The European Leadership Network (ELNET) was established in 2007 by Jewish American and European visionaries who foresaw the need to strengthen Israel-Europe relations. ELNET’s mission, therefore, is to broaden and deepen defense, security, and economic ties between Israel and Europe based on shared democratic values and strategic interests.
Since that time, ELNET has become the most influential pro-Israel advocacy organization in Europe, with offices in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the UK and an office in Israel. ELNET-US provides funding and coordination to our affiliate offices.
Founded at a time when Europe seemed to be turning decisively against Israel, ELNET’s impact is reflected in the formative diplomatic efforts and strategic partnerships between Israel and many European nations.
We are at a pivotal moment in history. Europe’s concerns about Russia, China and Iran – in addition to Iran’s proxy war with Israel via Hamas and Hezbollah – have elevated the importance of a strong Israel-Europe alliance.
Europe has become a vital strategic and economic partner for Israel, and more than ever, Europe is aligning with Israel due to the geopolitical realities that make Israel a key defense, energy, security, and technology partner in ways that will dramatically shape the future.
A brief summary of ELNET's Joint Military Experts Delegation of February 23-27, 2025
Newsweek | Donald Trump Promised to Bring Peace to Middle East. Here’s How it’s Going:
March 20, 2025
Israel’s resumption of airstrikes on Gaza stamped the end of its ceasefire with Hamas and added to tension in the Middle East, which U.S. President
Jewish Insider | Washington’s U-turn on Ukraine a ‘challenge’ for Israel, experts say
March 6, 2025
The almost 180-degree shift on Ukraine from the Biden administration to the Trump administration – is almost a mirror image of the change in Washington when it comes to Israel (…)
ELNET-US Hosts Exclusive Leadership Reception in NYC with Italian FM and Deputy PM Antonio Tajani
September 26, 2024
ELNET-US and ELNET-Italy had the privilege to host Deputy PM and FM of Italy, Antonio Tajani at the Italy-Israel alliance event that took place during the week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City.
Jewish Insider: Italian FM Tajani expresses strong support for Israel at UNGA sidelines event
September 24, 2024
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed strong support for Israel in the fight against terrorism at an invitation-only event. The Italy-Israel alliance event was hosted by ELNET-US during the week for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
JNS: From Sept. 11 to Oct. 7: The evolution of a new world order – David Siegel
September 22, 2024
ELNET-US President David Siegel reflects on the evolution of the U.S.-Europe-Israel relationship in the context of major global events, including 9/11, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Following recent developments, Europe is emerging as a pivotal player in countering threats to global stability.
Fox News: Israel says it expects retaliation by Iran
August 14, 2024
Following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah top commander Fuad Shukr, Iran and its proxies are threatening to attack Israel in retaliatory strikes. ELNET-US president David Siegel joins LiveNOW from FOX to discuss the volatile situation in the Middle East and the expected Iran attack.
David F. Siegel
President, ELNET US
David F. Siegel is former Israeli diplomat involved in foreign policy formulation at the highest levels, including as Consul General to the Southwest United States. He served as the Chief of Staff to Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organizations Department and Chief of Staff to three of Israel’s Ambassadors to the United States. He holds an MA in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a BA in political science from the University of Vermont.
Carole Mostow
Secretary, ELNET US
Carole Mostow is the Director of the Hochberg Family Foundation and Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Next Realty. Previously, she was the VP of Accounting for a closely held corporation and served for many years as Associate Professionalism Counsel to the American Bar Association. She is active in the Chicago Jewish Community, including as a member of the Board of Directors for StandWithUs Midwest and as Secretary to the Friends of ELNET. She holds a JD and a BA from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.
Jay Haberman
Chief Development Officer, ELNET US
Jay Haberman is the former Director of Multigenerational Philanthropy at AIPAC. For twenty years, Jay held successive leadership positions within AIPAC's New York/Northeast region. Jay's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found the AIPAC Real Estate Division, a groundbreaking initiative that transformed fundraising efforts. Jay spearheaded several divisions and affinity groups expanding the organization’s reach and impact. He holds a BA degree from Ithaca College.
Siamak Kordestani
West Coast Director, ELNET US
Siamak "Sia" Kordestani is the former Assistant Director of the American Jewish Committee's Los Angeles Regional Office, where he worked on international relations, legislative affairs, interethnic/interreligious ties, donor relations and leadership development. Previously, he was Senior Legislative Assistant to Congressman Brad Sherman in Washington, DC, advising him on foreign policy, trade, labor, immigration, and energy. He also worked for the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.
Sari Steinberg
Midwest Regional Director, ELNET US
Sari Steinberg previously served as Midwest Regional Director of Beit Halochem, as Midwest Regional Coordinator of CAMERA, and as a consultant cultivating Jewish and Israel-related nonprofits related to abuse, mental health, poverty, and education including a pan-European project. A Chicago native, Sari lived in Israel for seven years and holds dual citizenship. Since her University Pennsylvania BA in Communication, Sari has studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and MaTaN Scholars Program. Sari is a 2021 Women InPower Fellow.
