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Meet the faces of

Aish Los Angeles

The Jewish American Summit is produced by Aish, one of the world’s leading Jewish educational and outreach organizations.

Rabbi Aryeh
Markman

Aish LA CEO | JMI Executive Director

Rabbi Azriel
Aharon

Aish LA CFO | JMI Director

Noa
Drori

JAS Web Developer & Graphic Designer

Rebbetzin Chana
Heller

JWI Director

Rabbi Yitz
Jacobs

MyAish Executive Director

Dalia E.
Partouche

MyAish Program Director

Jewish American Summit Speaker - Rabbi Jack Melul

Rabbi Jack
Melul

aishLIT Director

Jewish American Summit Speaker - Shira Melul

Rebbetzin Shira
Melul

aishLIT Director

Shlomo
Seindenfeld

JMI Educational Staff

Lisa
Richards

JWI Director of Growth Group Education

Debbie
Hirschmann

JWI Educator

Holly
Magady

JWI Educator

Jill
Kahn

JWI Educator

Jackie
Louk

JWI Educator

Lucy
Blinder

JWI Educator

Karen
Sarto

JWI Educator

Rabbi Yitz
EtShalom

JMI Educator

Rabbi Dov
Heller

JMI Educator

JAS sponsors include

Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries Logo
Jewish Federation LA Logo
The Foundation Logo

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Elizabeth Barcohana

Attorney/Pro-Israel Advocate/Community Leader

Elizabeth Barcohana is an attorney, mother of four, and longtime advocate for Israel with deep roots in the Los Angeles Jewish community. She has spent more than a decade engaging in pro-Israel advocacy online and has built a following of more than 200,000 across X, Instagram, and Facebook. Elizabeth serves as Chair of the Jewish Community Engagement Subcommittee of the California Republican Party, an elected member of the Los Angeles County GOP Central Committee, and a Board Member of the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council.

Eli Wininger

IDF Vet/Batman Bibas Marathoner

Eli Wininger is a Jewish American-Israeli IDF reservist and Special Forces Master Sergeant who has served nearly 250 days since October 7. A commander in the IDF’s Sayeret Egoz Unit, Eli was the first soldier to receive returning hostages as they left Gaza in October 2025. Having grown up in the United States, he brings a unique dual perspective to his speaking, connecting firsthand experiences from the front lines with the challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide. He has also raised more than $30 million for Israel and completed endurance challenges honoring the victims and hostages of October 7.

Jonah Platt

Host, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt Podcast

Jonah Platt is an actor, writer, and one of the leading voices on modern Jewish identity, culture, and current events. He hosts *Being Jewish with Jonah Platt*, the world’s #1 Jewish podcast, featuring candid conversations with prominent Jewish voices and allies. A Broadway and Hollywood actor, Jonah has received multiple honors for his advocacy against antisemitism and currently serves as Educational Advisor for the Jewish Broadway Alliance while pursuing a master’s degree in Antisemitism Studies.

Erik Huberman

Founder & CEO, Hawke Media

Erik Huberman is the Founder and CEO of Hawke Media, a leading marketing agency that has helped more than 6,000 brands, including Red Bull, Verizon, Casamigos, Funko, and Crocs. A serial entrepreneur, Erik built and sold two e-commerce companies before the age of 26 and later founded Hawke Ventures, investing in emerging companies shaping the future of commerce. He is also the bestselling author of *The Hawke Method* and host of *HawkeTalk*, where he explores business, marketing, and entrepreneurship with leading industry voices.

Jonny Daniels

Founder & Executive Director, From The Depths

Jonny Daniels is the Founder and Executive Director of From The Depths, an international organization dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, supporting survivors, and preserving the legacy of the Righteous Among the Nations. For more than a decade, he has worked closely with Holocaust survivors and their families while creating initiatives including the Survivor Torah Project, the Matzeva Project, and the documentary *The Righteous Road Trip*. A frequent international speaker and commentator, Jonny shares his perspective on Israel, antisemitism, Jewish history, and Holocaust remembrance with audiences around the world.

David Englin

Senior Regional Director, ADL Los Angeles

David Englin is the Senior Regional Director of ADL Los Angeles, leading efforts across Southern California to combat antisemitism, hate, and extremism. A former U.S. Air Force officer and four-term member of the Virginia House of Delegates, David previously served as President of the Los Angeles County Business Federation and Chief Operating Officer of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Harvard University, he has spent his career in public service, civic leadership, and advocacy.

