Program Directors

Mike 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 Shrenski

Bikur Cholim – Program Director

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.

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.

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.”

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!”

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.

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.

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.