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A group of friends in their 20's that decided to change the world.
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Kate Koraia, MBA, CPA, is a distinguished professional known for her remarkable contributions to the finance and nonprofit sectors. Originally from Georgia, she immigrated to New York in 2007 for her MBA. For over a decade, she has collaborated with various nonprofit organizations, streamlining financial ecosystems using cutting-edge technology. She empowers nonprofit leaders to maximize impact, a driving force behind improving the world. She is a financial expert, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and angel investor in value-driven organizations. She embodies innovation, compassion, and commitment, forging new paths in a world that often settles for less. Recognized by Marquis Who's Who in America, Kate's journey inspires us to redefine boundaries and unlock human potential.
Kate holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Post-Graduate Executive Program in Entrepreneurship and Leadership from Harvard Business School (HBS), an Executive Program in Digital Transformation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Project Management Professional designation from New York University (NYU), and is a Certified Public Accountant.
"I felt an inexplicable connection to David through shared photographs and poignant videos from their past, even though we had never met. I was deeply touched by David's friends' incredible humility and heroism. Driven by this newfound bond and inspired by their unwavering commitment, I wholeheartedly support their cause. I am dedicated to utilizing every resource at my disposal to amplify the mission of SSL and contribute to what could become the most significant impact in the annals of human history.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, David made Aliyah to Israel with his family in 2012, where he studied at YTA High School and met lifelong friend David Newman. A former software development Team Leader in the Israel Defense Forces, David transitioned to the private sector, bringing his technical expertise to various leadership roles. Now serving as CFO and Vice President at Let's Do Something, David leverages his extensive experience in technology and finance to drive the organization’s strategic goals.
"When I close my eyes I imagine David as he was. Laughing, dancing, cooking, eating, living.David inspired us all. He was giant. In every sense of that word. A larger than life figure who constantly worked out to enlarge his figure.My journey began Friday night October 6th, the last time I saw David. He came home with noam to get ready for the Nova Festival and I , as any good friend would, made fun of his shirt. Only 24 hours later that same shirt is what helped us to identify David's body. That day changed everything for me. Today Let's Do Something stands for something that I know David would be proud of and I work every day to make sure it stays that way."
Born in Brooklyn, New York, David made Aliyah to Israel with his family in 2012, where he studied at YTA High School and met lifelong friend David Newman. A former software development Team Leader in the Israel Defense Forces, David transitioned to the private sector, bringing his technical expertise to various leadership roles. Now serving as CFO and Vice President at Let's Do Something, David leverages his extensive experience in technology and finance to drive the organization’s strategic goals.
"When I close my eyes I imagine David as he was. Laughing, dancing, cooking, eating, living.David inspired us all. He was giant. In every sense of that word. A larger than life figure who constantly worked out to enlarge his figure.My journey began Friday night October 6th, the last time I saw David. He came home with noam to get ready for the Nova Festival and I , as any good friend would, made fun of his shirt. Only 24 hours later that same shirt is what helped us to identify David's body. That day changed everything for me. Today Let's Do Something stands for something that I know David would be proud of and I work every day to make sure it stays that way."
Gidon’s parents met at Princeton University and made Aliyah in 1994. Gidon met David Newman while playing American Football, and quickly became best friends. Gidon is a valedictorian in Mathematics at Hebrew University, spent a year in America working in the field of Probability and Game Theory, and, before October 7th, was teaching calculus at Hebrew University.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Daniella Greenbaum
Baruch’s family made Aliyah in 2012. For Baruch, adjustment to life in Israel took about a decade. Baruch attended YTA high school with David Newman, after which they became roommates and best friends. Prior to David’s death, Baruch worked as the Director of Bioinformatics for Gift of Life. On Friday October 6th, David borrowed Baruch’s car to drive to the Nova Music Festival near Gaza. That was the last time Baruch saw David alive. Baruch’s life changed the day David’s ended.
“In many ways, David raised me. We played football together, loved cooking together, and traveled in Mexico together. We searched for meaning in life together and talked about everything imaginable together. LDS was taking all that amazing energy tha david had and all the pain from October 7th and turning it into action”
Baruch’s family made Aliyah in 2012. For Baruch, adjustment to life in Israel took about a decade. Baruch attended YTA high school with David Newman, after which they became roommates and best friends. Prior to David’s death, Baruch worked as the Director of Bioinformatics for Gift of Life. On Friday October 6th, David borrowed Baruch’s car to drive to the Nova Music Festival near Gaza. That was the last time Baruch saw David alive. Baruch’s life changed the day David’s ended.
