2017 Speakers

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Andrew PaleyRabbi Andrew Paley is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Shalom, a Reform congregation in Dallas, Texas. Ordained by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 1995, Rabbi Paley holds a Masters Degree in Hebrew Letters from H.U.C. – J.I.R, is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Southwest Association of Reform Rabbis, Past President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Dallas, and is an Honorary Director of the Dallas Hebrew Free Loan Association.

Community oriented, Rabbi Paley is a member of the Dallas Mayor’s Task Force on Poverty, a member of the coordinating committee of Faith Leaders United for Peace and Justice – a project of Thanksgiving Square of Dallas, a member of the Interfaith Advisory Committee of the North Texas Food Bank, and a Chaplain with the Dallas Police Department.

Boaz GolanyProfessor Boaz Golany is currently Vice President for External Relations and Resource Development at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel. Prof. Golany also currently holds the prestigious Samuel Gorney Chair in Engineering at Technion, as well as being a Senior Research Fellow at the IC-Squared Institute, a technology think tank at The University of Texas at Austin.

Professor. Golany received his bachelor’s degree from the Technion, graduating cum laude in 1982, and his doctorate from the Business School of the University of Texas at Austin in 1985. He is a leading expert in several areas, including resource allocation in counter-terrorism and homeland security issues. However, equally, if not more, important is that Professor Golany brings to the Israel Today Symposium a keen understanding of the miracle growth of Israeli technology and its role in Israel becoming known as the Start-up Nation. Yes, that is the title of a book, but more broadly, a term that defines a nation which, while comparably young, has witnessed miracle economic growth, fueled by Israeli ingenuity and technology developments because of institutions like Technion.

During his term as Vice President at Technion, Prof. Golany has greatly expanded the global reach of the Technion, yielding significant growth in the number of sponsored joint projects with foreign universities, the number and importance of international visitors and delegations to Technion, and exposure by the world media.

Deedee ColemanReverend Dr. Deedee M. Coleman is Pastor of the Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit , Michigan. She is the first female President of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity; having earned a BA Degree in Business Administration, an MA Degree in Pastoral Ministry, and a Doctoral Degree in Inter-cultural Communications from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Coleman’s contributions to the community resulted in her receiving the 2007 Dahlberg Peace Award , the highest award granted by the American Baptist Churches, USA, for her work in prison ministry and reentry services to this country. Her widespread contributions to the community include her tireless efforts for enhancement of Jewish/African-American relations and the support of the US/Israel Relationship, Dr. Coleman is regularly invited to lecture on these topics at various venues in the United States.
Charles PulmanCharles Pulman, a Dallas attorney, is a well-known activist for Israeli causes, having been to Israel more than 50 times. He is the founder of the non-profit organization Why Israel Matters Inc., and is a frequently sought out speaker on Israel and issues affecting the State of Israel. Mr. Pulman has concentrated his recent lectures on the scourge of BDS, its origins, and how to combat it. He was a major force in shepherding the State of Texas anti-BDS legislation through the Texas House and the Texas Senate, and on to the Governor for signing.

SESSION SPEAKERS

Yoram EttingerAmbassador (ret.) Yoram Ettinger, a diplomat, author, lecturer and expert on U.S./Israel relations and Mideast affairs, is a consultant to members of Israel’s Cabinet and Knesset, and regularly briefs U.S. legislators and their staff on topics such as the threat of a nuclear Iran, Israel’s contribution to vital U.S. interests, Palestinian issues, the root causes of international terrorism, and on other issues of mutual concern.

Yoram Ettinger’s opinions have been published in Israel and in the United States, and is a regular interviewee on Israel and U.S. television and radio news programs. He is the author of the articles published in the highly regarded The Ettinger Report.

Ambassador (ret.) Ettinger, an Israeli, is a graduate of UCLA and the University of Texas at El Paso, has served as Minister for Congressional Affairs at Israel’s Embassy in Washington, Israel’s Consul General in Houston and Director of Israel’s Government Press Office. He is the editor of “The Jerusalem Cloakroom” and “The Jerusalem Boardroom” newsletters on issues of national security and overseas investments in Israel’s high-tech industries.