Mark Sachs
Southeast Regional Director, ELNET US
Mark Sachs serves as the ELNET-US Southeast regional director responsible for donor engagement and development throughout the region. Mark is also a regular moderator on ELNET’s Monday international Zoom briefings where he explores with his guests wide ranging topics relating to the Europe-Israel relationship.
Prior to joining ELNET, Mark was the senior vice president of client success at a global strategic communications firm, where he helped guide strategic planning for the company and communications strategies for Jewish, pro-Israel, and Israeli organizations and think tanks in addition to advising corporate clients. Prior to this, Mark worked at AIPAC for nearly a decade.
Mark’s commentaries have been published in The Algemeiner, National Interest, Honest Reporting, JNS, and The Hill, and he is the co-author of the book, The Cancel Culture Curse, which explored the theoretical, philosophical, and practical aspects of cancel culture.
Randi Halperin
National Operations Manager, ELNET US
Randi Halperin has spent much of her professional career working within the Jewish-Israeli nonprofit arena. She previously worked for several organizations, including American Society for Yad Vashem and American Friends of Magen David Adom. In addition, she served as Production Manager for a boutique direct marketing firm. Randi received a BA degree in History and Judaic Studies from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
Ramona Luka
Development Coordinator, ELNET US
Ramona Luka is a multilingual philanthropy professional, passionate about the intersection of culture and the global zeitgeist. Prior to joining ELNET, she spearheaded the development department at the National Yiddish Theatre in NYC and managed corporate events for Wall Street companies. Having lived on two continents, she has gained extensive experience in arts management, development, and academic research within the Jewish community in Berlin, Vienna, Brussels, and Jerusalem. Ramona holds an MA and BA from the University of Illinois at Chicago, as well as a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Brandeis University.
Board Officers >>
Robert T. Flesh
Chair, ELNET US
Robert T. (Tom) Flesh is the Chair of the Board of Friends of ELNET. He serves on the boards of several real estate companies and philanthropic organizations. Tom, a past President of Sinai Temple of Los Angeles, is a member of its Board of Directors. He is active in interfaith unity efforts, Jewish and Israel based institutions, and organizations focused on education and at risk youth. Tom has served on several community boards and commissions.
Larry Hochberg
Chair Emeritus, ELNET US
Mr. Larry Hochberg is an internationally renowned lay leader and philanthropist who served as National Chairman of the Friends of the IDF, National Officer of AIPAC, and held national leadership positions with the UJC, UJA, the Annual and Israel Emergency Campaigns of Chicago’s Jewish United Fund. Mr. Hochberg chaired the Advisory Committee of the American Jewish Committee’s Chicago chapter and served on the Dean’s Council of Northwestern University. He is is the founder, CEO and chairman of Sportmart Inc. acquired by Sports Authority.
David F. Siegel
President, ELNET US
David F. Siegel is former Israeli diplomat involved in foreign policy formulation at the highest levels, including as Consul General to the Southwest United States. He served as the Chief of Staff to Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organizations Department and Chief of Staff to three of Israel’s Ambassadors to the United States. He holds an MA in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a BA in political science from the University of Vermont.
Andrew Hochberg
Vice Chair ELNET US, Chairman ELNET-Israel
Mr. Andrew Hochberg is Vice Chair of ELNET US and Chairman of the Board of ELNET-Israel. Mr. Hochberg is a leader in the Chicago Jewish community, serving as Chairman of the Board for the Jewish Federation of Chicago, and formerly chairing its Overall Planning and Allocation Committee and Government Affairs Committee. Mr. Hochberg led fundraising for the Jewish Day School Guaranty Trust Fund and served as a presidential appointee to the US Holocaust Memorial Committee. He is a founder and CEO of a real estate investment firm Next Realty. He holds BS in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Juris Doctor from Northwestern University.
Susan Wagner
Treasurer, ELNET US
Susan is CEO of the Wagner family office and managing principal of Jarnis United Properties, the family’s umbrella real estate investment company. Jarnis owns commercial real estate and its current portfolio is made up primarily of multi-family, medical/nursing facilities and self-storage. Susan is also President of the Nathan and Esther K. Wagner Family Foundation. Outside of the family office, Susan Wagner serves on the board of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy – a premier Washington think tank on Middle East policy – and CEJP (Center for Entrepreneurial Jewish Philanthropy) which facilitates contributions to pro-peace and pro-Israel non-profits.
Carole Mostow
Secretary, ELNET US
Carole Mostow is the Director of the Hochberg Family Foundation and Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Next Realty. Previously, she was the VP of Accounting for a closely held corporation and served for many years as Associate Professionalism Counsel to the American Bar Association. She is active in the Chicago Jewish Community, including as a member of the Board of Directors for StandWithUs Midwest and as Secretary to the Friends of ELNET. She holds a JD and a BA from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.