Andy Buckley

Actor

Andy Buckley is an actor best known for his role as David Wallace on NBC’s The Office, which launched a successful two-decade acting career. A Stanford University graduate and former financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, Andy also competed on Stanford’s NCAA golf team before pursuing acting in New York. A devoted supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, he has more recently become an outspoken advocate for Israel and the Jewish people.

Luai Ahmed

Journalist/Writer/Influencer

Luai Ahmed is a Yemeni journalist, content creator, and speaker whose journey from growing up under Islamist and antisemitic indoctrination to becoming a leading voice against extremism has reached audiences around the world. A former columnist for Sweden’s *Bulletin*, he now hosts for Builders of the Middle East, promoting interfaith understanding and combating radicalization, antisemitism, and misinformation. With more than 700,000 followers, Luai has spoken at the UN and EU and appeared on Piers Morgan, Sky News, Fox News, and GBN.

Liora Rez

Founder & CEO, StopAntisemitism

Liora Rez is the founder and CEO of StopAntisemitism, a leading organization dedicated to exposing antisemitism and holding those who promote it accountable. With a background in neuroscience and expertise in digital marketing, she brings a unique perspective on human behavior, radicalization, audience psychology, and hate-based movements. A sought-after commentator, Liora has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and NewsNation.

Rabbi Aryeh Markman

Executive Director Aish LA/Co-Founder & CEO JAS

Rabbi Aryeh Markman is a Jewish leader and the Executive Director of Aish Los Angeles, a role he has held since 1994. After secretly assisting Jewish Refuseniks while working in the Soviet Union, he began a personal journey that led him to Israel, where he studied Jewish learning and was ordained through Aish HaTorah. In 2024, he and a group of visionary businessmen founded the Jewish American Summit to address the defining challenges facing American Jewry. His mission is to connect all Jews to the power of Judaism and to each other, and to inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Carly Gammill

Director of Legal Policy & Litigation, StandWithUs Saidoff Law

Carly Gammill is a constitutional litigator and Director of Legal Policy & Litigation at StandWithUs Saidoff Law, where she works on issues including freedom of speech, religious liberty, and combating antisemitism. Previously, she founded and led the StandWithUs Center for Combating Antisemitism. For more than a decade, Carly has worked with students, educators, and communities to address antisemitism on campuses, in courtrooms, and at the United Nations, helping individuals understand and protect their legal rights.

Jacki Karsh

Emmy-Nominated Journalist

Jacki Karsh is a six-time Emmy-nominated journalist with more than a decade of experience covering civic life, culture, and humanitarian issues across Los Angeles. She has interviewed leading figures across public policy, national security, philanthropy, business, and culture, and has emceed events for some of the nation’s most prominent institutions. Since October 7, Jacki has led more than 100 conversations on the Israel-Hamas war and media bias. In 2025, she launched the Karsh Journalism Fellowship, dedicated to advancing accurate, thoughtful, and fair reporting on Jewish and Israel-related issues.

Melanie Shiraz

Miss Israel

Melanie Shiraz is Miss Israel 2025–2026, a former data scientist and tech entrepreneur, and one of the most internationally recognized Jewish advocates of the past year. Having represented Israel on the global stage while navigating unprecedented public scrutiny, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and antisemitism, she brings a rare combination of lived experience and analytical expertise to the challenges facing Israel today. Born in Israel and shaped by years spent in the Diaspora—including as a Jewish student leader at UC Berkeley—Melanie offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, public opinion, media, and Jewish identity. Today, she advises, speaks, and advocates internationally on combating antisemitism, strengthening Israel’s global standing, and winning the battle for hearts and minds.

Jay Sures

Vice Chairman, UTA & UC Regent

Jay Sures is Vice Chairman and Managing Director of United Talent Agency (UTA), one of the world’s leading entertainment and media companies. He oversees UTA’s television, news, broadcasting, and speakers divisions, representing many of the nation’s most influential journalists, broadcasters, and cultural leaders. A member of the University of California Board of Regents, Sures has been a leading voice in confronting antisemitism on campus and strengthening the Jewish community, while also chairing the boards overseeing Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories.