Ambassador(ret.) Yoram Ettinger’s Breakout Sessions will be: “Israel’s Contributions to the United States” and “History of the U.S./ Israel Relationship

Dr. Sara Abosch Jacobson is Senior Director of Education for the Dallas Holocaust Museum.  An experienced educator, she has researched, taught, and written on Jewish culture and history.  She holds a PhD in modern European and Jewish history, an MA in modern British and Jewish history, and an MA in Political Science with a concentration in Civil/Military Relations. She regularly speaks on the Holocaust, the history of anti-Semitism, and Holocaust memorialization in the US and Israel.  She has also given talks on the history of Israel and Zionism, and on a variety of topics in Jewish history.”

Dr.Sara Abosch Jacobson’s Breakout Session will be: “History of anti-Semitism

Neil LazarusNeil Lazarus is a Jewish educator and an internationally acclaimed expert in the fields of Middle East politics, worldwide diplomacy, and effective communication to advance pro-Israel advocacy. He is fast emerging as one of Israel’s leading speakers, and because his presentations are motivating, informative and challenging, Neil is highly sought by governmental and pro-Israel organizations to educate their constituents, at a current rate of over 30,000 people a year. Come and see why he is in such demand.

Neil Lazarus’s Breakout Session will be: “How is the Middle East Changing under the Trump Administration?

Stephanie Hausner, is currently the Director of Community Strategy for the Israel Action Network (IAN). As such, Stephanie is responsible for strengthening the capacity of local community professionals in countering the assault on Israel’s legitimacy. In this role, she coordinates Israel advocates throughout North America, leads mobilization programming, and proactively builds partnerships with communities vulnerable to anti-Israel messaging.  Among the initiatives Stephanie leads are the Bridges to Tomorrow program, legislative advocacy, and campus/community partnerships.  Stephanie is the point person for IAN and the Jewish Federations of North America on anti-BDS legislation. Stephanie also has over a decade of experience in political organizing. She serves as Councilwoman in the town of Clarkston, a position she had held since 2010. Stephanie graduated from Johns Hopkins University, with a degree in International Relations, and a concentration in American Foreign Policy. Lastly, she was named one of Rockland County’s “40 under 40″ in 2010 and in 2013 was included in “The Jewish Week 36 under 36.”

Stephanie Hausner will be a panelist of the Breakout Session: “Combating BDS activities by Federal and State Legislation”  Co-speaker Jacob Millner.

Jesse StockJesse Stock’s current focus is as Southern Regional Coordinator of StandWithUs, the non-profit which purpose is to serve all of the communities with educational resource materials about Israel, as well as to provide advice and legal assistance to aid in combating anti-Israel activities on campus. His experience and background for this position includes studies at the IDC Herzliya and American Jewish University, in which he majored in Counter Terrorism and Middle Eastern Studies.

Jesse Stock will be a panelist of the Breakout Session: “Combating anti-Israel and anti-semetic activities on High School and College Campuses

Melissa DuchinMelissa Duchin is the executive director of Hillels of North Texas. As such, she serves the Jewish community on college campuses such as the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Dallas. Hillel serves the college communities by teaching and inspiring Jewish students to not only make a lifelong commitment to Jewish life and learning, but to be a proud supporter of the State of Israel. Accordingly, among Melissa’s most important roles is to visit Israel and lead Birthright trips.

Melissa Duchin will be a panelist of the Breakout Session: “Combating anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activities on High School and College Campuses

Jennifer WeintraubJennifer Weintraub Originally from Los Angeles, Jen attended New Community Jewish High School, and thereafter graduated with an honors degree and Suma Cum Laude in International Studies from Manhattanville College in Westchester, New York in 2017. While attending Manhattanville College, Ms. Weintraub founded the school’s Hillel and was awarded the Emerson Fellow award. The granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, Jen was sponsored to participate in the March of the Living while in High School. Standing in Auschwitz, Jen knew she could never take Jewish safety for granted. Now employed by StandWithUs, Jen is excited to now be able to do what she loves – educating students about Israel!!

