Bill Begal, a student of Danny Siegel’s for 20 years, is a successful Washington DC area businessman. Bill grew up in USY, staffed USY Israel Pilgrimage and Poland Seminar for many years. Bill is the founder of a local Tzedakah cooperative that works very much like Ziv, distributing funds that can change people’s lives by paying a utility bill, purchasing a washer/dryer for a family in need and similar grass roots needs with no overhead and complete anonymity and kavod (respect).

Steve Kerbel, an attorney turned Jewish educator in the Washington DC area, has been a neighbor and friend (read "inn keeper", "chauffer", "proof reader") of Danny's for many years. Steve has spent the last two summers working with Danny and the Ziv interns in Israel in the dual role of mentor/educator to the interns and USYers we've worked with. Steve also spent time with Arnie Draiman, the eyes and ears of Ziv in Israel.

Mary Meyerson, an education consultant well known in the Conservative and Reconstructionist movements has been a religious school director, and sits on the boards of several non profits. Mary has worked with a program providing winter shelter for the homeless of Prince George's, Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland. Mary has been recognized for her advocacy of inclusion and acceptance of learners who have special needs in our community's Jewish education venues.

Arnie Draiman, Manager of Israel Projects

We will continue to work with and promote the activities (and rely on the amazing knowledge) of Arnie Draiman, Ziv’s Israel agent for over twelve years, who is now a Philanthropic Consultant in Jerusalem and is joining our team as Manager of Israel projects.

Arnie has been living in Israel for over 24 years and is an expert in the field of Tzedakah and Philanthropic Giving. His philanthropic consulting firm helps foundations and private donors find appropriate places to donate their Tzedakah money or volunteer their time. Arnie lives in Jerusalem, is married to Rena Feder Draiman, and has four children.

Arnie can be reached at: soochaz@yahoo.com or by phone: 050-515-6776 (if calling from outside of Israel, then dial: 001-972-50-515-6776)