Erielle Reshef

National Reporter/Anchor, MS NOW

Erielle Reshef is a National Reporter and Anchor for MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) and a former National Correspondent for ABC News, where she appeared regularly on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and Nightline. An Emmy Award-winning journalist, she has covered major breaking news around the world and is recognized for her reporting on politics, public health, antisemitism, Jewish life, and the Middle East. She holds a master’s degree in Diplomacy and Conflict Studies from Reichman University in Israel.

Captain Y

Reserve Officer in Special Unit 669, IDF

Captain Y (Res.) Reserve Officer in Special Unit 669, the Israeli Air Force’s elite Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), airborne rescue, and medical evacuation unit. Throughout his service, he has taken part in dozens of high-risk missions, rescuing wounded soldiers and civilians under fire and bringing them safely home. Captain Y was among the Unit 669 operators who participated in Operation Arnon,the historic hostage rescue mission that freed Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv from Hamas captivity. His service reflects the unit’s unwavering commitment to its mission: risking everything to save lives and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Steve Hilton

California Governor Candidate

Steve Hilton is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, television host, and candidate for Governor of California. A former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, he later immigrated to the United States, taught at Stanford University, founded Golden Together, and hosted Fox News’ The Next Revolution. Drawing on his experience in business, media, and public policy, Steve is a leading voice on government reform, economic opportunity, and the future of California.

Adam Milstein

Philanthropist/Real Estate Investor

Adam Milstein is an Israeli-American philanthropist, real estate investor, and community leader. An IDF veteran, Technion graduate, and USC MBA, he is Managing Partner at Hager Pacific Properties. With his wife, Gila, he co-founded the Adam & Gila Milstein Family Foundation to protect American values, combat antisemitism, hate, and bigotry, and strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Zach Sage Fox

Founder, Think Again/Filmmaker

Zach Sage Fox is an award-winning filmmaker, media entrepreneur, and founder of THINK AGAIN, a nonprofit dedicated to combating misinformation through viral digital content. Following the October 7 attacks, he launched Facts for Peace, an initiative whose videos countering Hamas propaganda and antisemitism have reached millions and been featured by the Israeli government, the United Nations, and the U.S. Congress. Through storytelling and social media, he has become a leading voice in the fight against online extremism and antisemitism.

Tanya Tsikanovsky

West Hollywood City Council Candidate

Tanya Tsikanovsky is Head of Development & Operations at Think Again, Senior Advisor at Combat Antisemitism Movement, host of the Highly Jewish Podcast, Fellow at Merage Fellowship by Nas Daily, and a candidate for West Hollywood City Council. An unapologetic Zionist, Tanya has become a leading voice in the fight against antisemitism and online extremism, using media, advocacy, and public engagement to defend Israel, strengthen the Jewish community, and promote democratic and American values.

Mosab Hassan Yousef,
“The Green Prince”

Author/Speaker/Activist

Mosab Hassan Yousef, known as the “Green Prince,” is a former Hamas insider, bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker. The son of a founding Hamas leader, he made the extraordinary decision to become an undercover operative for Israel’s internal security service, helping prevent terrorist attacks and save countless lives. Today, he speaks around the world about terrorism, extremism, human rights, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering a rare firsthand perspective shaped by his remarkable journey.

Dillon Hosier

Founding CEO - Israeli-American Civic Action Network

Dillon Hosier is the founding CEO of the Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN), a 501(c)(4) uniting Israelis and pro-Israel Americans to combat antisemitism and strengthen the U.S.–Israel alliance at the state and local levels. A former political officer for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Los Angeles, he built ICAN to counter anti-Israel and anti-American movements where they organize: city councils, school boards, and state legislatures. Under his leadership, ICAN has stopped hostile legislation, secured IHRA adoptions, won school board races, and built the political intelligence tools the pro-Israel community needs to act decisively.

Tim Gaspar

2026 LA City Council Candidate

Timothy Gaspar is a businessman, community leader, and candidate for Los Angeles City Council representing the West San Fernando Valley. After building one of the region’s largest independent insurance agencies, he retired to focus on public service and civic leadership. A longtime supporter of local nonprofits and education, Tim serves on the boards of several leading Los Angeles organizations and is the founder of the Timothy Gaspar Entrepreneurship Scholarship at California State University, Northridge.

