Highlights of the résumés of the members of the NPO – Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee (in alphabetical order):
*Chair of the General Assembly – Mr. Kalman Kaufman
Mr. Kalman Kaufman has been a member of the NPO since 2007.
He is chair of Invisa and Medasense Biometrics Ltd. He is also a director of Tower Semiconductors and Jordan Valley Semiconductors, and founded a large number of startup companies in the electronics field. In the past he served as vice world president of Applied Materials. He is chair of the Israeli Institute of Innovative Science and Technology Policy, and other NPOs designed to promote education in Israel.
*Chairman of the Board of Directors – Major-General (Retired) Gideon Sheffer
Major-General (Ret.) Gideon Sheffer has vast experience in management positions in various fields and has served as Chairman of the Board at Kinneret Academic College since 2020. He joined Elbit Systems, Ltd., in 2001 where he serves as Corporate Vice President for Strategic Planning. Following a career in the Air Force which included serving as its Chief of Staff, and then as Chief of Human Resources for the General Staff of the IDF, Sheffer was a member of the founding team of the Israel National Security Council. After serving as its Deputy Director, under Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Sheffer served as head of the Council. He is active in promoting peace issues in the region and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of a number of corporations and organizations.
Sheffer was born in Poland in 1948 and made Aliyah in 1950. He is married, the father of four children and grandfather of nine grandchildren. Sheffer holds a bachelor’s degree (with distinction) in Israel Studies from Bar Ilan University and graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University (1993).
Mr. Amsalem Yaakov
Has been a member of the NPO since 2020
Mr. Avimor Hagai
Has been a member of the NPO since 2023. Served a distinguished career in the security establishment, holding senior operational and managerial positions for many years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tel Aviv University, a Master’s degree in National Security from Haifa University, and an MBA from Ono Academic College.
An active partner in various business initiatives both in Israel and abroad, he is also a board member of a technology company and the chairman of the executive committee of the Ben Gurion House in Tel Aviv. Dedicated to promoting and improving the integration of Israeli Arabs into society, he lectures extensively on this subject and participates in multiple social organizations.
Prof. Alon-Shalev Stavit
Has been a member of the NPO since 2020.
An expert on genetics and pediatrics, and the director of the Genetic Institute of Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel. Is a clinical professor in the Rapaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, the Tennenbaum Chair for Preventive Medicine and Head of the Genetic Counseling Program in the Faculty of Medicine. Her main areas of research focuses on discovery of genetic causes and mechanisms of diseases and syndromes with an emphasis on communities who intermarry, policy label and the development of genetic counseling services in the community, especially for the Arab population living in the North of the country.
Ms. Aliza Barkai
Ms. Barkai is chairperson of the Kinneret College finance committee, and has been a member of the NPO since 2017. She is a member of Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov Ihud, and serves as business manager of Kibbutz Beit-Zera; a director of Sde-Eliyahu Holdings; Blog Plastics; Degania B tourism; and member of Kishurit NPOs.
Mr. Ben Shalom Uzi
Has been a member of the NPO since 2011.
He currently serves as director and council member of a number of public bodies in the Jordan Valley, including the Medical Research Foundation of the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, and the Jordan Valley Religious Council, and was general secretary of the United Kibbutz Movement collective head office. He is a former Dean of Students of Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee.
Mr. Bilzovski Yoram
Has been a member of the NPO since 2018.
Previously the Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Investment Center, Director of the Manufacturers Association. An alumni of the College Land of Israel Studies Department. He currently serves as Chairman and Director in social conscious organizations.
Mr. Bitner Yisrael
Has been a member of the NPO since 2011.
He currently serves as finance director of Kibbutz Degania A. He is a past treasurer and CFO of a number of organizations, as well as serving as general secretary of Kibbutz Degania A, and CEO of Jordan Valley kibbutzim.
Prof. Caro Yair
Has been a member of the NPO since 2020.
He is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Haifa – Oranim. Served as Dean of the University Division at the University of Haifa and in the Senate between 1994-1997. Previously served as President of Oranim Academic College of Education between 1997-2013. Has served on numerous Council of Higher Education and the Ministry of Education committees. Actively engaged in field research for combinatorics and with over 150 scientific publications on the topic. Member of Kibbutz Geva.
Mr. Cohen Omer
Has been a member of the NPO since 2018.
Director of Senior living ” Bayit Bakfar Khof Kineret” Israel’s leading senior living chain. Previously served in the Jordan Valley Regional Council as Director of Tourism and Business Development. He holds a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Haifa.
Mr. Cohen Yoel
Has been a member of the NPO since 2013.
