Julia and Avi Abadie have been passionate supporters of United Hatzalah for several years, and have had the privilege to co-chair the Upper East Side division of UH Young Leadership.
Avi is Principal of AMS Acquisitions, a real estate acquisition firm based in New York City. Julia works at Bombas, an apparel company that was founded on donating a pair of socks for every pair sold.
Julia and Avi live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with their baby girl, Elise. They come from Persian and Syrian backgrounds and are immersed in the growing Sephardic community of the UES.
Jacob Avner Baruch is the Senior Vice President at Cleeman Realty group, a real estate advisory firm based in NYC and NJ, with a specialization in off-market investment sales and a strong focus on shopping centers. He graduated with a B.A. in Accounting from Queens College, and is currently studying for his M.S. in Real Estate at New York University. Jacob places great value in the Jewish community, so when given the opportunity to support United Hatzalah, he did not hesitate to take part and join his peers for such a crucial organization. In his free time, he’s engaged in his Torah learning, or enjoying himself in a game of basketball.
Yaron is actively involved in the natural resources space, serving in various roles supporting the upstream oil & gas industry. Outside his professional activities, he is an active and long-time supporter of United Hatzalah, serving on the Young Leadership board of the organization for over two years. Yaron spends his time between New York and Tel Aviv. Yaron graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa with a degree in Economics. Yaron is the Co-Head of the Downtown UHYL Board.
Joshua Blisko graduated with a BSc in finance from NYU Stern. He works at Cohen Equities focusing on commercial real estate. Joshua has a tremendous passion for the work United Hatzalah does and is dedicated to sharing its mission with the world. When not at work or at UH events, you can find Joshua at his apartment on the Upper East Side, spending time with his wife and their new baby boy. Josh is on the UWS UHYL Board.
Gabriela and Jason Brecher currently live on the Upper East Side. They attended NYU for their undergraduate studies. Gabriela received her Masters in mental health counseling from Fordham University, and is currently working in the field of mental health counseling. Jason received his Masters in construction management and is working in the field of property management.
Ayelet Cohen currently resides in Washington, DC where she serves as the Social Secretary to the Ambassador of Israel to the United States, His Excellency Ron Dermer. Prior to this role, Ayelet lived in Israel while receiving her master’s from IDC, cum laude, specializing in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security. Ayelet received a Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, in Direct and Interactive Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and originally hails from Long Beach, California.
Ayelet has been deeply involved in and passionate about United Hatzalah for the past four years. As former United Hatzalah Young Leadership Chair, she used her unique skills to organize numerous fundraising events, and looks forward to continuing to play an influential role in the organization’s success.
Michael currently serves as Vice President at Elysee Investment Company, where he oversees the firm's acquisitions and asset management activities. He earned a JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law with a focus on Real Estate Law, and a BS from NYU's Stern School of Business, where he majored in Finance and International Business. As the son of Israeli immigrants, Michael is committed to supporting organizations that help Jewish communities in Israel and abroad. He is particularly excited to be involved with United Hatzalah, whose mission reflects the tenets of Judaism he most values.
After graduating with a degree in hospitality from New York University, Chef Jasmine “Jazzie” Einalhori cooked her way around the world, winning several awards including first place at the Next Great Kosher Chef Contest and first place at Kosherfest. She is known for blending Persian and Israeli influences with traditional Jewish styles to create a product that is uniquely hers, but above all she hopes guests are able to feel and taste the love that is put into each dish. Once back in NYC, she helped co-found Sage Kitchen, a growing food brand and catering company and later co-founded Chichieats, an events company which plans unique dinner parties and special events.
Sheldon is a loan originator at Dwight Capital, one of the largest FHA/HUD lenders on multifamily and healthcare properties in the United States. He serves as a liaison between borrower, HUD, and internal underwriting team, ensuring a smooth transaction all around.
Work is a constant, but he finds time for hanging out with friends and family, whether it’s on a ski slope or at the gym. He believes United Hatzalah is one of the greatest organizations in existence today, and enjoys being a part of its great work and amazing vision.