Jennifer Weintraub will be a panelist of the Breakout Session: “Combating anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activities on High School and College Campuses

Danielle Rugoff has been a pro-Israel advocate substantially her entire life. Focusing on Israel education and Jewish peoplehood, Danielle’s pro-Israel resume includes managing AIPAC’s efforts throughout North Texas and Oklahoma, co-founder of Makom, a nationally recognized spiritual community for young adults, and currently serving as Development Director for Hillel International.

 

Danielle Rugoff will be a panelist of the Breakout Session: “Combating anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activities on High School and College Campuses

Jacob MillnerJacob Millner focuses on combating anti-Israel activity. He is Midwest Regional Director and Senior Policy Analyst with The Israel Project, a non-partisan educational organization dedicated to informing the media and the public about Israel and the Middle East. Mr. Millner particularly focuses on issues pertaining to legislative action to fight BDS at a state level.

 

Jacob Millner will be a panelist of the Breakout Session: “Combating BDS activities by Federal and State Legislation” Co-speaker Stephanie Hausner.

Kevin PailetKevin Pailet nationally recognized for his knowledge and competence in the field of lobbying, and particularly his lobbying expertise in support of a strong U.S./Israel relationship. In this regard, he has developed deep relationships with many members of the House and Senate, independent of whether they are Democrats, Republicans or Independents. This non-partisan approach has served Kevin well as indicated by his successes in convincing House and Senate members of the merits of supporting the State of Israel. Kevin Pailet has risen to leadership positions in AIPAC where he currently serves on the National Board and a past national chair of the New Leadership Network.

Kevin Pailet’s Breakout Session will be: “Importance of Lobbying for Israel on a Non-Partisan Basis

Rafi DanzigerRaphael Danziger is Senior Research Advisor to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and formerly Chief Editor, and now Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, of the Near East Report, AIPAC’s flagship monthly publication on Middle East policy. Dr. Danziger has taught modern Middle East history at Haifa University and holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University.

Raphael Danziger’s Breakout Session will be: “History of the Israeli Palestinian Conflict

Serge FrolovSerge Frolov, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Dr. Serge Frolov has also lived in Jerusalem, Israel; Claremont, California; and Dallas, Texas. Primarily a Hebrew Bible Scholar, Dr. Frolov also holds a PhD in Modern History and a PhD in Religious Studies. Dr. Frolov is currently a Professor of Religious Studies at Southern Methodist University, where he was the recipient of the Nate and Ann Levine Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies.

Serge Frolov’s Breakout Sessions will be: “How the State of Israel Was Established” and “Arab-Israeli Wars: Winners and Losers

Rabbi Ariel BoxmanRabbi Ariel Boxman, Rabbi-Educator for Temple Shalom, a Reform Jewish congregation in Dallas, Texas. Rabbi Boxman’s passion for Israel, Israeli culture and Hebrew is demonstrated by her numerous trips to Israel, her participation in two study-abroad programs – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2005 and the NFTY-Eisendrath International Exchange in 2002, and her unequivocal promotion of Israel to the congregants of Temple Shalom.

Rabbi Boxman graduated in 2007 from American University in Washington D.C, with a major in International Relations and a minor in Israel Studies. She continued her studies at Hebrew Union College and was ordained as a rabbi in 2012. Following ordination, Rabbi Boxman enrolled in a Masters of Jewish Education program and in 2013 earned her degree as a Jewish Educator.

Rabbi Ariel Boxman’s Breakout Session will be: “Cultural Conflicts Arising out of Israel’s Diverse Immigration

Dr. Robert Dean Robert Dean is a native of Houston, Texas and Pastor of West Houston Bible Church, and adjunct professor of Church History at Chafer Theological Seminary. Dr Dean has been an advocate of Israel most of his adult life. Since 2007 he has been an active member of AIPAC. He has been to Israel on tours sponsored by the Israeli foreign ministry, AIPAC, and Yad Vashem. He has also led numerous tour groups to Israel. One of his passions is studying the history of Zionism, both Christian and Jewish and helping Christians understand the importance of active support for Israel.

