Avi Kaner
Israel, USA
Israel, USA
Avi Kaner is an owner of the Morton Williams Supermarket chain and co-founder of Samawal Foundations, an advisory firm focused on Middle East opportunities.While at Deloitte & Touche Consulting, he focused on corporate reorganizations. Later at Booz Allen & Hamilton, he specialized in the global financial services industry across multiple continents. Avi was a leader on the financial services component of the Presidential Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection (PCCIP) under President Clinton,.and has held a number of elected positions.Philanthropic activities span across multiple organizations including Innovation Africa, bringing clean water to millions of people using solar-powered water wells.Avi holds a bio-engineering degree and MBA in Finance from Columbia University.
Saoud Saqer
UAE
UAE
Engineer. Saoud Saqer, a highly professional public diplomacy strategist, has utmost understanding of the common denominators of both countries (UAE and Israel) to develop strategies to overcome our similar challenges in climate change, radicalism, extremism, agriculture, and technology. working and supporting the Israeli pavilion in ExpoDubai2020 , leading youth panels on people-to- people connection, engaging with various Jewish federations from the United States and last, but certainly not least, consulting for various NGOs regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mazen Jarallah
Palestine
Palestine
Mazen Jarallah is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and extensive experience across multiple roles in the corporate world. With a passion for product management, business development, and brand management, Mazen’s career has been marked by his dedication to driving growth and innovation in the electronics and telecommunications sectors. Mazen currently serves as a Product Manager at Sbitany Company in Palestine, where he oversees the electronics division with a focus on TV and SDA (Small Domestic Appliances). His strategic vision and market insights contribute significantly to the company’s product portfolio and growth. Prior to his role at Sbitany Company, Mazen held a key position as Business Development Manager at Samsung Levent Company in Palestine. Here, he played a pivotal role in expanding Samsung’s market presence, forging strategic partnerships, and driving business development initiatives. Mazen’s career journey has included a diverse range of roles, including Program Manager at the Small Enterprise Center, where he worked on initiatives supporting small businesses. He also gained valuable experience as a Sales Account Manager at BCI and in business development at Jawwal, a prominent telecommunications company in Palestine. Mazen’s professional journey reflects his commitment to delivering value, building successful partnerships, and driving business growth in various roles and industries. With his extensive background, he continues to be a valuable asset in the corporate world, contributing his expertise to shape and lead companies towards success In addition to his corporate experience, Mazen Jarallah is also an entrepreneur at heart. He ventured into the world of entrepreneurship by launching his own business—an exclusive maternity clothing shop in Palestine, based in the vibrant city of Ramallah. With a strong vision and a passion for providing expectant mothers with stylish and comfortable maternity wear, Mazen’s venture quickly gained recognition and support. His entrepreneurial journey, coupled with his extensive corporate experience, adds a unique dimension to Mazen’s professional background, showcasing his versatility, resilience, and determination in the face of diverse challenges and opportunities.
Einat Levi
Israel
Israel
Following the renewal of official ties between the countries, Einat joined the founding team of the Israeli Mission to Morocco on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing economic and academic affairs. Einat’s journey to Morocco began in 2012, driven by nostalgia and a wish to understand Moroccan identity. She was among the first in Israel to lead delegations and study tours to Morocco, focusing on political, economic, and social issues. Since then, Morocco has become both her present reality and a potential future.Einat’s professional journey reflects a profound commitment to building bridges in the MENA region and between Israelis and Palestinians through diverse engagements, including research, policy-making, and grassroots activism. She previously served as an advisor to Esawi Frej, Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation, on relations with Morocco. Her experience includes working at ECF, the NGO that initiated the Oslo process in the 90s, and assisting the “Bereaved Families Forum for Peace and Reconciliation” as part of a research team on the concept of reconciliation in collaboration with “The Truman Institute for Peace Studies.” She is an active member of ROPES, the Regional Organization for Peace, Economics, and Security, and an alumna of the Geneva Peace Initiative political course for public-policy influencers . Einat holds a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and International Relations and an M.A. in Research, Management, and Conflict Resolution, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is also a graduate of the Mandel Program for Leadership in Jewish Culture and ISEF, the Israel Scholarship Educational Foundation.
