Founder & Director of WeAreMENA, a transnational network of youth organizations across the Middle East & North Africa. Previously Head of Education at NOAL, the largest Jewish-Arab-Druze youth movement in Israel, Tom has over a decade of experience in cross-cultural facilitation and civil society initiatives. He works to foster partnerships and empower young leaders across the region.

George Stevens is co-founder and strategic director of WeAreMENA. Born and raised in Philadelphia, George lived in Vancouver Canada and study at Stanford in California before making aliyah (immigrating) to Israel in 2011. After arriving in Israel, George worked as programs director for Habonim Dror from the UK, Canada and Israel for several years, connecting Jewish communities from around the world. He worked as a financial director for NOAL, specializing in Arab-Jewish partnerships and international collaborations, ultimately helping to found the WeAreMENA network. A long-time resident of Sderot (Israel’s closest city to Gaza), George’s home was attacked on October 7, and he has become one of Sderot’s foremost voices on the international stage, presenting his story for parliaments, ambassadors, and groups from over a dozen countries. George serves as founder and co-director of our “Journey from Hate to Hope” program.

Program Manager at WeAreMENA. Previously an Israeli community emissary (Shlicha) for JAFI in Vancouver and a senior leader in NOAL, the Largest Jewish-Arab-Druze youth movement in Israel, Gal has extensive experience in operational management and educational programming. She specializes in working with teens and young adults, bringing years of expertise in designing impactful initiatives that empower the next generation of leaders.

Shadi is the Regional Partnerships Manager at WeAreMENA—an educator and partnerships-builder focused on connecting youth organisations across the Middle East and North Africa and mobilising resources for regional educational projects. He previously served as the Northern District Coordinator at NOAL (the Working and Studying Youth Movement) and later led the Arab society portfolio for “Shutafim” (Partners), a national youth and young-adult entrepreneurship program in Israel.

With over two decades of experience in public diplomacy, regional cooperation, and cross-border engagement, Ronit Zimmer has led organizations, programs, and partnerships across Israel, the Palestinian territories, Europe, and the wider MENA region. Previously Global CEO of the health diplomacy organization Project Rozana, she brings extensive experience in building regional partnerships, youth engagement, health diplomacy, and civil society. At WeAreMENA, Ronit works to strengthen regional cooperation and empower the next generation of leaders across the region.

Salwa Abu Kashef is WeAreMENA’s Youth Relations Lead, building partnerships with youth organisations across the MENA region. In her most recent role, she founded Indimāj (اندماج – “integration”), a national Arab youth community in Israel. Previously, she spent over a decade with NOAL (the Working and Studying Youth Movement), including roles as Southern Region Director for Arab branches, Rahat branch lead, and coordinator of National Civil Service volunteer programs. She holds a B.A. in Health Systems Management and formal training in group facilitation and women’s leadership.

Maryam Younnes is a Lebanese–Israeli Christian activist, content creator, and advocate for minority communities in the Middle East. Named to Forbes Israel 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, she is recognized for her impactful public voice and cultural influence. After fleeing Lebanon with her family at the age of five and resettling in northern Israel, Maryam grew up navigating multiple cultural identities, which shaped her commitment to dialogue and understanding. Today, she is a leading Arabic-language digital creator and expert in Arab media and communication, creating content on culture, religion, and human stories that reaches millions across the Middle East. Her work bridges communities, raises awareness of the history and heritage of Middle Eastern Christians, and advances peace through an authentic and nuanced understanding of the region.