Robert Dean’s Breakout Sessions will be: “Why Evangelical Christians are pro-Israel” and “Understanding the legal Right to the Land: The Balfour Declaration and the San Remo Resolutions

Cheryl DrazinCheryl Drazin is the Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s North Texas/Oklahoma Regional Office, a non-profit organization that has been a leader in combating bigotry, prejudice and anti-Semitism for over a century. As regional director, Cheryl is responsible for coalition building, community relations, leadership development, fact-finding/research and office management to advance ADL’s mission – to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all – throughout the region. Cheryl received her B.A from Washington University in St. Louis in political science and is a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law.

Cheryl Drazin’s Breakout Session will be: “Confronting Modern Anti-Semitism

Bob EpsteinRobert (“Bob”) Epstein Having been involved for over twenty-one years in Law Enforcement and Homeland Security, Mr. Epstein has specialized in, and presented numerous lectures on, Cyber-Security and Cyber defense strategies. Bob is currently the Cyber Patriot Committee Chairman for the North Texas Air Force Association, and has served as a member of the Cybersecurity Committee for the North Texas Crime Commission. In particular, Mr. Epstein has been interactive with numerous ones of the over 200 Israeli companies specializing in Cyber-Security, Anti-Hacking Technology, Internet Security, Anti-Virus Software, and/or other Cyber defense technologies.

Bob Epstein’s Breakout Session will be: “Israeli Cybersecurity Technology

Dawn StraussDawn Strauss is an active volunteer with The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, The Jewish Community Relations, Children’s Health, The Children’s Miracle Network, Camp Young Judaea Texas and Camp Gan Izzy. She is the founder and president of DJS Consulting and also works as a facilitator for the Anti-Defamation League. Dawn resides in Dallas with her husband Brad and their four children; Jessica, Shayna, Jordan and Gabe.

Dawn Strauss’s Breakout Session will be: “Effective Israel Advocacy

Charles PerkinsCharles Perkins – Assistant Director and Senior Military Affairs & Defense Policy Analyst of AIPAC’s Policy & Government Affairs. A multi-decade AIPAC veteran, Charles participates in coordinating AIPAC’s policy and legislative initiatives to build the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship and counter emerging threats to both nations.  He is a recognized expert on Israel missile defense technology, U.S./Israel missile defense collaboration, regional geopolitical trends, and Israel’s security needs and challenges.

Charles Perkins’s Breakout Session will be: “Israeli Missile Defenses – An Example of U.S./Israel Cooperation

Itzhak BrookItzhak Brook, M.D., M.Sc., is a Professor of Pediatrics at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington D.C., and is a speaker for the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. Dr. Brook served in the Israeli army as a medic in the Six Day War in 1967 and as a battalion physician during the Yom Kippur war in 1973. He has shared his experiences in his book that he has authored ” In the Sands of Sinai- A Physician’s Account of the Yom Kippur War”.

Itzhak Brook’s Breakout Session will be: “Long Term Effects of Israel’s Wars on Israeli Society

Asher SaidaAsher Saida, an Israeli Sabra, was born and raised in Azur, a small town outside of Tel Aviv.  During his youth, Asher was active as the chair of the Likud Youth Party in his town.  He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in an infantry unit in Gaza. After finishing his IDF service, Asher started a security business that brought him to Dallas, where he subsequently married Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Rabbi Educator of Temple Shalom. Asher regularly gives talks on Israeli politics and the political conflicts generated as a result.

Asher Saida’s Breakout Session will be: “How Israel’s Political System has affected Israel’s Society and Culture

Ken PortnoyKen Portnoy, Ken Portnoy, a Cornell undergraduate and Harvard graduate, has always had geopolitics as a central focus. Ken will present his view of the inescapable impact that history, geography, and demographics have on foreign relations and the shifting alliances among nations. Recently, Ken presented discussions on “The Accidental Superpower” and on Israel’s growing trade and relations with China. He currently serves on the regional board of the ADL.

Ken Portnoy’s Breakout Session will be: “Israel’s Changing Foreign Relations with China, Russian, Europe, and the Arab World

Mark EllisonMark Ellison Mark Ellison is Texas Regional Director of Sales for IDE Americas, Inc., the U.S. affiliate of IDE Technologies, specialists in Israel’s desalinization technology. Previously acting as Manager of Strategic Water Initiatives for Texas Governor Rick Perry, Mr. Ellison worked with communities, industries and local, state and federal agencies on water related projects that have a strategic impact on the Texas economy. He also works to recruit water infrastructure and technology companies to the state, as well as with the water technology sector in Texas to help bring their know-how to the market place and to further develop the next generation of water technologies. Mark previously served as Special Advisor for Economic Development at the Texas Water Development Board; Director of Corporate Relations at The Texas A&M Energy Institute; Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development at the Texas A&M University System; Director of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund; Director of Employer Initiatives at the Texas Workforce Commission; and Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture at the Texas Department of Agriculture. It is not surprising that many refer to him as “Mr. Water.”

