Meet the people who work with you to make a difference every day.
Danielle Franks
I founded Myisrael in 2008, three years after I made Aliyah from London. Living in Israel opened my eyes to the amazing work of so many small charities in Israel that really make a big difference on the ground. But they desperately needed support and didn’t have the resources to fundraise outside of Israel so I set up Myisrael to do that job for them. It was a far cry from my previous life in media marketing for SKY and Disney but I’ve not looked back since. I feel very proud of my team and our achievements to date. In my downtime I spend time with my amazing little boy and our dog, Max. For all Myisrael queries, email danni@myisraelcharity.org
Hayley Sussman
After years of working in a corporate environment as a licensing manager for a large TV company, I had a break to have my gorgeous children (now teenagers). I later set-up a cake business and after a few years of covering my home with a fine layer of icing sugar, I decided it was time to re-enter the workforce. Before long I was Events Manager for Myisrael, knee-deep in discussing strategy, projects, gift aid, donor relations, events and a whole lot more. I soon realised that Myisrael was “doing charity” the right way, and I loved how easy it was to see who we were helping and how. For all things UK related, email events@myisraelcharity.org
Alison Gellman
Working as a primary school teacher for 26 years, I decided to take the plunge and change direction in my career. Having always been involved with volunteering and the Jewish community throughout my life, I found my new calling in the Charity sector. I have been lucky to have had a great experience since leaving the classroom and am now thrilled to be working for Myisrael in UK Administration. Israel is close to my heart, having spent my gap year at Hebrew University. If I could pick up my husband, two sons and move to Israel, I would in a heartbeat. However, as I live in London, working for Myisrael is a fantastic opportunity to get involved.
To get in touch email alison@myisraelcharity.org
CHANTELLE BENJAMIN
Greetings from London! I'm Chantelle Benjamin, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the MyIsrael team as the Relationship Manager. My journey in the world of nonprofit and philanthropy began with a previous role at another Jewish organization, where I focused on fundraising. It was there that I discovered my passion for making a meaningful impact through charitable work
In my personal life, I'm a proud mother of two little boys, who continually inspire me to strive for positive change in our community and beyond.
At MyIsrael, I have the privilege of collaborating with an incredible team that shares my dedication to making a difference. We are deeply committed to supporting the remarkable organisations we work with, each of which contributes to the betterment of our world in its own unique way.
Being a part of this fantastic team that is dedicated to making a tangible difference is a true joy. If you have any questions, ideas, or simply want to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at chantelle@myisraelcharity.org. Let's work together to create positive change!
Eli Rudolph
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, my husband, beautiful daughters and I fulfilled our long time dream of making Aliyah at the end of 2013. We have since been joined by our little Sabra boy in 2017. Having always been involved in communal work, I thought it would be tough to find something that inspired me and still made me feel connected to Israel that living here didn't already do...and then Myisrael came along! I work as the Project Co-ordinator so I get to see first hand on a daily basis how every penny literally changes peoples lives. Both the team at Myisrael as well as our causes and their Directors feel like family and they inspire and motivate me every day making me truly love my job! For all things Amutah related, email projects@myisraelcharity.org
Yariana Nater-Atiya
I’m originally from the United States where I studied art and textile design and then later developed a career in the management of medical practice. But my life took a huge turn of direction in 2011 when my husband and I decided to move to Israel because we wanted our two children to grow up in this amazing country. As the Administrator for Myisrael, every minute that I work fills me with a sense of pride because I know that we are truly helping people and making their lives better. For all things finance related contact finance@myisraelcharity.org
Chana Kaye
Originally from London, I made aliya in 2011 with my husband and then almost 2yr old daughter. I quickly added 2 sabras to the mix and we settled in Raanana. As a qualified children's nurse I worked in a special needs nursery for 5 years before joining Myisrael. I have known about the amazing work Myisrael does, I went to their launch at 'screen on the hill' in 2008! To see the projects with my own eyes made me fall in love with the work that we do. Knowing that we can make a real difference, I am learning so many new skills and loving it! In my downtime I enjoy hanging out with my family, anything food-related and having fun. For all things, Israel operations related contact chana@myisraelcharity.org
NADIA LEVENE
Born in London, I made Aliyah to Jerusalem with my parents and two of my brothers when I was 18. I have worked in PR, marketing, events and fundraising for most of my career.
I'm passionate about making a difference in the world, in Israel and abroad, and have personally raised money for several Israeli organisations. What is always important to me is to know that charities are transparent, that I can vouch for the projects and where the money is going, in order to encourage my network to donate to the cause.
Myisrael does the groundwork for its donors, vetting the causes thoroughly before taking them on board, in order to mentor them and help them grow. I'm excited to join this phenomenal, passionate team, fundraising in Israel, America and beyond!
I can be contacted at nadia@myisraelcharity.org
SIMON WALTON
I’ve been Chair of Trustees since 2016 and it's my way of making a difference to Israel even though I am physically far from its shores. I’ve also been involved with other communal charities including Norwood, most recently Chairing the Young Norwood Board and helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process in what has to be one of my proudest achievements to date. By day I’m a solicitor in Commercial Dispute Resolution at Rosenblatt Solicitors. And I also enjoyed a brief yet exciting "career" as a singer and actor, starring in the original cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of Joseph alongside Jason Donovan, and touring Japan and the USA in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of A Winter's Tale!
JUDIANNE JAYSON
I felt drawn to Myisrael from the minute I learnt about their refreshing approach to charitable giving - their 100% promise, the transparency and the fact that they support people in Israel. I was a primary school teacher for 18 years and then joined Myisrael as a staff member managing community relations. But I didn’t want my involvement to end when I left my role in 2016 and was delighted to become a trustee. I still speak in schools and shuls on behalf of Myisrael and have also set up a business teaching people to cook quick and healthy family meals.
RICHARD TAYLOR
I have supported Myisrael since its very early days due to its unique intersection between my support for Israel and its people. Myisrael focuses on smaller projects where your donation really makes a difference, with the knowledge that 100% of donations go directly to where they are needed. I have known Danni and Judianne since we all spent our years off in Israel at the same time and was delighted when they asked if I could give my time by joining the Board as a Trustee at the beginning of 2021. I am General Counsel at a Bandwidth Infrastructure company and live in London with my wife and daughter.
ALISA GERRARD
I have been involved with Myisrael for a few years now in different capacities. The first call I had with Danni, I was struck by her passion to do things in a different way.
Her drive and desire to help organisations in Israel and to fundraise in a very open way have drawn me in.
I spent many years fundraising for charities in and out of the Jewish sector and I look forward to sharing and supporting the growth of this unique charity in the coming months/years.