Danielle Franks - Chief Executive and Founder.

I grew up in North London, attending JFS Secondary School and taking a gap year in Israel before studying psychology at Bristol University. I worked in media marketing in London for nine years, later at Sky TV and Disney. I have travelled extensively, but always had a dream about living in Israel. I finally made aliyah at the end of 2004 and have not looked back! I live in Tel Aviv and studied at ulpan upon arrival, although my Hebrew is still far from perfect. I have worked in 3 non-profit organisations in Israel and have been formulating the idea that is myisrael, since my arrival. I have been working full time for myisrael since September 2007.

Mario Budwig, Trustee

I was born in Colombia and raised in North West London, attending Hasmonean Grammar School and then City University. I established Millie's Cookies soon after graduating and enjoyed the challenge of food retailing in the UK. Since the sale of the company 4 years ago I have enjoyed challenge trekking in Israel and Europe and becoming more involved with many interesting charity projects. I have always appreciated the value of Israel as a country that gave so many Jews a new start to their lives after World War 2, especially since my parents narrowly escaped the holocaust. Israel is a country that has so much to give but struggles to provide the financial support and services required by so many people in need. That is why I am so excited to be involved with myisrael, a charity that will help ensure the survival of some of the smaller projects that often fall under the radar.

Joel Plasco, Trustee

I grew up in North London, attending Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School.  I studied law at the University of Leeds and qualified as a solicitor with Gouldens (now Jones Day).   I joined Collins Stewart's nascent corporate finance department straight after qualification and left the company in 1999 to found Newmedia Spark PLC, a technology investment company, where I served as a director for 5 years.  I rejoined Collins Stewart Tullett PLC in 2004 and was appointed group CEO of Collins Stewart in May 2006. I have always had a strong affiliation to Israel.  Growing up, I was a member of a number of Zionist youth movements and have been committed to a number of Israeli and Jewish charitable causes. I now have a home in Israel and travel there as often as I can, both for business and pleasure. I am delighted to be involved with myisrael as I believe totally in the values of the organisation and I know that it has the potential to make a huge difference to lots of people's lives.

Lionel Deyong - Treasurer and Trustee

I was born and grew up in North West London.  I attended a Jewish primary school and that helped formulate much of my identity and my interest and passion in Israel.  I qualified as a chartered accountant in 1973 and am a senior partner in Scodie Deyong Chartered Accountants.  I first visited Israel in 1960 and have watched it grow since then into a land that has brought so much to the world and the Jewish people.  Unfortunately, many of its inhabitants live in very difficult circumstances and struggle with the economic situation of a country where so much of the budget is committed to defence.  I have been involved in various Israel focused charities and since 1999 I have taken part in several fundraising treks, the majority of these have been in Israel. This has given me the opportunity to visit some of the projects we have supported and to see parts of the country which I would not have otherwise experienced. I am committed to helping myisrael achieve its goals and to helping alleviate some of the problems experienced by Israeli citizens today.

Emma Rosenblatt, Trustee

I have spent over 20 years in financial PR and am chief executive of Redleaf Communications, the city media and investor relations agency I founded in 2000. Prior to this I worked for organisations such as Proshare, a body set up by government and stock exchange, and Charles Schwab, one of the world's largest retail stockbrokers. I began my love affair with Israel in 2005 when I first visited to attend the Maccabiah games. I have since returned many times and in 2008 bought a property with my husband in Neve Tzedek and travel to Israel as frequently as possible for both business and pleasure. I am also a trustee of the Wiener Library, the world's oldest holocaust memorial institution as well as a supporter of a number of Jewish charities. I am thrilled to be involved with myisrael and feel passionately about the wonderful projects it is able to support.