Mark Ellison’s Breakout Session will be: “Israel’s Desalinization Technology and Its Export to the World

Toba HellersteinToba Hellerstein is the new CEO of the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic ties between Texas and Israel. She took the reins in November after a successful career in international business development and foreign market advisory, with a special focus on the Israeli market. Toba has managed consulting projects for companies considering hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment in energy, infrastructure, high-tech, and defense. Earlier in her career, Toba worked as an analyst at the Israeli embassy in Paris where she also obtained a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Affairs from the top French diplomacy school, Sciences Po.

Toba Hellerstein’s Breakout Session will be: “Texas – Israel Business Opportunities

Deborah Niederman, Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) serves as the Associate Director of the Leadership Institute for the Union for Reform Judaism. She previously served as a Regional Educator and Congregational Consultant at the URJ. She was the Coordinator of Alumni Engagement and Career Services for the HUC-JIR Schools of Education, and Coordinator of the Induction and Retention Initiative of the Jim Joseph Foundation Education Initiative. She worked in three different URJ congregations as Director of Education, and is one of the authors of the CHAI: Learning for Jewish Life curriculum core developed by the URJ Department of Lifelong Jewish Learning.  For nearly 20 years she has served the board of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE) and is a past president of that organization. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies and Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, MO., her Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, and in 1995 received the title Reform Jewish Educator.

Debbie Niederman’s Breakout Session will be: “Why Israel is Important to American Jews

Yoram SolomonYoram Solomon, with a PhD in organization and management from Capella University (2010), an MBA from the University of Colorado (2001), and a Law Degree from Tel-Aviv University (1998), is an expert on creativity and innovation and the author of 8 books, including Un-Kill Creativity: How Corporate America can out-innovate startups. He has a column at Inc. Magazine, Innovation Excellence, and more, and was named one of the top 40 innovation bloggers in 2015 and 2016. He holds 21 patents, is a member of the National Speakers Association, and was elected in 2015 to the Plano ISD board of trustees. Yoram served in the Israeli Defense Forces 35th Airborne Paratroopers Brigade, and later as a mission pilot at the US Air Force Civil Air Patrol.

Yoram Solomon’s Breakout Session will be: “Why is Israel such a source of Innovation and Technology” 

Charles PulmanCharles Pulman, a Dallas attorney, is a well-known activist for Israeli causes, having been to Israel more than 50 times. He is the founder of the non-profit organization Why Israel Matters Inc., and is a frequently sought out speaker on Israel and issues affecting the State of Israel. Mr. Pulman has concentrated his recent lectures on the scourge of BDS, its origins, and how to combat it. He was a major force in shepherding the State of Texas anti-BDS legislation through the Texas House and the Texas Senate, and on to the Governor for signing.

Charles Pulman’s Breakout Session will be: “Background of BDS, Its Origin and Effects

Eldad JacobsonEldad Jacobson is a seventh generation Jerusalemite.  Working as a chef in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, FL, Memphis, TN, and head chef and caterer at the Dallas JCC, he is noted for his expertise in Israeli dining. He is married to Sara Abosch Jacobson, senior director of education at the Dallas Holocaust Museum, and the proud father of five 8th generation Jerusamalites.

Eldad Jacobson’s Breakout Session will be: “Israeli Food – The wonders of Eggplants & Tahini.

