Kolenu | Our Voice
Kolenu connects and amplifies the voices of a broad spectrum of religious Israelis who share these values, and builds the infrastructure they need to be heard.
Learn more about Kolenu’s work
Israel's religious community plays a central role in shaping the country's identity and future. What happens within it matters to all of Israel, and to Jewish communities around the world.
Today, Israeli society is undergoing a deep process of polarization and radicalization: between religious and secular, between right and left, and between communities that have drifted apart. These trends reach the religious sphere as well, where the most strident voices have increasingly come to be seen as its public face. Tribal and political interests are taking precedence over shared values and the common good, and Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state is under mounting strain. The events of October 7 and the war that followed have only deepened the need for voices that bridge and unite.
Within Israel’s religious community, there is a broad base committed to Torah, moral leadership and social responsibility: men and women who see Israel’s shared life as a Jewish value and want to help heal its divides. Yet this community is fragmented and its voice is largely unheard. Not for lack of conviction, but for lack of infrastructure: the networks, platforms and leadership that turn shared values into collective impact.
Kolenu is a non-partisan Israeli organization rooted in Israel’s religious community. We build the infrastructure that those who share our values currently lack: connecting people, institutions and communities, and amplifying their voice in Israel’s public life.
Kolenu was formed in 2025 by bringing together two veteran organizations that have shaped religious discourse in Israel for decades: Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah (est. 1978) and Kolech (est. 1998). Today, Kolenu combines their experience, trust and relationships with a new strategy and a fast-growing range of activity.
Using data and technology, Kolenu works through two core engines:
The Network connects Batei Midrash (houses of Torah study), communities, and the alumni of Torah educational institutions, giving them shared technological infrastructure and a roadmap for joint action. It builds a presence that can set the tone within the religious sector and influence Israeli society as a whole.
The Amplifier generates and spreads ideas to a wider audience through a journal, podcasts and digital platforms. It also offers leadership programs for impact in public, social and educational life, with particular emphasis on strengthening women in leadership roles.
Together, the Network connects a field that is currently scattered, and the Amplifier makes its voice heard.
Both engines draw on Kolenu’s Research Center, which develops business and social intelligence (BI): data-driven insights that help the field navigate the public conversation and make research-based decisions.
Our activity is broad and growing:
Next: community activity hubs that bring these values to life in synagogues and neighborhoods across Israel
A religious community that helps shape Israeli society through Torah, moral leadership and social responsibility, bridging divides and strengthening Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state.
We believe this is essential to Israel’s future. Nothing less.
The People Behind Our Work
Michal Uli
Director of Programs and Content
Michal Uli
Director of Programs and Content
Holds a BA in Criminology and Literature from Bar-Ilan University and an MA in Public Policy and Administration from Ben-Gurion University. Previously directed the Jerusalem Program at the Israel Scholarship Education Foundation (ISEF) and headed the Scholarships and Social Involvement unit at Azrieli College of Engineering Jerusalem. Works on connecting ideas, leadership and public impact. Lives in Rehovot with Lior and their daughter Naomi.
Dr. Elad Caplan
CEO
Dr. Elad Caplan
CEO
Dr. Elad Caplan is the CEO of Kolenu and teaches strategies for social change at Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Law. Throughout his career he has initiated multiple projects, successfully prosecuted high-profile legal cases, and led teams working to protect civil rights, improve government transparency and ensure equality under the law. He is dedicated to making Israel more inclusive. Elad holds an LLB, a master's degree in science, technology and society, and a PhD in law, all from Bar-Ilan University, and completed executive management education at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. He lives in Rehovot with his wife and three children.
Simcha Peled
Deputy CEO
Simcha Peled
Deputy CEO
A senior executive in the social sector with extensive experience in establishing and managing projects, building partnerships and resource development. Organizational and strategic consultant. Holds a BA in Business Administration from Touro College, New York.
Gilad Hesse
Network Director
Gilad Hesse
Network Director
Leads the development and management of information systems, data-driven work and the building of alumni communities. Gilad has been with the organization since 2019, starting as Head of Youth and Digital, and later served as Head of Budgets and Transparency and as editor of the journal Deot. A graduate of Yeshivat Har Etzion, he holds a BA in Philosophy and Classical Studies from the Hebrew University and is pursuing an MA in Philosophy.
Ziv Steiner
'Deot' Journal Editor & Research Coordinator
Ziv Steiner
'Deot' Journal Editor & Research Coordinator
A graduate of Yeshivat Orot Shaul. Worked at the yeshiva as assistant to Rabbi Tamir Granot and as an editor at the Rav Shagar Writings Institute. Holds a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from the Open University.
Reut Bloch
Project Coordinator
Reut Bloch
Project Coordinator
She is a graduate of Drisha in Kfar Etzion, the Hadar Institute, and the Bronfman Fellowship. She served in the IDF Casualties Division, where she helped build support services for disabled IDF veterans and those wounded in the October 7 war, and guided them through their rehabilitation. She is a co-founder of the Nehenim BeNoam nonprofit in Beit Shemesh, and is currently studying in the Jewish Thought kollel at the Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz.
Netanel (Neli) Sagiv
CSM
Netanel (Neli) Sagiv
CSM
Neli leads product and customer success at Kolenu. He holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Information Science from Bar-Ilan University. He previously served as a product manager in the Israeli civil service and spent three years as an assistant winemaker in Berkeley, California. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Masua, and their four children.
Rabbi Mati Kahn
Community Coordinator
Rabbi Mati Kahn
Community Coordinator
Served in rabbinic roles at the Otniel Yeshiva, Princeton University and Midreshet Nishmat. Ordained by the Chief Rabbinate and qualified for city rabbinate positions. Holds a BA in Education from Herzog College and an MA in Jewish Thought from Ben-Gurion University. Serves as Head of the Beit Midrash at Yeshivat Shalem and "Sichati", guides grooms and couples, and serves as a battalion rabbi and combat soldier in the reserves.
Edit Drix
Office Manager
Edit Drix
Office Manager
Holds a BA in Jewish Studies from Bar-Ilan University.
Margo Hartstone
Resource Development
Margo Hartstone
Resource Development
She previously worked in grant consulting and nonprofit program coordination, with experience in fundraising, research and international partnerships. Margo holds a BA in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Michigan. She is also a licensed Israeli tour guide. Originally from Detroit, Michigan in the United States, she made aliyah in 2022 and lives in Jerusalem with her husband, Avi.
Adv. Sagit Peretz Deri
Research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and social activist.
Adv. Sagit Peretz Deri
Research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and social activist.
Avigail Adast
CEO of the Matar Foundation.
Avigail Adast
CEO of the Matar Foundation.
Adv. Naama Cohen Safrai
Adv. Naama Cohen Safrai
Practices family and juvenile law and researches religious feminism and American Jewry. Holds an MA in Jewish Law and an MA in American Jewish Studies.
Dr. Daphna Etzion
Dr. Daphna Etzion
Lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Education at Bar-Ilan University and chair of the university's Academic Staff Association. Holds degrees in biology, psychology and computer science, and a PhD in Education.
Adv. Efrat Shapira Rosenberg
Adv. Efrat Shapira Rosenberg
Chair of Kolenu's Board of Directors and one of the leading figures of religious feminism in Israel. Media personality and columnist.
Dr. Masua Sagiv
Dr. Masua Sagiv
Attorney and doctor of law, senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute.