He is director of the ATID – Reinforcing State Religious School Public Education program, and of the Herut Foundation. Mr. Cohen has a master’s degree in Judaism from the Lander Institute and serves as chairman of a number of bodies, on a voluntary basis, including the Beet Shean Academy for Deepening Jewish Identity, Havruta, Zehut, etc. He lives in Bet Shean.
Adv. Cohen Shemi
Has been a member of the NPO since 2012.
He is currently director general of the Galilee Development Authority. He served as a career soldier in the IDF for many years and was discharged with the rank of colonel. His positions included head of the Megiddo internment facility, commander of the Northern Command Military Police unit, and commanding officer of Training Camp 13. His last position with the IDF was as commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit. He has a master’s degree from the University of Haifa in national security and political science, and is a graduate of the Israel National Defense College. He was born in Bet Shean.
Prof. Dror Yuval
Has been a member of the NPO since 2011.
He is a professor in the Education Administration and Policy Department of the Tel Aviv University. He serves as head of the Master’s degree specialization program in democratic education, is responsible for the Chair of Jewish Education, and edits the inter-university educational history publication Dor Le’Dor (Generation to Generation). He is a member and the chair of various CHE committees, and a member of the community expansion program at Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin in the Bet Shean Valley.
Mr. Greenbaum Idan
Member of the NPO since 2016.
Mr. Greenbaum is a resident of Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov Ihud, and has been head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council since 2016. He has a first degree in Business Administration (from the College of Management) and a second degree with distinction in Political Science (from Tel Aviv University). In the past, he has served as senior editor and presenter of economic issues in many media outlets: TV, internet, printed press, etc.
Mr. Haruv Yehezkel
Has been a member of the NPO since 2019
CEO & Business operations Executive; experienced working in emerging and established global companies.Experienced in leading business operations in competitive markets, while increasing revenue.Business leadership and strategic sales & operational capabilities with full P&L responsibilities.Proven track record in clients & distributers relations management, leading negotiations & signing agreements.Entrepreneur, presentable, Initiative, service and goal-oriented, with excellent interpersonal communication.
Mr. Helman Shimon
Has been a member of the NPO since 2011.
He is chairman of the council of Kibbutz Afikim (general chairman and community head). In the past he has served as manager of Kol HaKinneret radio station for the IBA, spokesman of the United Kibbutz Movement, and for many years was general secretary of Kibbutz Afikim.
Ms. Khawaly Rasha
A member of the NPO since 2024
Prof. Kaddish Alon
Has been a member of the NPO since 2008.
He is a professor of history at the Hebrew University, with a PhD from Oxford University. He also currently serves as head of the IDF History Department. He established and managed various IDF academic programs.
Brigadier-General (res.) Kanor Zvi
Has been a member of the NPO since 2020.
He is an Air Force Brigadier-General (res.) and after retirement, has ran nine high-tech organizations in the field of marketing and tourism and the Tel-Aviv Yafo Development foundation. An entrepreneur of the Tama 38 project and today is an entrepreneur in the field of Agriculture in Azerbaijan. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Bar-Ilan University.
Adv. Kiryati Binyamin
Was a member of the Management Committee and the General Assembly of Kinneret College in the years 2003-2012, and is currently a member of the General Assembly. Colonel (res.) Kiryati served as a combat navigator in the Israeli Air Force. He was mayor of Tiberias during the years 1998-2003. Has been and is on the board many bodies including the Friends of Poriya Hospital Association, the Air Force House, and others. Established and heads the Children of Israel Foundation. He has first and second degrees in Law (from Tel Aviv University in collaboration with Berkeley University), and has a law firm and an investment company.
Mr. Lev Michael (Miki)– CEO of Kinneret Academic College
Dr. Lev Sari
Has been a member of the NPO since 2018.
Agronomist and PhD in Plant Genetics (from the Hebrew University), specializing in mapping of genetic markers of quality and quantity features – ripening control and gene expression. Dr. Lev is joint-CEO and R&D director of Green Fingers Ltd. – an agricultural consulting firm specializing in groves – subtropical, citrus, deciduous and berries; field crops; and greenhouse crops. He is CEO of a fruit tree – avocado, papaya, and blueberries – nursery owned by Green Fingers. Dr. Lev is an expert in fruit care, and serves as a consultant to packing houses and artificial ripening rooms. Chairman and CEO of Kibbutz Kinneret agriculture.
Prof. Lin Shai
Has been a member of the NPO since 2008.
He is a professor at the University of Haifa and also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health. He founded and headed the School of Public Health in 2003-7. He is head of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit of Rambam Medical Center. He serves on a number of professional and academic committees in the medical field, both in Israel and abroad.
Dr. Lotan Tamar
Has been a member of the NPO since 2008.
