Meet Our Team KeepOlim
Program Directors
Michael Meyerheim
Michael Meyerheim made Aliyah in 1982 from New Jersey, United States. Mike has a degree in Human Ecology. He served in the IDF from 1982-1985, during the first Lebanon War and continued to serve as a reservist several years after. Mike worked in management for several years, and has been working with Lone Soldiers for the last 15 years.
He helped to establish and create organizations that work with Lone Soldiers. Mike is the son of a Holocaust Survivor and has two daughters. Tal, who is in business management, served in the field intelligence unit in the IDF in Israel. Shelley is a nurse living in Maine, and a mother of three.
Mike joined KeepOlim because he believes in the goals and mission of the organization caring for our Olim and Lone Soldiers who made Aliyah to Israel.
Joan made Aliyah from the United States in 1981 with her husband and 2 daughters. Within 4 years, she founded Mercaz Harmony, a unique inclusive educational program for children with and without disabilities to learn together, which she directed until her retirement in 2008.
She has served on the board of many organizations devoted to the inclusion of children and adults with special needs. In 2002, she was chosen as one of 21 American-Israeli Women highlighted in the book “Portraits in Passion: Vision and Values of American-Israeli Women. Although she still consults with families of children who have special needs, today, she devotes her time to her family (including 9 grandchildren), her friends and of course to administering the KeepOlim Bikur Cholim program.
Joan Shrenski
Bikur Cholim – Program Director
Dr. Robert Lubin
With over 25 years of experience in clinical work, teaching, and management experience, Dr. Robert Lubin lends his expertise as a Special Consultant to Tikva by KeepOlim Mental Health Services.
An Oleh from America, Dr. Lubin’s professional experience and expertise spreads over a broad spectrum. As a Psychologist, he has provided clinical services, counseling and testing to individuals and groups. He has authored several articles on the career development process, job burnout, medical education and the development of empathy. In addition, he has developed and taught courses in Psychology, Education and Counseling for over 20 years. Dr. Lubin hopes that the development of the mental health unit will strengthen the experience and unity of all olim and enrich the general Israeli society.
Co-Founders
LiAmi Lawrence
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
The co-founder and CEO of KeepOlim, LiAmi Lawrence, made Aliyah on July 24, 2014, from Los Angeles. The troubles he faced post-Aliyah were the impetus for the creation of KeepOlim. LiAmi was the former Director of Media for the Consulate General of Israel for the Southwest Region of the United States.
He was also Public Relations Director for a non-profit that worked with at-risk inner-city teens in Los Angeles. In addition, LiAmi also produced events and parties for the LA Jewish Community and hosted a popular weekly radio talk show with many controversial guests and celebrities.
Tzvika, the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of KeepOlim is a native-born Israeli. An entrepreneur and inventor by nature, he earned a Law Degree at Hebrew University and started to volunteer at Nefesh B’Nefesh as a lawyer for new Olim.
Sadly, Tzvika quickly saw that the same Olim that he helped to make Aliyah returned to their countries soon after. Through the hand of fate, Tzvika met LiAmi, and together, they decided to start a post-Aliyah non-profit in order to make real changes for all Olim. Tzvika advocates for Olim in the Knesset and runs KeepOlim’s Free Legal Aid Program to review contracts and provide legal help for Olim in their first year after Aliyah. Tzvika’s goal is to Keep Olim in Israel to ensure that Israel will thrive and grow.
Tzvika Graiver
CO-FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Board Members
Josh Aronson
Board Member Josh Aronson is a millennial immigrant from Manchester, England, who currently works as a noted journalist for the “Maariv” newspaper and the website “Shavim.”
Being on the Autism Spectrum has not limited Josh in any way, as proven by his numerous roles and contributions in Israeli society. He serves as the Disabilities Coordinator for the Israeli Reform Movement, works in the communications department of Keren Hayesod-UIA, and is an activist for one of the major political parties in Israel.
“I suffered a lot integrating into Israeli society especially due to my disabilities but I succeeded. Through KeepOlim, I hope to help as many Olim as possible to integrate into Israeli society.”
Susan Cohen
BOARD MEMBER
Board Member Susan Cohen and her husband made Aliyah in April 2019 to join the rest of their family in Israel. Susan is the Director of Tikva by KeepOlim and a Therapeutic Counsellor and Psychotherapist, earning her diploma in 2013 in the United Kingdom. She has worked in both the volunteer and private sectors, including for “Her Majesty’s Prison Service” for the last 8 years. Susan’s expertise covers a wide range of specialties including working with issues such as suicidal ideations, domestic violence/abuse, sexual abuse, chronic and terminal illness, and a wide range of mental health issues. Soon after Susan’s Aliyah, she started volunteering for KeepOlim as a therapist and has now taken on a larger and vital role in the organization by serving as the Director of our Mental Health Program. Susan has developed our Mental Health Division of KeepOlim by taking it forward with new ideas and initiatives, with the aim of keeping our Olim safe, well, and in Israel.
