extensively in the Druze community, and has been a lead member of numerous community and school-based programs specifically addressing the needs of underachieving and at-risk youth.
“I know what it means to work within a community where future prospects seem bleak for the youth, and I know from experience how the implementation of the right support systems can enable people to heal their inner chaos, and take charge of their futures. In the shadow of Oct. 7th, many are projecting a bleak future for countless young Israelis with a coming shift from us being a resilient Start-Up Nation to a deeply wounded Down Turn Nation. I refuse to buy those predictions. I’ve seen the power of the human spirit and the remarkable Israeli spirit reclaim itself time and time again. David’s Circle, I believe, will be part of the next chapter in the Jewish nation’s story of not just surviving, but thriving in the face of immense adversity.”
Prof. Rachel Lev-Wiesel is a researcher, author, and clinical expert specializing in the study of trauma, child abuse, sexual abuse, and their psychological effects.
On these issues, she published about 200 scientific papers, chapters, and seven books. She founded the Creative Arts Therapies school and the Emili Sagol Center for CAT, University of Haifa.
At present, she is the Head of the Social Work Clinical Body and Mind track at Tel Hai University on the Rise, and co-founder of the Emili Sagol Center for Innovation and Well-being & the International Program of Expressive Art Therapy at Chulalongkorn University at BKK Thailand.
“It became clear to me that for these people, and that includes survivors from the devastated communities in the south and many, many soldiers as well, the date on the calendar still reads October 7th. Today in Israel you can’t escape Oct. 7th. From the people you meet at a party, at a Shabbat dinner with friends, or a random conversation on a bus, to the daily news about another desperate hostage family or another fallen soldier and another bereaved wife and children, to the moment you happen to hear a song that drags you back to Nova, Israel has become one giant landscape of triggers. People simply MUST get out. To India, Europe, Thailand, wherever. The problem is, their trauma goes with them, they find themselves alone and lost in a pain they simply can’t explain to others, drugs are readily available, self-medication is virtually inevitable, and they are at profound risk of spiraling down in the worst ways imaginable …”
Yael Shoshani-Rom is a highly regarded therapist, lecturer at Haifa University, and mentor-coach to numerous community social workers in a wide variety of settings. She earned her BA in Philosophy and Humanities at Tel Aviv University, and MA in social work at Haifa University. Yael has almost two decades of experience working with at-risk youth, street addicts, and sexual abuse victims. In addition to a private practice in Afula, since 2019 she has served in a senior guidance position overseeing the social work staff at Machol, a center for young women at risk. Yael’s passion lies in synthesizing traditional approaches to healing with alternative modalities including yoga, art and sound therapy, and meditation and journaling, among others. Though she was not at the Nova festival, Yael is a music and dance enthusiast and has attended festivals. She feels a particular affinity to Nova survivors, has a personal understanding of the accepting, non-judgmental, joyous festival culture, and since October 7th has immersed herself in working with Nova survivors and their families in the context of the Safe Heart coalition and Adama Tova.
“It became clear to me that for these people, and that includes survivors from the devastated communities in the south and many, many soldiers as well, the date on the calendar still reads October 7th. Today in Israel you can’t escape Oct. 7th. From the people you meet at a party, at a Shabbat dinner with friends, or a random conversation on a bus, to the daily news about another desperate hostage family or another fallen soldier and another bereaved wife and children, to the moment you happen to hear a song that drags you back to Nova, Israel has become one giant landscape of triggers. People simply MUST get out. To India, Europe, Thailand, wherever. The problem is, their trauma goes with them, they find themselves alone and lost in a pain they simply can’t explain to others, drugs are readily available, self-medication is virtually inevitable, and they are at profound risk of spiraling down in the worst ways imaginable …”
Kate Koraia, MBA, CPA, is a distinguished professional known for her remarkable contributions to the finance and nonprofit sectors. Originally from Georgia, she immigrated to New York in 2007 for her MBA. For over a decade, she has collaborated with various nonprofit organizations, streamlining financial ecosystems using cutting-edge technology. She empowers nonprofit leaders to maximize impact, a driving force behind improving the world. She is a financial expert, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and angel investor in value-driven organizations. She embodies innovation, compassion, and commitment, forging new paths in a world that often settles for less. Recognized by Marquis Who's Who in America, Kate's journey inspires us to redefine boundaries and unlock human potential.
Kate holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Post-Graduate Executive Program in Entrepreneurship and Leadership from Harvard Business School (HBS), an Executive Program in Digital Transformation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Project Management Professional designation from New York University (NYU), and is a Certified Public Accountant.