Al R. Gindi is very passionate about United Hatzalah’s mission and hopes to help the organization continue to grow its lifesaving work in Israel and beyond. Al is a principal of ASG Equities, and oversees the real estate family office for the Gindi family who own and operate Century 21 Stores. Al is a graduate of NYU Stern School of Business and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Al resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and two children.
Dovid Guidry is a Partner at Alltime, a construction company based out of CA, that specializes in high volume, ultra quick apartment turnovers nationwide. Dovid founded the company with his partner at 21, after working at a real estate investment firm for several years. When Dovid is not busy at the office, he enjoys reading over-sized biographies, traveling, snowboarding, memes and eating pizza.
Dovid Says “United Hatzalah’s mission is an enormous undertaking, they are not servicing merely a community or a city or even a state. United Hatzalah services an entire country, and every religion and race within, it’s volunteers specialize in not only physical healing, but mental as well. United Hatzalah is an organization that showcases the finest characteristics of Judaism, showing compassion and offering aid to everyone regardless of who they are and where they are from. In a country constantly under siege both from within and without, United Hatzalah is a beacon of hope, and a paragon of human equality, aiding any and all and treating them like family. I am honored to be a part of this mission.”
Andre Hass currently works in real estate private equity at Shorenstein Properties. He is responsible for evaluating new investment opportunities, performing financial and market analysis, and facilitating the due diligence process on new acquisitions.
Prior to joining Shorenstein, Andre was an associate at Cushman & Wakefield within their Equity, Debt & Structured Finance practice. During his time there, Andre was involved in over $3 billion worth of capital raising assignments, across various property types.
When not at the office, Andre loves spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys trying new activities, traveling the world, and is an avid New York Rangers fan. Both Andre and his wife Samantha are the Upper West Side co-chairs of United Hatzalah’s young leadership board. They’re always trying to find new ways to support the organization and help it grow. Andre graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from New York University with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Business Studies.
Samantha Lee Hass, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian at F-Factor Nutrition, where she provides individualized nutrition counseling for weight loss and medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and GI disorders. She also specializes in prenatal and postpartum nutrition.
Samantha attended New York University where she received her Bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics and a minor in Psychology. She completed a 12-month clinical dietetic internship at New York-Presbyterian and was selected for their Nutrition Fellow program where she specialized in nutrition for pediatrics and obstetrics. Samantha is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and several practice groups such as Pediatric Nutrition, Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine and Nutrition Entrepreneurs.
Samantha says one of the perks of growing up in Miami and living in New York City is the culinary scene. She is a true “foodie” and loves to try new restaurants and host dinner parties. During her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, exploring new neighborhoods, and traveling anywhere and everywhere.
Samantha is the Co-Head of the UWS UHYL Board.
AJ works for Signature Care LLC, an established NYS Licensed Home HealthCare Agency. As Director of Business Development, AJ manages a team of 3 sales reps/marketers and runs the intake department and day-to-day operations. AJ spends most of his day providing aides, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists to loved ones who are being discharged from hospitals, nursing homes or who are being referred from adult/family physicians. Outside of work, AJ also helps out with his family’s organization, Hineni.
“Hineni” is a kiruv organization started by AJ’s world-renowned grandparents Rebbetzin Esther and Harav Meshulam Jungreis z’l. Hineni helps Jews all over the world with or without a religious background connect to Judaism.
One of AJ’s goals is to run or to help start a charity/addiction organization where they would be helping family’s and individuals struggling with addictions or who need help paying for expensive rehab and treatment bills.
David Kaufman serves as Senior Vice President of Cleeman, a real estate advisory firm based in NYC and NJ with a specialization in off-market investment sales. David began working in real estate in Los Angeles at age 15 with AJ Morgan & Company, a boutique investment firm. Later on he landed at Winick Realty Group in Manhattan prior to joining Cleeman. “Saving lives in Israel today and the years to come,” answered Kaufman when asked about his motivation for supporting United Hatzalah. “The idea of joining a group of likeminded young professionals in the literal life-saving work of UH is an opportunity to partake in Tikkun Ha-Olam, repairing the world; a mission one can never start too young” he said. Kaufman is a strong advocate for United Hatzalah and serves on its Young Leadership board in addition to supporting other humanitarian and Jewish causes.