Susan Cohen
BOARD MEMBER
David Hovav
Board Member David Hovav is a 34 year old Jerusalem-born Sabra, son of an Israeli father and an American mother. David was raised in a Kibbutz and served in the IDF in the Paratroopers Unit from 2003 to 2006. David traveled around the world and lived in England for two years and America for eight. Today, David has returned to Israel, is a businessman, and he also works for at-risk youth. David is a member of Inter-Aliyah football team, a team made up of Olim from all around the world.
“I’m very glad to be a part of KeepOlim. I believe that Olim are the real treasures of Israel and that’s exactly the way they should be treated!”
Nurit Iluz
BOARD MEMBER
Board Member Nurit Iluz is a self-made woman. A Sabra born in a broken home, she overcame poverty, abuse and near death, and chose to leave it all behind to become a business and social entrepreneur, dedicated to improving the lives of as many people as possible.
She has had an amazing career as a Business Consultant to SMB (Small and Medium-Sized Business) and holds an MBA in Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Nurit is the founder of a non-profit “Everything Is Possible For Me,” an organization that motivates and helps disadvantaged people to find themselves and create new possibilities for their lives. Nurit is bringing her special courses and skills to help inspire our Olim to overcome their obstacles in Israel! Nurit is the mother of two grown sons and lives with her partner Eitan in Tel Aviv.
Nurit Iluz
BOARD MEMBER
Anne Pollard
Board Member Anne Pollard, from the famous “Pollard Affair”, made aliyah from New York, USA. She is an American Prisoner of Zion, known worldwide for her contributions to Israeli security. After she and her former husband Jonathan were betrayed by the Israeli government, they were imprisoned under cruel, inhumane conditions between 1985 and 1990. Anne grew up in New York City, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. She worked for major American lobby organizations, bringing her to Capitol Hill. She acted as a spokesperson and ran press offices for her organizations throughout the United States.
Anne also specialized in media training for CEOs and top level executives from Fortune 500 companies. In prison, Anne and her father Bernie formed “Justice for the Pollards” due to the enormity of fake news and injustice both Anne and Jonathan were subjected to. After Anne completed her prison sentence, she became an accomplished speaker. She is a passionate Zionist and proud Jew who advocates for Judaism, Israeli defense and security force personnel, women’s issues, and animal rights. Today, Anne lives in Tel Aviv with her adopted dog, Prince, and her kitty, Angelique.
Lenny Ravich
BOARD MEMBER
Board Member Lenny Ravich was born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA in 1936. He earned his BA in English Literature from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, and his Master’s Degree in Education from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
Lenny made Aliyah in 1964, married his Israeli born wife, Alisa, in 1965 and together, they have three children and nine grandchildren. He was an inspector of English teachers for the Israeli Board of Education and his wife is currently a psychiatric social worker.
Among other talents, Lenny is an actor, drama coach, director, stand-up comedian and a Gestalt Therapist. Mr. and Mrs. Ravich presently live in Tel Aviv.
Lenny Ravich
BOARD MEMBER
Yaffa Safadi
Board Member Yaffa Safadi made Aliyah from Las Vegas with her six children during the 2014 Gaza war. Yaffa was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and moved to Montreal, Canada, at the age of 7. Yaffa received a Masters Degree in Childhood Education in Paris, France. After moving to Las Vegas, Yaffa was introduced to the world of hospitality, where she worked as an event coordinator and volunteered for the Sheldon Adelson School for 8 years. Yaffa speaks English, Hebrew, French and Spanish. Today, Yaffa is the Guest Relations Manager at the Daniel Hotel in Herzliya.
Rabbi Brian Thau
BOARD MEMBER
Rabbi Brian Thau has been a dynamic leader in Rabbinics and Jewish Education (both formal and informal) in synagogues, schools, and camps for over 20 years. He made Aliyah from the United States and currently resides in Beit Shemesh, serving as the Executive Vice President of “The American Friends of House of Hope”. Rabbi Thau’s contributions to KeepOlim are highly valued, as he comes with vast experience, having served in leadership positions at the ZDR Academy of Yeshiva Rambam, Yeshivah of Flatbush, the 92nd Street Y, Ramaz Middle School, and many other Jewish educational institutes.
Rabbi Brian Thau
BOARD MEMBER
Jessica C. Thangjom
Board Member Jessica C. Thangjom made Aliyah from India in 2008 with her husband and daughter. Jessica is part of the Bnei Menashe Community of Indian Jews whose ancestry goes back to the Menashe Tribe. Jessica’s family lived in several cities before finally settling in Ramla. As a new immigrant, Jessica faced several issues finding a job in Israel, even with her Masters Degree in Sociology and her amazing work experience at World Vision and Medecins Sans Frontieres. Finally finding employment in high-tech, Jessica met LiAmi and Tzvika of KeepOlim, who saw an amazing opportunity for Jessica to contribute to the growing Bnei Menashe Community of Israel and KeepOlim as a whole. Jessica now works as a liaison to our Bnei Menashe Community and to all Olim! Jessica has found her calling at KeepOlim, a perfect convergence of her previous experiences and personal aspirations.
