Guard Israel. Now

I am Eugene Lekakh,  President of the American Forum for Israel. Defending and supporting Israel isn’t just my mission—it’s my life’s work. Since joining the Forum, I’ve played a key role in securing victories in the 2015 and 2020 World Zionist Congress elections.

Together, we can protect and strengthen Israel. Guard Israel. NOW—this isn’t just a principle. It’s our call to action.

Alex Rovt is a distinguished American businessman, investor, and philanthropist, renowned for his achievements in the global fertilizer industry and strategic real estate investments. Born in Ukraine to a Jewish family, Rovt immigrated to the United States and built an international business empire through IBE Trade Corp., a leading supplier of fertilizers. In addition to his business success, he is deeply committed to supporting Jewish communities worldwide.

Alex Rovt is a dedicated supporter of Jewish causes, focusing on education, heritage preservation, and social services. His contributions include:
•    Funding Jewish Education – Major donor to yeshivas, Jewish schools, and scholarship programs to ensure access to quality education for Jewish youth.
•    Synagogue Restoration & Support – Financially supports the restoration and upkeep of synagogues in the U.S., Israel, and Eastern Europe.
•    Holocaust Remembrance & Heritage Preservation – Provides funding for museums, memorials, and initiatives that educate future generations about Jewish history and the Holocaust.
•    Aid to Jewish Communities – Supports welfare programs, food banks, and medical aid for Jewish families in need, particularly in Ukraine and Israel.
•    Israel Advocacy – Actively contributes to organizations that strengthen Jewish identity and support Israel.

I’m Galina Goldberg, the owner of the largest Russian-speaking FM radio station in the United States. Beyond my work in radio, both I and Freedom FM have been actively highlighting the initiatives of local Jewish communities in the media for many years. Together with Eugene Lekakh, I co-host the regular Israel advocacy radio show "On the Side of Good" on Freedom FM, where I provide truthful coverage of events in Israel, combat misinformation about Jewish communities worldwide, and fight against antisemitism in all its forms.

I’m Rachel Friedland, I’m a dynamic leader, advocate, and public servant, deeply committed to Israel, education, and community service. As Vice Mayor of Aventura, now in my second term, I represent one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in the United States. My leadership has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that enhance education, public safety, and community well-being.

Steps to Guard Israel: Building Bridges Through Education 
- Encouraging Non-Jewish Students to Study in Israel 
- Strengthening Academic Partnerships 
- Scaling Antisemitism Awareness Efforts 
- Advocating for Pro-Israel Policies 

By electing me, you are choosing a leader who will: 
- Champion policies that ensure Israel’s security while fostering global partnerships. 
- Expand educational initiatives that combat antisemitism worldwide. 
- Build bridges between Jewish communities and non-Jewish allies through collaboration and understanding.

I’m Vlad Spektor, a radio host, TV reporter, blogger, and influencer with a social media audience of over 50,000 people. From the very first minutes of the war, I quickly became involved in volunteer activities. On October 8, I was already part of a 100-person protest at the UN headquarters in New York. I have also participated in rallies at Columbia University and other locations. In my free time, I patrol the streets in Jewish areas and serve as the Chief of the public safety patrol squad SHIELD (MAGEN).

I am Yaacov Mayman, a musician and composer with a deep-rooted connection to Israel. I studied at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem from 1997to 2000 where I honed my craft and developed my artistic voice. Beyond my musical career, I proudly served in the Israeli military, further strengthening my commitment to my homeland. Through my music, I strive to connect people, inspire unity, and spread a message of peace.

I support Israel 100% and believe in its role as a force for peace in the world. As a musician, I use my saxophone as a powerful tool to convey the universal language of harmony and understanding. Through my compositions and performances, I aim to show that we are all human beings who share a common desire to live in peace. Israel stands for peace, and through my music, I work to reinforce this message, fostering connections and building bridges between cultures.

llya Bratman holds the position of the Executive Director at the Hillel at Baruch College since November 2013.

In 1992, Ilya immigrated from Moscow, Russia to the US.  He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999. Upon his graduation, Mr. Bratman enlisted in the United States Armed Forces.  He served honorably for over four active years and four reserve, including deployments to Korea, Germany and Iraq. After returning from his tour in Iraq in 2004, Ilya Bratman received a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006.  

In 2006 Ilya ‘immigrated’ to New York.  He worked as a Real Estate agent and in 2008, he began to work in the Jewish community including as an instructor at the Sinai Academy in Brooklyn, Director of Jewish Programs at the Kings Bay Y in Brooklyn, and as the Project Manager of Limmud FSU USA, before becoming the Executive Director at the Hillel at Baruch College.

In his spare time, Ilya enjoys long-distance running, playing soccer and other sports, writing, playing guitar and watching the Steelers. Ilya speaks Russian fluently and is proficient in Hebrew and German. Ilya lives with his wife, Sonya, son, Gabriel and daughters, Miriam and Sima, in New Jersey.

I’m Karina Polonskaya, a mental health professional, community leader, and advocate for the Jewish Russian-speaking communities. My journey began 30 years ago in Russia, where I was actively involved in a youth club at the Israel Consulate in St. Petersburg, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to Jewish community service. Since then, I have provided vital psychological counseling and support, ensuring safe and compassionate spaces for those in need.