"I felt an inexplicable connection to David through shared photographs and poignant videos from their past, even though we had never met. I was deeply touched by David's friends' incredible humility and heroism. Driven by this newfound bond and inspired by their unwavering commitment, I wholeheartedly support their cause. I am dedicated to utilizing every resource at my disposal to amplify the mission of SSL and contribute to what could become the most significant impact in the annals of human history.”
Kate Koraia, MBA, CPA, is a distinguished professional known for her remarkable contributions to the finance and nonprofit sectors. Originally from Georgia, she immigrated to New York in 2007 for her MBA. For over a decade, she has collaborated with various nonprofit organizations, streamlining financial ecosystems using cutting-edge technology. She empowers nonprofit leaders to maximize impact, a driving force behind improving the world. She is a financial expert, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and angel investor in value-driven organizations. She embodies innovation, compassion, and commitment, forging new paths in a world that often settles for less. Recognized by Marquis Who's Who in America, Kate's journey inspires us to redefine boundaries and unlock human potential.
Kate holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Post-Graduate Executive Program in Entrepreneurship and Leadership from Harvard Business School (HBS), an Executive Program in Digital Transformation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Project Management Professional designation from New York University (NYU), and is a Certified Public Accountant.
"I felt an inexplicable connection to David through shared photographs and poignant videos from their past, even though we had never met. I was deeply touched by David's friends' incredible humility and heroism. Driven by this newfound bond and inspired by their unwavering commitment, I wholeheartedly support their cause. I am dedicated to utilizing every resource at my disposal to amplify the mission of SSL and contribute to what could become the most significant impact in the annals of human history.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, David made Aliyah to Israel with his family in 2012, where he studied at YTA High School and met lifelong friend David Newman. A former software development Team Leader in the Israel Defense Forces, David transitioned to the private sector, bringing his technical expertise to various leadership roles. Now serving as CFO and Vice President at Let's Do Something, David leverages his extensive experience in technology and finance to drive the organization’s strategic goals.
"When I close my eyes I imagine David as he was. Laughing, dancing, cooking, eating, living. David inspired us all. He was giant. In every sense of that word. A larger than life figure who constantly worked out to enlarge his figure. My journey began Friday night October 6th, the last time I saw David. He came home with Noam to get ready for the Nova Festival and I , as any good friend would, made fun of his shirt. Only 24 hours later that same shirt is what helped us to identify David's body. That day changed everything for me. Today Let's Do Something stands for something that I know David would be proud of and I work every day to make sure it stays that way."
Gidon’s parents met at Princeton University and made Aliyah in 1994. Gidon met David Newman while playing American Football, and quickly became best friends. Gidon is a valedictorian in Mathematics at Hebrew University, spent a year in America working in the field of Probability and Game Theory, and, before October 7th, was teaching calculus at Hebrew University.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margrat Mead
Baruch’s family made Aliyah in 2012. For Baruch, adjustment to life in Israel took about a decade. Baruch attended YTA high school with David Newman, after which they became roommates and best friends. Prior to David’s death, Baruch worked as the Director of Bioinformatics for Gift of Life. On Friday October 6th, David borrowed Baruch’s car to drive to the Nova Music Festival near Gaza. That was the last time Baruch saw David alive. Baruch’s life changed the day David’s ended.
“In many ways, David raised me. We played football together, loved cooking together, and traveled in Mexico together. We searched for meaning in life together and talked about everything imaginable together. LDS was taking all that amazing energy that David had and all the pain from October 7th and turning it into action”
Baruch’s family made Aliyah in 2012. For Baruch, adjustment to life in Israel took about a decade. Baruch attended YTA high school with David Newman, after which they became roommates and best friends. Prior to David’s death, Baruch worked as the Director of Bioinformatics for Gift of Life. On Friday October 6th, David borrowed Baruch’s car to drive to the Nova Music Festival near Gaza. That was the last time Baruch saw David alive. Baruch’s life changed the day David’s ended.
“In many ways, David raised me. We played football together, loved cooking together, and traveled in Mexico together. We searched for meaning in life together and talked about everything imaginable together. LDS was taking all that amazing energy that David had and all the pain from October 7th and turning it into action”
Ike moved to Israel in 2009. David and Ike grew up together as high school classmates and football teammates– a defensive end and outside linebacker duo. After serving in the Israeli Air Force on Nevatim air base as an F35 Engine Mechanic, Ike married and now lives with his wife in Hadar Yosef, Tel Aviv. He put his work as a drone mechanic at Aeronautics on hold to commit to David’s memory and namesake via the operations at Soldiers Save Lives.