Ahmad Obaid AlMansoori
UAE
UAE
Ahmed Obaid AlMansoori served as a government advisor, consultant & director with over 25 years of experience in leadership, and strategic planning and implementation. AlMansoori led several organizations and was board members of numerous institutions and high-level committees. His achievements include numerous accolades, including Certificate of Appreciation from the Secretary General of GCC and Certificate of Merit from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. He provided advice to world leaders, governmental bodies, and private enterprises, with insights in diplomacy, management, geopolitics, and international relations. His contributions have significantly advanced the narratives of positive coexistence, multiculturalism, dialog and tolerance globally, particularly in the cultural and political context of the UAE. In his public service, and as an appointed member of the UAE Federal National Council, he chaired the Islamic and Endowments Affairs and Public Facilities Committee which was focused on infrastructure including telecommunication, ports, marines, and housing. Additionally, he was part of the team focused on shaping the UAE Vision 2021, dealing with critical issues such as advanced science & technology, food security, telecommunications, environmental protection, and pension systems. He also served in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)’s Economic and Sustainable Development Committee focusing on UN SGDs. His involvement extended to major committees like the National Committee of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Licensing Committee for Contractors and Licensing Committee for Engineering Consultants. In his former role as Director General & Vice Chairman of the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), now the Mohammad bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), he was the main force in its establishment. He developed the platform for knowhow and applied R&D in the UAE for advanced technology, space, science, and energy. He set quality standards for specifications, design, manufacturing, and innovation, ensuring holistic development and delivery of cutting-edge technology. Under his management, UAE’s first Emirati-built satellites, DubaiSat-1 & DubaiSat-2 were successfully launched, laying a solid foundation for the country’s growing Space Program. As the Founder, owner, and president of Dubai Studies Research & Media Centre (Bhuth), AlMansoori transformed the organization into a leading strategic and research firm, garnering global recognition.
Dr. Alaa Abu Rukun
Israel
Israel
Alaa served for 30 years in the Israeli Defense and Public Service.
His last public position was as the Defense Advisor to the President of Israel. He also served as a diplomat in the Israeli Embassy in Beijing. He is now working in the private Sector (Senior Manager in Deloitte) as well as a lecturer in the Academia.
Alaa got his Ph.D. in Middle East studies from Bar Ilan University.
Hayvi Bouzo
Syria
Syria
Hayvi Bouzo is a highly respected American broadcast journalist born and raised in Damascus, Syria. With a history of critically acclaimed TV and radio shows, she has made a significant impact in her field. Hayvi is the co-founder and host of the Yalla show and Yalla productions, providing a platform for positive and inspirational voices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). She has also served as a bureau chief for Orient News in Washington DC and hosted “The Axis” show, where she interviewed high profile guests, which was viewed by millions worldwide. Her insightful reporting and dynamic style have earned her numerous recognitions and accolades for her achievements. Hayvi’s mixed background has influenced her passion for giving a voice to marginalized communities. In her work she focuses on promoting positive values and people to people’s peace and coexistence in the MENA region.
Loui Haj
Israel
Israel
Loui Haj is a distinguished COO with nearly three decades of experience in Operations, Real Estate, and Facilities. Exceptionally adept at Mergers & Acquisitions, Loui has been instrumental in propelling high-tech startups to success. His significant contributions include ventures with tech giants like NetApp and Apple; he has collaborated on expansive EMEA R&D projects for over 16 years. Additionally, Loui played a pivotal role in establishing state-of-the-art production facilities in Eastern Europe. Beyond his professional achievements, Loui’s passion for the arts shines through his active involvement in theater and jazz festivals. He champions urban development and is keenly invested in innovative cross-cultural initiatives, underlining his dedication to fostering harmony between Jewish and Arab communities. A proud graduate of the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Loui’s mission is to bridge cultural divides and encourage collaboration in diverse environments.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Ubaydli
Bahrain
Bahrain
Mohammad is founder and CEO of Patients Know Best. He trained as a physician at the University of Cambridge; worked as a staff scientist at the National Institutes of Health; and was a management consultant to US hospitals at The Advisory Board Company. Mohammad is the author of seven books, including Personal health records: A guide for clinicians and Streamlining Hospital-Patient Communication: Developing High Impact Patient Portals. In 2012, he was elected an Ashoka Fellow as a social entrepreneur for the contributions he has made to patient care.
Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed
Palestine, Israel
Palestine, Israel
Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed is the Executive Director of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. A recognized leader in renewable energy technology and regional cooperation, he launched and led the Institute’s Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation and served as the Institute’s Academic Director. One of the leaders of Israeli President Herzog’s Climate Forum, co-chairing the task force on Regional Cooperation and Security, he is the recipient of the 2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science’s David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy.
Named one of “48 Israelis shaping Israel and the world, today and into the future” by Israel 21c in April 2023, Dr. Abu Hamed first joined the Arava Institute in 2008, when he established the Arava Institute’s Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation. He left the Institute in 2013 to become the Israeli Ministry of Science’s Deputy Chief Scientist, and later the Acting Chief Scientist, the highest ranking Palestinian in the Israeli government at that time. He returned to the Arava Institute in 2016. Today, he is recognized as a leader in regional environmental diplomacy and a sought-after speaker at international convenings including most recently the United Nations COP28.
Dr. Abu Hamed holds a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Gazi University (Turkey), and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Ankara University (Turkey). He has completed two terms of postdoctoral research, one at the Environmental Science and Energy Research Department of the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel), and the second at the University of Minnesota’s Mechanical Engineering Department Solar Energy Lab. He also holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Hebrew University.