Sharona Laster (Eisenreich) is a graduate of Touro college and continues to attain a Doctorate in Child Psychology. She currently volunteers at Mount Sinai Hospital and dedicates her time to people in unfortunate situations.
DC works for MYDA Advisors, LLC ("MYDA"), a registered investment adviser that operates long/short US equity hedge funds. Outside work, DC spends his time assisting parents and individuals who are or know someone struggling with addiction, as well as working with charitable organizations to raise money and awareness surrounding addiction with the ultimate goal of getting addicts the help they need. DC is working full time at MYDA and is finishing his undergraduate degree taking night classes at Empire State College.
Yael (Landau) Lowinger graduated from Yeshiva University Sy Syms School of Business with a major in marketing and minor in management. Yael has worked with fashion brands, law firms, and real estate firms and loves to broaden her knowledge in different aspects of business. She has been hands-on in helping the poor, just like her parents, grandparents and great grandparents have been doing for years. She looks forward to giving back to the Jewish community through the incredible United Hatzalah organization.
Ralph Mizrahi is currently 24 years old and resides in Brooklyn, New York. With a B.B.A. in Entrepreneurial Management and a Minor in Psychology, Ralph graduated summa cum laude from CUNY’s Baruch College Honors program in December 2015. Prior to joining the family business, where Ralph now works as the head of business development, he spent two years networking with and learning from some of the most brilliant minds in both the business and non-profit worlds.
His involvement in United Hatzalah began three short years ago when he met Eli Beer, who was in Brooklyn fundraising for the United Hatzalah. He was immediately amazed by the work United Hatzalah does, as well as enamored by the special individual who made his vision a reality. Eli invited Ralph to get involved in UH’s Young Leadership Group, which led Ralph to join United Hatzalah’s Israel Delegation in April 2018. United Hatzalah has grown to become Ralph’s #1 organization in terms of his financial and time commitments.
Ralph is also very involved in various organizations in his community. He is the chair of multiple young leadership groups, has planned countless events and fundraisers, responsible for raising millions of dollars for Sephardic Community Center, Sephardic Food Fund, Sephardic Bikur Holim, The Special Children’s Center, and others. Ralph’s favorite quote, which he considers his guide for life is one from Steve Jobs, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Aliza is a Certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and holds a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University where she completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics.
After living with digestive problems, chronic fatigue, and other symptoms related to her auto-immune diseases for years, she found the healing powers of food, exercise, and meditation. She is passionate about helping people find their own individualized path towards long-lasting health.
In her spare time, you can find Aliza in the kitchen creating new recipes to serve to her husband and 2 children, out with her friends searching for the best exercise classes, or with her nose in a great book.
Aliza is a proud and long-term supporter of United Hatzalah.
Eli Romanoff is the Founder/GP of Disruptive Ventures, a New York-based venture firm investing in groundbreaking, innovative technologies with a focus on early-stage startups in Israel & the US. Prior to Disruptive Ventures, he held various positions in the real estate industry involved in the acquisitions and management of property on a national level across multiple sectors. Born and raised in Israel for the early part of his life, Eli maintains strong ties to his homeland and travels there frequently with his wife and kids. He believes strongly in promoting the virtues and incredible story of the people and state of Israel, holding a special place in his heart for the monumental, life-saving mission of United Hatzalah.
Rose is the Co Founder & CEO of Orah, the premier quality care assurance platform in the Home Care industry, empowering a myriad of lives to receive the quality care they deserve. Orah currently yields 93% care plan compliance, a game changer for home care execution. Rose leverages her experience working at Google, Investment Banking, and the Israeli Knesset (Legislature) towards Orah's success. She attended New York University and holds a BA in Social Entrepreneurship, an individualized major she designed.
Rose also is President of United Hatzalah’s Young Leadership and is a council member on the Council of Young Jewish Presidents.