"I joined LDS to ensure the greatness taken from the world with David's murder was restored and to be a part of the building of the Jewish peoples future in health, safety and shalom"
Ike moved to Israel in 2009. David and Ike grew up together as high school classmates and football teammates– a defensive end and outside linebacker duo. After serving in the Israeli Air Force on Nevatim air base as an F35 Engine Mechanic, Ike married and now lives with his wife in Hadar Yosef, Tel Aviv. He put his work as a drone mechanic at Aeronautics on hold to commit to David’s memory and namesake via the operations at Soldiers Save Lives.
"I joined LDS to ensure the greatness taken from the world with David's murder was restored and to be a part of the building of the Jewish peoples future in health, safety and shalom"
Matt Priest is the President & CEO of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), the largest and most effective footwear association in the United States. In this role, Matt serves as the executive in charge of FDRA’s day-to-day operations ensuring the association meets and exceeds its goal to be the footwear industry’s business and trade association. He also directs the operations of the vitally important Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY), directing four interactive footwear markets in New York throughout the year. Before joining FDRA in February 2009, Matt served as Senior Advisor to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles and Apparel at the U.S. Department of Commerce. As deputy assistant secretary, he oversaw programs and strategies to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the U.S. footwear, fiber, textiles, and apparel industries. Matt was also Chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), which determines when market-disrupting factors exist in the domestic fiber, textiles and apparel marketplace. Previously, Matt served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Import Administration at the Commerce Department, where he advised the assistant secretary on textile and trade issues. Prior to his appointment, Matt was Legislative Director for Representative Sue Myrick of North Carolina, where he was an advisor in the areas of textiles, trade, and economic development.In addition to his role as President and CEO of FDRA, Matt is a member of the Board of Directors at the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF) and Soles4Souls. He also serves on the Industry Advisory Board at the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Matt has also served as an Executive in Residence at the College of Textiles and often guest lectures at the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. He is also an honorary member of the Footwear Youth Leadership Group of the Taiwan Footwear Manufacturers Association. Matt earned his BA in political science from North Carolina State University. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Northern Virginia.
"Israel is the land where my faith was born many millennia ago. As one of the resident Gentiles at Let’s Do Something, I have a strong and enduring love for the people of Israel and their right to freely live in peace. After the horrific attrocities of October 7, 2023, I was able to harness the compassionate power of the American footwear industry, delivering over 65,000 pairs of shoes to people impacted by the attacks. As the conflict continues and Israel’s security is continuously threatened, Let’s Do Something is allowing me to humbly serve in ways I could have never imagined and I thank God for that.”
Jennifer (Jen) Diaz is the President and Founder of Diaz Trade Law. Jen is a Board-Certified International Attorney specializing in customs and international trade. Since 2006, Jen has counseled businesses of all sizes on complex customs issues and has a strong record of success in mitigating federal administrative enforcement actions. Jen has been recognized by Chambers Global and USA, “Super Lawyers” as a Top International Attorney, has an AV rating of “Superb,” and is considered a leading expert in International Trade Law by the Florida Bar. Jen founded Diaz Trade Law in 2016. The firm boasts a multilingual team of experts and has rapidly become one of the nation’s leading Customs and International Trade law firms.
Beyond her legal practice, Jen is a champion of organizations within her industry and served as President of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT International) as well as OWIT South Florida. A frequent media commentator, Jen is a nationally recognized thought leader and has authored book chapters for The Florida Bar and the American Bar Association, numerous Bloomberg Law articles, and other leading publications. Jen is the Editor of the Customs & International Trade Law blog recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as being an important part of the legal historical record. Jen resides in Miami, Florida, with her two children and husband.
"As a Jewish woman, Israel is my homeland and holds a huge chunk of my heart. The horrific attack on Israel by Hamas, a terrorist organization that brutally murdered 1,200 Jews on October 7, 2023 shattered me. Feeling powerless and devastated, I knew I had to do something but was uncertain of what I could do to make an impact. My volunteer mission to Israel in December, 60 days into the war—my fifth trip—wasn't enough. I relentlessly searched for organizations that profoundly support the army and people of Israel, and I found my calling with Let's Do Something. This extraordinary organization, driven by 20-year-olds whose passion could fill a state, makes an immense impact by providing necessities to the army and people of Israel while educating the world about the atrocities of October 7. If you are seeking to champion a cause that genuinely strengthens the state of Israel, look no further."
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