“In many ways, David raised me. We played football together, loved cooking together, and traveled in Mexico together. We searched for meaning in life together and talked about everything imaginable together. LDS was taking all that amazing energy tha david had and all the pain from October 7th and turning it into action”
Ike moved to Israel in 2009. David and Ike grew up together as high school classmates and football teammates– a defensive end and outside linebacker duo. After serving in the Israeli Air Force on Nevatim air base as an F35 Engine Mechanic, Ike married and now lives with his wife in Hadar Yosef, Tel Aviv. He put his work as a drone mechanic at Aeronautics on hold to commit to David’s memory and namesake via the operations at Soldiers Save Lives.
"I joined LDS to ensure the greatness taken from the world with David's murder was restored and to be a part of the building of the Jewish peoples future in health, safety and shalom"
Ike moved to Israel in 2009. David and Ike grew up together as high school classmates and football teammates– a defensive end and outside linebacker duo. After serving in the Israeli Air Force on Nevatim air base as an F35 Engine Mechanic, Ike married and now lives with his wife in Hadar Yosef, Tel Aviv. He put his work as a drone mechanic at Aeronautics on hold to commit to David’s memory and namesake via the operations at Soldiers Save Lives.
"I joined LDS to ensure the greatness taken from the world with David's murder was restored and to be a part of the building of the Jewish peoples future in health, safety and shalom"
Matt Priest is the President & CEO of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), the largest and most effective footwear association in the United States. In this role, Matt serves as the executive in charge of FDRA’s day-to-day operations ensuring the association meets and exceeds its goal to be the footwear industry’s business and trade association. He also directs the operations of the vitally important Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY), directing four interactive footwear markets in New York throughout the year. Before joining FDRA in February 2009, Matt served as Senior Advisor to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles and Apparel at the U.S. Department of Commerce. As deputy assistant secretary, he oversaw programs and strategies to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the U.S. footwear, fiber, textiles, and apparel industries. Matt was also Chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), which determines when market-disrupting factors exist in the domestic fiber, textiles and apparel marketplace. Previously, Matt served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Import Administration at the Commerce Department, where he advised the assistant secretary on textile and trade issues. Prior to his appointment, Matt was Legislative Director for Representative Sue Myrick of North Carolina, where he was an advisor in the areas of textiles, trade, and economic development.In addition to his role as President and CEO of FDRA, Matt is a member of the Board of Directors at the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF) and Soles4Souls. He also serves on the Industry Advisory Board at the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Matt has also served as an Executive in Residence at the College of Textiles and often guest lectures at the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. He is also an honorary member of the Footwear Youth Leadership Group of the Taiwan Footwear Manufacturers Association. Matt earned his BA in political science from North Carolina State University. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Northern Virginiang in the Israeli Air Force on Nevatim air base as an F35 Engine Mechanic, Ike married and now lives with his wife in Hadar Yosef, Tel Aviv. He put his work as a drone mechanic at Aeronautics on hold to commit to David’s memory and namesake via the operations at Soldiers Save Lives.
"Israel is the land where my faith was born many millennia ago. As one of the resident Gentiles at Let’s Do Something, I have a strong and enduring love for the people of Israel and their right to freely live in peace. After the horrific attrocities of October 7, 2023, I was able to harness the compassionate power of the American footwear industry, delivering over 65,000 pairs of shoes to people impacted by the attacks. As the conflict continues and Israel’s security is continuously threatened, Let’s Do Something is allowing me to humbly serve in ways I could have never imagined and I thank God for that.”
Jennifer (Jen) Diaz is the President and Founder of Diaz Trade Law. Jen is a Board-Certified International Attorney specializing in customs and international trade. Since 2006, Jen has counseled businesses of all sizes on complex customs issues and has a strong record of success in mitigating federal administrative enforcement actions. Jen has been recognized by Chambers Global and USA, “Super Lawyers” as a Top International Attorney, has an AV rating of “Superb,” and is considered a leading expert in International Trade Law by the Florida Bar. Jen founded Diaz Trade Law in 2016. The firm boasts a multilingual team of experts and has rapidly become one of the nation’s leading Customs and International Trade law firms.
Beyond her legal practice, Jen is a champion of organizations within her industry and served as President of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT International) as well as OWIT South Florida. A frequent media commentator, Jen is a nationally recognized thought leader and has authored book chapters for The Florida Bar and the American Bar Association, numerous Bloomberg Law articles, and other leading publications. Jen is the Editor of the Customs & International Trade Law blog recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as being an important part of the legal historical record. Jen resides in Miami, Florida, with her two children (one, a fur child) and husband.