Board Members >>
Eric Edidin
Member of ELNET US, Chairman ELNET-CEE
Eric Edidin is Executive Chairman of BH3 Management, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm. Mr. Edidin co-founded Archer Capital Management in 2006. Previously, he was a Co-Head of Credit at York Capital Management, a member of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners global investment team, and member of the Blackstone Group’s restructuring advisory team. Mr. Edidin is a former board member of the JDRF of Los Angeles, trustee of the Washington Institute, member of the investment committee of the Jewish Communal Fund of NY and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. He received a B.A. degree with highest distinction from the University of Michigan, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Joseph W. Feinberg
Joseph Feinberg is the Chairman/Director of the Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. The family foundation is a loyal and generous supporter of many worthy charities including Northwestern University and its medical school, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Besides his philanthropic activity, after working on Wall Street for over three decades, currently Joe is a Managing Director at Hightower Advisors. His group assists affluent investors, businesses, and non-profits in Accumulating and Protecting and Transferring their Wealth.
Robert L. Feldman
Robert L. Feldman is a graduate of Tufts University and received his J.D. from S.M.U. Dedman School of Law. Mr. Feldman was a partner at Thomas, Feldman & Wilshusen, LLP and its predecessor firm since 1982, and practiced law with the firm or predecessor group since graduating law school. He retired in June 2020. Mr. Feldman has participated in many civic activities, including as a volunteer Alumni Board member and serving on the Board of Trustees of St. Mark’s School of Texas. His Jewish community engagement features a former presidency of Congregation Shearith Israel and currently serves on its Board of Directors. He also has been an Officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and on its Board of Directors as well. Additionally, he is on the Board of the Anti-Defamation League, North Texas and Oklahoma Region.
Steven J. Fishman
Steven J. Fishman and his wife Jodie are very active in Jewish community leadership. In addition to being on the board of Friends of ELNET, he served as a Past President and is a lifetime board member of Stephen Wise Temple, Chair of the local executive committee and National Council member of AIPAC, a member of the board, executive committee, vice chair of the finance committee, and member of the strategic planning and distribution committee of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, board member of the Impact Forum, board member of Readers to Leaders (a teen literacy program), board member of Hebrew Union College, and a National board member of Birthright Israel. Steven is the managing partner of the accounting firm Fishman, Block + Diamond, LLP. He has four decades of experience in providing tax, trust and estate, accounting, and business advisory services, specializing in working with high-net-worth individuals and their closely held businesses, primarily in the real estate field.
Leonard Foxman
Leonard Foxman for over 30 years served as the CEO and Founder of Eagle Test Systems, Inc., producing automatic semiconductor testing systems, with offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Eagle became a publicly owned company in 2006 (EGLT-NASDAQ), and was sold to Teradyne, Inc in 2008. He then served as the General Manager of Eagle Test Systems Division of Teradyne, Inc. Foxman is now President of the Foxman Family Foundation in Highland Park, IL, as well as Treasurer of the charitable Cool Clothes Closet.
Orete Jonas Harkavy
Orete Harkavy is Co-Executive Director of the Elm Family Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to support Jewish education and the State of Israel. She earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law. She is an Admission Engagement Manager at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and serves on the Board of Directors of Moriah Congregation in Deerfield, Illinois.
Jerry Rosenberg
Jerry Rosenberg is Vice-Chairman of the National Distributing Company and Partner at the Republic National Distributing Company. Jointly with his wife Dulcy, he co-founded the Alfred and Adele Davis Academy, as well as Project Newborn in Miami Florida. He serves on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, William Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum in Atlanta Georgia, Atlanta Opera, the Schenck School for Children with Dyslexia, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, and is a member of the AIPAC Minyan Group.
Kenneth A. Ruby z"l
Kenneth A. Ruby z"l was a former President of Stephen S. Wise Temple. He was also a member of the Hebrew Union College Board of Governors emeritus, and a board member and Chairman of the Construction Committee of the Skirball Cultural Center. He was responsible for building over 3500 apartment units while with R&B Development Company, which he helped found. After leaving R&B Development Co., he founded Ken Ruby Construction Co., a real estate development, contractor and management company.
Eli Saulson
Eli Saulson is a director of the William Davidson Foundation, a private family foundation based in metro Detroit. The Foundation’s primary focus areas are Jewish Life, Arts & Culture, and Entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on Southeast Michigan and in Israel. Saulson was formerly an executive at Guardian Industries and is now a real estate investor. He graduated from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan and also studied at the London School of Economics. He lives in Franklin, Michigan with his wife, Michele, and four children.
New York
Tel: +1 917 627 4718
E-mail: jhaberman@felnetus.org
You can support ELNET’s work by donating online to ELNET-US.