Responsive Menu
Add more content here...

Our Story

Our Story

Gesher was founded on the principles of responsibility, respect, and Jewish unity.

In 1970, Rabbi Danny Tropper ran the first Gesher seminar in Kfar Etzion for students from secular and national religious schools.

Gesher instills a sense of Jewish unity that embraces the vibrancy, diversity, and shared heritage of the Jewish people. For 50 years, we have worked to create and strengthen the bonds between the different sectors of the Jewish people through innovative educational methods. Today, Gesher has grown to become a leading change agent in Israel whose work and impact can be seen throughout Israeli society.

 

Impact

We're building the foundation for a future generation of leaders

In an era where internal divisions threaten to tear us apart, the nurtures and trains Israeli leaders to forge connections and unity between different sectors of the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora.

Gesher creates a new level of civil leadership in Israel, allowing Israeli disparate views and ideologies to come together and find common ground. By bringing together a representation of Israeli society, including politics/government, religious life, the military, and the media, Gesher addresses  Israel’s pressing social issues and builds connections both inside Israel and among Jews worldwide.

Impact

Leadership

Team

Ilan Geal-Dor <br> Executive Director<br/> 
Ilan Geal-Dor
Executive Director
 
JJ Sussman <br> International Director<br/> 
JJ Sussman
International Director
 
Shira Sherez Zik <br/>Director of Gesher <br/>Leadership Institute
Shira Sherez Zik
Director of Gesher
Leadership Institute
Chezki Feigin <br> Director of Education<br/> <br/> 
Chezki Feigin
Director of Education
 
 
Shlomit Mali <br> Director of AM”I <br> The National Alliance to Strengthen Israel's Connection to World Jewry
Shlomit Mali
Director of AM”I
The National Alliance to Strengthen Israel's Connection to World Jewry

Board of Directors

Jonathan Tulkoff <br> Chairman
Jonathan Tulkoff
Chairman
Matthew J. Maryles <br> Treasurer
Matthew J. Maryles
Treasurer
David Cheifetz<br/> 
David Cheifetz
 
Seth Damski
Seth Damski
Heather Goldman
Heather Goldman
Matt Greenwood
Matt Greenwood
Ira S. Kellman
Ira S. Kellman
Jerry Kestenbaum
Jerry Kestenbaum
Cara Lebewohl
Cara Lebewohl
David Tropper
David Tropper
Rabbi Charlie Savenor
Rabbi Charlie Savenor
Richard Joel
Richard Joel
Alan J. Eisenman
Alan J. Eisenman
Michael Kann
Michael Kann
Shalom Bronstein
Shalom Bronstein

British Friends of Gesher

Ian Carno <br> Chairman
Ian Carno
Chairman
Boris Ben Ari <br> Vice Chairman
Boris Ben Ari
Vice Chairman
Grant Kurland<br/> 
Grant Kurland
 
Geoff Melamet
Geoff Melamet

Gesher Israel

Orit Adato<br> Chair
Orit Adato
Chair
Lior Arussy<br/> 
Lior Arussy
 
Chaim Billet<br/> 
Chaim Billet
 
Sigal Caspi
Sigal Caspi
Yair Pines
Yair Pines
Dr. Izhak Lax
Dr. Izhak Lax
Gil Livne<br/> 
Gil Livne
 
Liz Pushett<br/> 
Liz Pushett
 
Rabbi Danny Tropper <br> Founder and President Emeritus
Rabbi Danny Tropper
Founder and President Emeritus
Avreimi Yustman esq.
Avreimi Yustman esq.

Financials

At Gesher we believe in honesty and transparency.
Click below for our Annual Report and Form 990.

2021 Annual Report
2023 Form 990

More articles from
the blog

Building the Gesher

Building the Gesher

Gesher celebrates Israel Day in New York

Gesher celebrates Israel Day in New York

Gesher celebrates Israel Day in New York

Gesher celebrates Israel Day in New York