"As a Jewish woman, Israel is my homeland and holds a huge chunk of my heart. The horrific attack on Israel by Hamas, a terrorist organization that brutally murdered 1,200 Jews on October 7, 2023 shattered me. Feeling powerless and devastated, I knew I had to do something but was uncertain of what I could do to make an impact. My volunteer mission to Israel in December, 60 days into the war—my fifth trip—wasn't enough. I relentlessly searched for organizations that profoundly support the army and people of Israel, and I found my calling with Let's Do Something. This extraordinary organization, driven by 20-year-olds whose passion could fill a state, makes an immense impact by providing necessities to the army and people of Israel while educating the world about the atrocities of October 7. If you are seeking to champion a cause that genuinely strengthens the state of Israel, look no further."
Moshe made Aliyah with his family in 2008. He attended YTA high school with David where they became friends and later roommates. Prior to Oct. 7th, Moshe worked as a donor specialist for Gift of Life, and represented Israel on the National Football Team.
“On Oct. 7th I gained perspective.Perspective of reality.Perspective of what good and evil really means..Perspective of how one is supposed to live life.Since Oct. 7th, life has had true goal for me and each day starts with just three words.Let’s Do Something."
Aiden grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, but always had a passion for Israel. He served as a lone soldier in the IDF after finishing high school. Aiden then returned home to pursue a degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Georgia. After the October 7th attack, Aiden decided to leave his job and join the effort to supply Israel with much needed equipment.
“I joined SSL because I resonated with their moto - Let’s do something! I could not continue living my life as if nothing was happening. It was not a choice to me; I had to help in any way that I could. The team at SSL shared my sentiment. They are a phenomenal group of young people who could not stand idle…I knew instantly that I had to be a part of this new organization"
Gabriel’s family made Aliyah from Miami, Florida in 2008. He attended YTA highschool where he and David Newman became friends for life. They were roommates until October 7th, 2023. After serving in the Israel Defense Forces as the Company Commander’s right hand in a first-response infantry squad he became a security coordinator for the Israeli government. Before the war, Gabriel managed several restaurants and more recently became a certified diamond grader.
“David may physically not be here with us anymore, however, there is one thing that is still with us, alive and well and that is his name, his memory. We have to keep it that way."
Chen grew up in Israel, and after high school went to the US to work with the Jewish agency. Upon returning to Israel she was drafted into the IDF where she served on the Gaza border. After completing her service Chen started dental school at Tel Aviv University and worked as a producer for Nas Daily.After October 7th Chen participated in several projects volunteering to work on repairing Israel’s PR image internationally.
“I joined LDS because I saw a group of young people doing something, and doing it out of genuine kindness, the energy and drive of the team, alongside with the fact that everyone is my age, and we all understand our generation and how to approach them, made me realize we have a real shot at changing the world.”
Daniel made Aliyah to Israel in 2017 and soon after became a track athlete for the Israel National Team, and the IDF. In 2019, Daniel started creating content on social media and has since amassed over five million followers.Before October 7th, Daniel was a proud activist for Israel, but after October 7th, Daniel tuned all of his content creation abilities into helping his ancestral homeland and the Jewish people.
“I joined LDS because I have always wanted a platform to change the world, to make the world a better place. Now, with a group of young adults like me, we can set out on our journey of making this world a better place for our children.”
Chana moved to Israel from Detroit 13 years ago and is currently living in Jerusalem. She Studied Communications and digital marketing IDC University. After completing university she became the Head of Marketing for NanoClear Water Solutions where she developed her brand development skills. Chana joined LDS in the beginning of the war as our head of brand design. In her free time she can be found exploring Jerusalem, hanging out with her cat Spartucus or doing arts and crafts.
“By working at Let's Do Something, I'm helping get gear, equipment, and necessities to heroes all around Israel.”
Ziv Kesner is a seasoned financial management professional with a passion for data analysis and market navigation. Currently serving as the Director of Finance at Soldiers Save Lives, Steven excels in budgeting and financial strategy. His career includes significant experience in portfolio management, where he demonstrated expertise in trading and investment, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steven’s military background as a Team Leader in the Israeli Defense Forces has honed his leadership and conflict resolution skills. With certifications in finance and paramedicine, he brings a diverse skill set to his professional endeavors, making him adept at managing complex financial operations and driving organizational success.
"It was the right thing to do, now please let me get back to work"
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