Avi Stern grew up in New York City, and attended Boston University. After his studies, he began his career at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he spent 3 years working on Hollywood blockbusters such as THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2 and AFTER EARTH. He continues to produce his own films independently, including THE EYES OF MY MOTHER, which premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and PIERCING, which was acquired by Universal Studios in 2018. He is also the Co-founder of MovieGrade, a focused, user-rating and recommendations platform, which has been featured in Forbes and Business Insider. Avi is on the Downtown UHYL Board.
Many works of art betray the hand of the artist. Elizabeth Sutton’s work, however, tells of the mind of the artist. Her compositional signature is a strong undercurrent of mathematical proportion and algorithmic color placement. Nothing is accidental; everything is intuitive. For Sutton, process is paramount and it begins with a survey of surface and dimension. Working through each concept as if solving a puzzle, she strives for balance, never leaving unexamined the precise nuances of her creative subject. With a strong background in mathematics and business, Sutton’s exacting process aims for a perfection that yet unfolds organically, creating pieces that are simultaneously unique and consistent in their compositional equilibrium.
Sutton believes that her compositions find engaging the viewer with organization cmplexity while simultaneously entertaining with whimsy. In 2016, Sutton was selected to participate in the NYDesigns incubator program, exhibited at oth the Affordable Art Fair & Hamptons Designer Showhouse, and was feautured by The New York Post, as well as Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing.” In early 2017, Elizabeth donated her work to the nationally-recognized 92nd Street Y’d Spring Fundraiser as well as Lenox Health Greenwich Village and participated in both the 2017 Architectural Digest Design Show and New York Deisn Center’s “What’s New What’s Next.” In October 2017, Sutton hosted a fundraising event for ArtStart, which the Executive Co-Director described as “by far the most successful event” in her time with the organization. Sutton most recently launched a capsule collection with Bari Lynn Accessories for Bergdorf Goodman, was subsequently pciked up by Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Harrod’s. In Fall 2018, Sutton will partner with Joe & The Juice in locations across New York City.
Joe Teplow is a cofounder of Good Today, a charity newsletter that inspires its users to donate 25 cents a day to causes of importance. Joe is also the founder of REBEL (aquired by Salesforce) a startup based in NYC that provides interactive email functionality to brands like Home Depot, Sonos and eBay. Joe was a volunteer EMT in his hometown of Teaneck NJ and has seen the lifesaving work of Hatzalah firsthand. Joe is on the Downtown UHYL Board.
Amanda is a Technology Recruiter at Peloton, a tech-focused fitness start up headquartered in NYC. She graduated with a BBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in 2015. Prior, she attended Ramaz for elementary and high school. She also went on an Israel-based gap year program between high school and college called Kivunim.
She is passionate about food, travel, and taking advantage of all NYC has to offer. She became involved with United Hatzalah at the inception of UHYL in the US and is now a regional leader of the Upper East Side YL division.
Renée is an actress, comedienne, influencer, producer, philanthropist and Global Ambassador. Renée made her film debut in the third installment of the cult classic Sharknado series in 2015. This classically trained New York actress is best known for her roles in The Comedian (2016) opposite Robert De Niro and Edie Falco, Blind (2017) with Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore, and her Sundance 2017 film The Yellow Birds opposite Jennifer Aniston. Renée debuted her stand up career at the legendary Comic Strip Live. She performs throughout New York City at clubs like Gotham Comedy Club. Renée also performs as an MC at fundraisers throughout New York, Los Angeles and Tel Aviv, including a United Hatzalah Gala in New York where she helped raised $1M from young professionals in one night. Renée is also an instagram influencer where she travels the world and wears the latest fashion trends partnering with brands like The Four Seasons, The Park Hyatt and Nobu. As a philanthropist Renée serves on the Young Leadership Board of many foundations including; United Hatzalah, Michael Milken Prostate Cancer Foundation, Shalvah Children’s Center, The Shoah Foundation, Robin Hood, Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, UJA-Federation, The Jewish Museum of New York and The Yiddish Theatre. While on one of her annual visits to the United Hatzalah headquarters in Jerusalem, Renée was named United Hatzalah’s Global Ambassador. Renée is an avid traveler, snowboarder, painter and loves to box.