NEW GENERATIONS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The New Generations Leadership Council leads all of NIFC’s activities for New Generations, our community of people in their 20s and 30s. Keep reading to learn more about each of our Council members.
With the help of this group of skilled leaders, we are expanding NIFC’s New Generations work — so join our mailing list for announcements of future events, trainings, and calls to action.
NIFC New Generations is a community of people in their 20s and 30s who actively support the advancement of progressive civil society and democracy in Israel, equality for all those living under its authority, and an end to the occupation.
Syvanne Avitzur
She/Her
Syvanne is a Master of Arts Candidate in Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa as well as a trilingual (English/French/Hebrew) project coordinator, writer, and researcher. Passionate about active citizenship and engagement, Syvanne has worked in several capacities to establish experiential learning opportunities with various stakeholders and titleholders, working towards meaningful participation within governments and the United Nations, specifically related to environment and climate change policies. Syvanne has experience as a Middle East and North Africa Researcher, focusing on women and queer activism movements. Being born in Israel, Syvanne is passionate about NIF’s mission, promoting human rights and equality in the region.
Sarah Broitman
She/Her
Sarah is a Policy Analyst with the Government of Canada. She holds an MA in Global Politics from McMaster University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Victoria. Throughout her studies, Sarah focused on Israel, Palestine, and the Jewish diaspora; seeking to understand the impact of identity, trauma, and power on geopolitics. Sarah is a passionate community advocate and believes firmly in advancing equitable peace through compassion, knowledge, and action. She has served on several volunteer boards and is excited to mobilize this experience with the NIFC New Gen Council. Alongside championing progressive Jewish causes, Sarah is vocal feminist and avid animal-lover. In her free time, she can usually be found walking her dog, Dan, along the Ottawa river or flying home to BC to escape Ontario’s weather.
Ben Freeman Collins
He/Him
Ben is a writer, graphic designer and photographer currently working in professional communications in the Jewish non-profit world. Previously he has worked as a multimedia journalist at the Toronto Observer, associate producer at i24News in Tel Aviv, and an editor at the Canadian Jewish News. Before that, he worked in the government at both the provincial and federal levels. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from McMaster University and an Advanced Degree in Journalism from Centennial College. He is currently studying Political Science and International Relations at the University of Toronto. In his spare time, Ben spends his time reading, sailing and playing violin.
Alex Richler
She/They
Alex is a queer disabled Jew who’s passionate about building spaces for intersectional togetherness. Whether it be a casual hang out to celebrate a big life transition or a 30 hour global Shavuot festival with 51 facilitators, Alex strives to build bridges and entry points across her/their many communities and identities while encouraging those around her/them to find unity, mutual respect and understanding, and joy in being in relationship with those different from ourselves. When Alex isn’t building intentional community, they can be found eating pickles, listening to pop punk, and/or swooning over dogs.
Jill Smith
She/Her
Jill Smith is a queer artist and non-profit fundraiser, born and based in Toronto. Jill has years of experience in philanthropic development and membership-based giving programs, with previous roles as Donor Programs Officer at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, and Philanthropy Coordinator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation. Currently, she is a Master of Fine Arts candidate at the University of Waterloo. Jill obtained an Honors Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western University and is an active member of the Toronto arts community, such as with her work as Member of the Special Events and Fundraising Committee for Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography, and as Board Member of Arts Assembly. Jill is passionate about social justice, the future of Jewish education, and connecting people with cause – as well as her partner, friends and family, her cat Lola, travelling, camping, and baking!
Madeline Wintermute
She/Her
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