Her research concentrates on the molecular and cellular development and evolution of the stinging systems (corals, sea anemones, jellyfish, and more) at a molecular and cellular level. As a founding member of the Department of Marine Biology at the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, she was the Head of Department 2018 to 2022. Prior to joining the University of Haifa, she founded and managed biotechnology start-ups focused on harnessing marine biological systems for human benefit.
Mr. Magadla Jamal – Student
Dr. Mendels Leah
Has been a member of the NPO since 2018. Dr. Mendels currently works as a research associate at Kinneret Academic College. A member of the Board of Directors at “Yadid LaChinuch”. Editor-in-Chief in the journal “Media Frames”. Until 2018, she was the Head of Communication Department at Kinneret Academic College and a founders of the Communication Department at Sapir Academic College. A member of international research groups on peace journalism and public diplomacy, researcher, member of international research organizations and publishes articles.
Dr. Menashe Ofir
A member of the NPO since 2022.
A Senior Lecturer Faculty member, in the Department of Water Industry Engineering and Head of Agro-Tech Engineering study track, in the Faculty of Engineering, at Kinneret Academic College. An environmental microbiologist specializing in biological process engineering for water and wastewater treatment and Director of Environmental Biotechnology Research Laboratory.
Dr. Menashe serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Board Member BioCastle Water Technologies Ltd. and Fishways Ltd. Previously (2012 to 2021) served as head of Water Technology Engineers Program at The Kinneret Technology College.
Lt. Col. Netzer Amit
A member of the NPO since 2021, Lt. Col. Netzer is currently the Director of the Northern Region and a member of the management team for the Zionist Settlement Division. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Kinneret College of Technology and “Mervahit.”
He is a member of several committees appointed by the Registrar of Associations and has previously served as the chairman of the appointed committees for the Tzabon Association and the Mitzpe Ilan Association. Additionally, he volunteers for an association dedicated to the welfare of IDF soldiers.
Netzer is also a leader of the “Carbonator Struggle,” a public campaign to close coal plants and stop air pollution in the Wadi Ara area.
He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Ben Gurion University.
Adv. Niv Merav
Has been a member of the NPO since 2011.
She is an advocate and notary who specializes in cooperative societies, and she is also chair of the community at Kibbutz Gesher. She is a member of a number of committees and regional boards of directors including a local planning and construction committee, and is chair of the environmental committee and the plenum of the Valley of Springs Regional Council.
Mr. Rosolio Ido
A member of the NPO since 2023.
Mrs. Shachor Ahuva
Has been a member of the NPO since 2011.
She managed the Tiberias-Tzefat branch of the National Insurance Institute of Israel. She has filled a number of key managerial positions during her 30 years at the National Insurance Institute. She also worked at the national headquarters of the Police-officers Investigations Unit of the Israeli Police. She has a master’s degree in social work from Bar Ilan University specializing in administration and the community. She lives in Shadmot Devora on the Lower Galilee.
Mr. Shaked Israel
A member of the NPO since 2019.
CEO and owner of Tolgal Degania Diamonds Industry Ltd. as well as of Success Financial Shaked Consultants Ltd. Engaged in financial consulting and providing innovative financing solutions for businesses. Previously, a lecturer in economics at various academic institutions, including author of a textbook on microeconomics.
Prof. Shitzer Avraham – President of Kinneret Academic College
Dr. Yehudai Noam
Has been a member of the NPO since 2024
Dr. Noam Yehudai is the Director of the North Medical Center (Poria).
He is a graduate of the Hebrew University and Hadassah Faculty of Medicine, a management specialist; he has a master’s degree (MHA) in healthcare system administration and an MBA degree in business administration.
Additionally, Dr. Yehudai is a graduate of the Inbar Program, a management leadership track of the Ministry of Health and the Maoz Organization. In his last military role, he served as the Head of the ENT Medicine Division in the IDF Medical Corps.
Dr. Yehudai is also a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University in Safed.
Mr. Zehavi Ronni
A member of the NPO since 2021. Mr. Zehavi is an accomplished aeronautical engineer and former test pilot in the Air Force. A serial entrepreneur and inventor in technology and education, he was among the founders and managed Cyberspark, the cyber ecosystem in Be’er Sheva. He also founded and served as chairman of Global EPIC, an international community of innovation and research centers in the field of cyber. Currently, he is the CEO of Rontli Ltd and a member of the executive committee of the Music Center in Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem, and cellist enthusiast.
Ms. Zoran Michal
Has been a member of the NPO since 2020.
She is Head of International Activity Division in the Kibbutz Industry Association. Serves in executive management positions in industry and in various committee’s in the public sector and in associations. She engages in encouraging collaboration between industry, academia and entrepreneurial communities throughout Israel and international development organizations, to develop and strengthen regional growth. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and a Bacherlor’s Degree in geology and chemistry and is a guest lecturer at the University of Haifa and the Technion- Institute of Technology on sustainable development and innovation.