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.

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.

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.

Laura Taitz is an experienced IT professional and is the founder of Fraction PM. Laura has held various roles in IT product and project management in start-ups as well as in established organisations such as Envizi (now part of IBM), Dimension Data and Perpetual. Laura has consulted to not-for-profits including Asthma Foundation NSW, BlackDog Institute and Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation. Laura is the co-founder and a director of the charity MedEarth. Laura is also a director of nfp Sayo Kumbasi House, is a past director of the National Council of Jewish Women NSW (NCJWA) and was the co-founder and inaugural Chairperson of NCJWA’s Mum for Mum program in Australia.

Cedric Geffen is a Senior Agribusiness / Agritech Executive, having held SLT positions within the Start Up; SME; and Corporate arenas across South Africa, Israel, New Zealand and Australia. He is a dedicated Jewish peoplehood and community activist having volunteered with multiple community organisations such as the Young Adult Division of IUA in South Africa, the Zionist Federation in New Zealand and 20 year's service as Founder (in New Zealand); Board Member; President; de-facto CEO and Director of March of the Living Australia. Cedric's passion lies in bringing the 'real Israel' to those who have not had the good fortune (like himself) of experiencing it first hand and their knowledge (and judgement) is limited to a fairly myopic lens. 

Carmel Pelunsky has over 25 years of global experience advising organisations in strategic talent and leadership. Most recently she was a People Director at Woolworths Group. Prior to that she was the Managing Director of YSC, a boutique global talent and leadership consultancy, founded in the UK. Today, Carmel consults with executive leaders across industries and across startups, corporates and not-for-profits, developing and helping to activate their talent and leadership strategies. She has lived and worked in Johannesburg, London, Tel Aviv, Nepal and Sydney. Carmel has a long history of involvement with Jewish communal organisations. She was the South African Chair of the South African Union of Jewish Students (Wits) during her university career. In 2008, she co-founded the Woman’s arm of Tevel B’Tzedek, an Israeli founded not-for-profit rooted in Tikun Olam; in 2019, she joined the Australian Israeli Chamber of Commerce Women’s Delegation to Israel.  Carmel has also given her time to Our Big Kitchen, and more recently, to Lifeline. Carmel is a graduate of AICD and an ICF accredited coach.

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.

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. On a personal level, although not Jewish, 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.