Daniel Lipshut, a senior defense industry executive with over 30 years’ experience, has dedicated his career to supporting the Australian Defence Force with advanced electronic systems, primarily sourced from Israel. As CEO of Intercorp and in various leadership roles—including NED and Chair positions at Praemium, and chairing mental health initiatives—Daniel brings a wealth of strategic and commercial expertise. He met Michael years ago in a professional setting, which quickly developed into a friendship built on mutual respect and shared values. Deeply moved by the events of October 7, 2023, and inspired by Michael’s resolve to address antisemitism and educate the broader community, Daniel was honored to support the founding of The 2023 Foundation and now serves as its inaugural chair.

Carol Tannous-Sleiman spent over twenty five years in the retail, FMCG, early education and manufacturing industries both locally and internationally. Carol led teams across people and culture, operations, and corporate affairs teams. She is a CEO and runs her own HR and employee relations consulting firm and is a qualified business Coach in leadership, supporting executives and businesses through significant organisational change, to transform individuals, culture and workplaces to thrive today and into the future. Carol works closely with the Lebanese Christian Maronite community and is an advocate for fostering peaceful coexistence. She actively speaks out against antisemitic behaviour, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility and ethical leadership.

Avi Cohen is a passionate educator and expert in Israeli history and Jewish studies, with extensive experience guiding thousands of people on educational trips to Israel, providing them with a deeper understanding of the region’s complexities. He has served as Deputy Principal and Director of Jewish Studies and Hebrew at Mount Scopus Memorial College, lectured at Monash University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and Deakin University, and is a co-founder of the Jewish Educational Network of Australia. Through his initiative, Beyond Israel, Avi offers participants a more nuanced connection to Israel, challenging them with diverse perspectives. Avi is honored to be part of the 2023 Foundation, working to foster greater understanding and dialogue about Israel among Australians from all backgrounds.

Elad Gur is a seasoned executive with over 23 years of experience at Verint Inc., where he successfully managed large-scale operations across multiple regions. Prior to relocating to Australia, Elad was heavily involved in volunteer work supporting veterans, particularly those dealing with PTSD, and worked to strengthen peer support networks for both Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Australian Defense Force (ADF) veterans. An IDF veteran himself, Elad is committed to fostering connections between veterans to aid their reintegration. He is also an active member of a kibbutz and participates in various educational initiatives, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to community service and global impact.

Dracaena Scott began her career as a Barrister in the UK, specializing in crime and family law before becoming a certified Mediator in 2002. After moving to Australia, she transitioned into roles as a Yoga and Pilates Instructor and Property Manager, eventually founding Plexus Pilates in 2022 to support people’s physical and emotional well-being. Alongside her legal and wellness expertise, Dracaena brings a deep affinity for Israeli and Jewish communities, developed during her time living in Jerusalem with her husband, Michael, during his UN deployment. In 2024, she co-founded The 2023 Foundation with Michael, driven by a shared vision to create a lasting impact through education and advocacy. Together, they are committed to growing the foundation into a globally impactful organization that will carry on its mission for generations.

Jared Ziegler is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of New South Wales. His research focuses on the reconstruction of both East and West Germany during the immediate post-war period, with a specific emphasis on propaganda, denazification, and the persistence of antisemitism in the post-war era. Jared possesses specialised experience in teaching and engaging with university students in humanities fields. Jared has a deep interest in the lessons Australia can draw from Israel’s extraordinary achievements in industrial, economic, and social development, through the collaboration between the Histadrut, the State, and the private sector to the benefit of all.

Ilana Den graduated with a degree in Education from The Hebrew University, Jerusalem. Her career has encompassed both Education and Hospitality. She founded and managed a corporate events agency for 20 years until, in 2015, she accepted the role of Federal Executive Director for the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University. During this time, she oversaw the organisation’s scholarships program and the establishment of bilateral agreements between the Hebrew University and numerous Australian universities. She then was employed by the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce as a Senior Partnerships Manager and was responsible for the Chamber’s DeepDive Executive Education program focused on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which was run in conjunction with Tel Aviv University.

Raf Mihalovich is a seasoned entrepreneur with a dual focus on business growth and combating antisemitism through strategic storytelling. Schooled in Melbourne, Australia, he now resides in New York City with his family. Raf leads Biogracy, a content-driven communications agency that provides marketing advisory services and investment support to startups and emerging brands. His client portfolio spans the political, nonprofit, and consumer sectors—including beverage and luxury goods. In the aftermath of October 7, Raf played a key role in coordinating donations to frontline special forces units and has since strengthened his commitment to advancing Israel’s narrative in partnership with the Israeli Consulates in New York and Miami.ption goes here

Shelly Freeman holds a Law and Economics degree from Monash University. She worked as a lawyer at the Victorian Government Solicitors Office and Minter Ellison Lawyers before establishing a successful consulting business specialising in government relations, lobbying, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Shelly now resides in Manhattan, where she serves as Chief of Staff at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. In this role, she helps implement the organisation’s strategic vision and leads strategic partnerships and high-level media engagement. Shelly also sits on the boards of the Jewish Quarterly and FED Social and is an alumna of the Nachum Goldman Fellowship Leadership Program.

Peter Hersh commenced work as an accountant in 1977 and first became a principal in 1988. In 2006 he was one of the founding partners of Logicca. In addition to his business services clients, he heads the audit, superannuation, estate planning and not-for-profit sections of the practice. Peter is married to Leone; they have three children and 8 grandchildren. He has had the honour of being the treasurer of the Zionist Federation of Australia and is currently the treasurer of Technion Australia a charity which supports the work of the Technion University in Israel, and Australian Jewish Funders, through financial donations and research collaborations.

Craig Haycock has over twenty years of extensive experience within the superannuation industry. Craig is a Director at Logicca. He specialises in providing Superannuation advice on corporate transactions, with an emphasis on the SMSF Compliance and investment. He works primarily with privately owned enterprises, Charities and high-net-worth individuals.  Craig’s areas of expertise are Superannuation, Charity Setup, trust accounting and general business services. 

Lance Cohen, Director and Principal Consultant at Medayim Labs, brings over 15 years of expertise in R&D across hardware, software, and systems engineering. With a proven track record in industries like medical devices, biotech, and IoT, Lance excels in driving innovation, managing engineering teams, and delivering impactful, technology-driven solutions. Lance is assisting the 2023 Foundation by supporting their IT needs.

Chloe Cohen, a web designer and developer at Medayim Labs, brings valuable experience from nonprofits and community-focused roles. She leverages her skills to support the 2023 Foundation by addressing their web design and development needs, creating impactful digital solutions that enhance the Foundation’s mission and strengthen its online presence.

Georgina Scott is a Canberra-based, second-year student studying for a Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) at the Australian National University. Georgina is delighted to be contributing as a Volunteer Intern in the social media department for The 2023 Foundation.

Jack Bolton is a late-stage University student undertaking courses in both Law and Security Studies. Through engaging with this subject matter and appearing at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in the aftermath of October 7, Jack has developed a deep understanding and appreciation of the role Israel plays in the Middle East and the world more broadly. Jack has been fortunate to build a number of close relationships in the Jewish community. He has witnessed first-hand the degradation of social cohesion and the harmful impacts of antisemitism more broadly. Jack is an advocate for tolerance, believing the things that bring us together are stronger than those that do not.