Eric FoxEric Fox – A Fort Worth native, Eric Fox has long served as Director of Government Relations for Fort Worth based Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company (LM Aero). Among other duties, Eric is responsible for all Government and Legislative support activities for LM Aero, and is the coordinator for Congressional support for LM Aero business initiatives. Prior to working for LM Aero, and after earning a Bachelor’s degree in political science and economics, Eric served as Washington D.C. representative for Ashland Inc. where he was responsible for managing federal legislative and regulatory issues that affected two of Ashland’s wholly owned subsidiaries. He has also served as associate staff member for the House Appropriations Committee while working for Congressman Henry Bonilla of Texas.  Eric served in the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he was the Congressional Relations Officer for the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.  He has also served on the staffs of Senator Conrad Burns of Montana and Governor Don Sundquist of Tennessee, when Sundquist was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Not only a consummate professional, Eric Fox is a delightful, engaging individual.

Eric Fox’s Breakout Session will be: “Israel Maintains Middle East Air Superiority – Thanks to the F-35 Fighter

Dave DonesonDave Doneson – Senior Vice President of Resource Development and Chief Development Officer for the American Technion Society. Previously, Mr. Doneson was the Director of International Seminars at the Shalem Center in Jerusalem, Director of Development for the University of Michigan (of M) Health System, Director of Major Gifts at the U of M Life Sciences Institute, and Regional Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the U of M Law School. Dave has also been a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces.As a consequence of his personal background and business experience, Mr. Doneson has worked closely with Israeli companies and technology institutions, has been an active participant in the rapidly advancing technology-based economy of the State of Israel, and has had his finger on the pulse of the quickly evolving Israeli start-up business ecosystem. Dave’s strong connection to the State of Israel includes spearheading the U of M/Israel Partnership for Research, and collaborating with the Technion and the Weizmann Institute. He is uniquely suited to contribute to the symposium his background and knowledge of Israeli contributions to the world.

Dave Doneson’s Breakout Session will be: “Israel’s Contributions to the United States”  Co-Speaker Ambassador (ret.) Yoram Ettinger

Max GlaubenMax Glauben – born in Warsaw, Poland, Max Glauben lost all of his family in the Holocaust, and used his wits, guile, and determination to survive six concentration camps. In 1947, Mr. Glauben came to the U.S, as an orphan. Later, during a visit to Dallas, Max met his future wife, and following his heart, moved to Dallas. He went to work as a toy buyer for Neiman Marcus and eventually became owner of Imperial Garment Supply. Max believes God spared him for a reason: to tell the story of Hitler’s commitment to murder all Jews, first in Europe, and then eventually in the world. Currently, Max speaks at the Dallas Holocaust Museum and elsewhere, sometimes several times a week; his goal is always to tell his story in a way that does not inspire hate. And the more he speaks, the more energized he feels. Max feels and expresses a deep sense of gratitude, not only that he has survived the Holocaust, but that he lives in this country – a country where he has been able to enjoy freedom so precious, it should never be taken for granted. Max Glaubens motto for life is that “There are good things that happen in life, and there are bad,” he adds. “You have to take it in stride. The important thing is to never underestimate yourself, and to never give up.” And Max will tell this and his life story to the teens at their portion of the Israel Today Community Symposium.

Max Glauben’s Breakout Session will be: “Teen Program

David ZimmermanDavid Zimmerman is currently the Athletic Director, Dean of Students, Director of Co-Curricular Activities, and Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach at Yavneh Academy of Dallas, Texas.  Coach Zimmerman has led the Yavneh Bulldogs Basketball team to their best records in school history including two district titles and a State Championship birth in 2017. Previously an Assistant Coach at Southern Methodist University, St. Marks School of Texas, and Episcopal School of Dallas, Coach Zimmerman has also served as the Athletic Director at Levine Academy and Head Coach of the American Basketball Associations North Dallas Vandals.  Coach Zimmerman was the youngest JCC Maccabi Coach and, proving his ability, coached Team Dallas 16u Boys Basketball Team to their first ever Gold Medal in 2008.

As Director of Co-Curricular Activities, Coach Zimmerman works with many of Yavneh’s community service organizations, including Students Against Terrorism, the Points for Peace Basketball Tournament, Students4Students, and Helping Hands for the Homeless.  He currently serves on the boards of Southern Methodist University’s Hillel, and Southern Methodist University’s Jewish Studies Department Advisory Committee. He is also the Co-Chair of the Cinema Emanu-El Film Festival.

David Zimmerman’s Breakout Session will be:Teen Program