Dr. Sheila Nazarian

Doctor/Activist

Dr. Sheila Nazarian is a board-certified plastic surgeon, entrepreneur, television personality, and outspoken advocate. Founder of Nazarian Plastic Surgery and several successful healthcare and skincare ventures, she is also known for her role on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated Skin Decision: Before and After. Through her public speaking and widely followed social media platforms, Dr. Nazarian champions truth, advocates for Israel and the Jewish community, and inspires audiences around the world.

Marissa Streit

Chief Executive Officer, PragerU

Marissa Streit is the Chief Executive Officer of PragerU, the nation’s largest edu-tainment nonprofit, where she has transformed it into one of the most influential education media organizations, reaching more than two billion annual video views. She is also the host of Real Talk, PragerU’s long-form interview series featuring leading voices in politics, culture, and education. A former educator, Marissa is dedicated to advancing American history, civics, and values through innovative educational media.

Stella Inger-Escobedo

Award-Winning Journalist

Stella Inger- Escobedo is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, former mainstream media anchor, and founder of Stella News. After two decades in broadcast journalism, she launched her own platform to report on politics, culture, and current events. A Soviet Jewish refugee, she is dedicated to fighting for America’s Judeo-Christian values, exposing media bias, and bringing attention to the issues shaping the nation’s future.

Yossi Farro

Educator/Activist

Yossi Farro is a Jewish educator and one of the most recognizable young voices inspiring Jewish pride through the mitzvah of tefillin. Known for wrapping tefillin with influential founders, investors, entertainers, and public figures, his videos have inspired millions to reconnect with their Jewish identity. Through social media and personal outreach, he is helping spark a new generation of Jewish engagement.

Ambassador Yechiel Leiter

Israeli Ambassador to US

Ambassador Yechiel Leiter is Israel’s Ambassador to the United States and a veteran diplomat, scholar, and public policy leader. Previously Chief of Staff to Benjamin Netanyahu during his tenure as Finance Minister, he has spent decades shaping Israeli policy and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship. He brings a unique perspective on Israel’s security, diplomacy, and the future of the Middle East.

Ambassador Mike Huckabee

US Ambassador to Israel

Ambassador Mike Huckabee is the United States Ambassador to Israel, former Governor of Arkansas, bestselling author, and longtime national television host. A leading voice on faith, public policy, and the U.S.-Israel relationship, he has spent decades advocating for Israel and the Jewish people. As Ambassador, he brings a unique perspective on the evolving Middle East and the future of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Dr. Gad Saad

Professor/Author

Dr. Gad Saad is an evolutionary behavioral scientist, bestselling author, and public intellectual whose work explores human behavior through the lens of evolutionary psychology. A former professor at Concordia University for over three decades, he is the author of multiple bestselling books, including The Parasitic Mind and the #1 New York Times bestseller Suicidal Empathy, and hosts The Saad Truth, reaching millions worldwide.

Erez Goldman

Executive Director Southwest Region, Israel Bonds

Erez Goldman is the Executive Director of the Southwest Region for Israel Bonds, where he has driven over $1 billion in annual U.S. sales since 2018, fostering investments that bolster Israel’s economy and innovation. Previously, as Regional Director for the Israeli-American Council (IAC) from 2015 to 2018, he strengthened community ties in Greater Los Angeles. Erez is an IDF Veteran and a proud father to three beautiful children, two of whom are IDF Lone Soldiers today. 

Jacki Alexander

CEO, HonestReporting

Jacki Alexander is the CEO and President of HonestReporting, leading the organization’s strategic vision and direction. With over 15 years of prior experience at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), she played a key role in strengthening pro-Israel support across Florida and the Southeastern United States. Recognized as one of the “Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life, 2024” by The Algemeiner, Jacki is bringing innovative ideas to the fight against anti-Israel disinformation campaigns and Israel advocacy. She holds an Master’s Degree in the History of International Relations from the London School of Economics. 

Henry Manoucheri

CEO/Chairman, Universe Holdings

Henry Manoucheri, Founder and CEO of Universe Holdings, has built one of California’s largest real estate investment firms with $1.5B AUM and 3,000 units. Immigrating from Iran under the Shah’s regime, he has become a major investor in Israel and a devoted philanthropist, deeply committed to supporting Israel and strengthening Jewish community organizations worldwide.

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