Your Tour Leaders
Benzi Sanders, Donor Visits and Affiliate Relations Coordinator
Benzi Sanders is the Donor Visits and Affiliate Relations Coordinator at the New Israel Fund. He joined NIF in late 2024 after serving four years as Breaking the Silence’s Diaspora Education Coordinator, where he spoke out against the occupation to audiences from all around the world, including participating in two US speaking tours in partnership with NIF. As a special forces veteran who participated in Israel’s 2014 ground invasion of Gaza, Benzi felt a deep responsibility to speak out against the far-right government’s dangerous and self-destructive policies towards Gaza following the massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7th. Originally from New York’s Lower East Side, Benzi today lives in Jerusalem with his wife and two children.
Itamar Wigoder, Director of Individual Giving NY/Tristate and Director of NIF Study Tours and Delegations
Itamar Wigoder is the Director of Individual Giving for the NY/Tri-State Region at the New Israel Fund. He has worked at NIF for seven years in various capacities, most recently overseeing the organization’s public-facing events and engagement efforts nationwide. He has a diverse professional background, including work with the United Nations, the NYC Mayor’s Office, and award-winning restaurants. A Tel Aviv native and current Brooklyn resident, Itamar is a long-time human rights and peace activist. He holds a BA from Tel Aviv University and an MPA from New York University.
Rabbi Janice Elster, Senior Director, NY / Tri-State Region
Rabbi Janice Elster is the Senior Director, New York and Tri-State Region. She joined NIF in 2023 with over 15 years of experience serving the Jewish community in a wide range of professional roles. She has a background in Jewish education, executive leadership, connecting people to Jewish life, and building organizational capacity. She is passionate about the work of NIF and building a vibrant and equitable Israeli society. Janice graduated from the University of Toronto with a BA Honors and was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion where she also received her master’s degree. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband Rabbi Michael Satz and their two kids and two dogs.
Get in Touch
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