Beyond mental health, I have represented the Russian-speaking community as an Ambassador to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, working to amplify its voice and tackle pressing challenges. I’m passionate about bringing people together, helping the community stay strong, and making sure our voices are heard.

I’m deeply committed to taking concrete steps to help protect Israel, and I envision organizing youth combat squads known as "Jewish Youth Against Antisemitism" right here in New York. By actively safeguarding our Jewish children from the rising tide of antisemitism in America, we can make a meaningful contribution to the broader cause of defending Israel.
 
To ensure the success of this initiative, we can implement a series of strategic actions. First, we will conduct educational workshops that empower young people with knowledge about their identity, the history of antisemitism, and the importance of standing up against hate. These workshops can also include conflict resolution and advocacy training, equipping our youth with the tools they need to confront antisemitism effectively.
 
In addition to this, I plan to initiate an American-Israeli project titled "Intellectual Online Dialogue: Students in America and Israel." This initiative will create a platform for regular gatherings—perhaps starting with monthly sessions—where groups of Jewish American students can engage in enriching discussions with their Israeli counterparts. These dialogues can take various forms, such as Q&A sessions, collaborative projects, or interactive games, providing a space for students to express their thoughts on pressing contemporary issues. By sharing personal stories and insights, we can foster genuine connections and inspire American Jewish youth to reach out and strengthen their ties with Israel.

Now, as Philanthropy and Engagement Manager at The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, my advocacy continues to grow, shaping a mission I fully embrace.

The hostage crisis must remain a top priority. Like Holocaust education, we must share the stories of 10/7 survivors. Misinformation about Israel is its greatest threat, and clear, unbiased education is essential. The goals of Israel’s enemies must be exposed, emphasizing that threats to Israel endanger the free world. A propaganda-free curriculum on Jewish history and persecution must be implemented from early education through college.

I’m an Israeli-born MBA candidate at the Baruch Zicklin School of Business, overseeing free Hebrew-language programs through the Department for the Promotion of Aliyah World Zionist Organization (WZO) that have helped thousands of diaspora Jews deepen their connection to Israel, while also organizing events, mentoring students, and fostering Jewish identity and pride.  

Guided by the principle “Strong Diaspora Support = Strong Israel,” I focus on growing educational and cultural initiatives, mobilizing community advocacy, and engaging younger generations on college campuses to ensure Israel’s security and long-term future.

The events of October 7th reshaped my worldview, driving me to take action. I began by sharing critical information online, then moved to on-the-ground activism, attending key rallies in NYC, Washington, D.C., and the UN.
To amplify awareness, I founded the Sheepshead Bay chapter of Run For Their Lives, uniting the community to advocate for hostages held by Hamas. This work led to speaking engagements alongside elected officials and a board position at Kings Bay YM-YWHA, Inc. JCC Brooklyn.

Now, as Philanthropy and Engagement Manager at The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, my advocacy continues to grow, shaping a mission I fully embrace.

The hostage crisis must remain a top priority. Like Holocaust education, we must share the stories of 10/7 survivors. Misinformation about Israel is its greatest threat, and clear, unbiased education is essential. The goals of Israel’s enemies must be exposed, emphasizing that threats to Israel endanger the free world. A propaganda-free curriculum on Jewish history and persecution must be implemented from early education through college.

I was born in New York in 2001, raised in a Russian Jewish family that instilled in me the values of kindness and compassion.

From a young age, I accompanied my mother to community events, where I had the privilege of meeting veterans and Holocaust survivors. Giving back has always been a guiding principle in my life. During high school, I spent my summers volunteering at Shoreview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, assisting elderly individuals in need of care and companionship.

In 2024, I graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. While studying during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, it didn’t stop me from immersing myself in extracurricular activities. I served as vice president of both a Greek-letter organization and Chabad at Brooklyn College, where I built meaningful friendships and gained invaluable leadership experience. I completed my time at Brooklyn College by engaging in marine biology research, with a focus on behavioral studies.

Currently, I work as an executive assistant at an environmental company, and this fall, I plan to continue my education in health law.

I am a 23-year-old leader deeply committed to Israel, Zionism, and transformative change. As a participant in the WZO Geula Zionist Leadership Program, I gained critical skills and built a global network of young Jewish women leaders, strengthening my dedication to Zionist values and the Jewish homeland. Through my work with Maccabi World Union and the Maccabi Future Leadership Forum, I create programs connecting Jewish communities worldwide and fostering the next generation of leaders.

I believe Israel’s security goes beyond defense — it requires strong, educated communities. I am passionate about developing innovative Zionist education and leadership programs for Jewish youth, with a focus on empowering young women and combating antisemitism. Inspired by Theodor Herzl’s vision, I seek to create initiatives that build both physical and mental strength, including inclusive, Shabbat-friendly sports programs for Orthodox youth. My mission is to ensure every Jewish person has the tools to stand proudly for Israel and our shared future.

 

My name is Lilia Gorshteyn, and I am honored to be running for the 39th World Zionist Congress. 
I am the co-founder of the Russian Jewish Community in the South Bay of Silicon Valley, created with a mission to bring our Jewish community together, rebuild our connections, and reignite pride in our shared heritage.

Our work focuses on strengthening Jewish identity through Torah study, education in Jewish history, and the celebration of our traditions. We place special emphasis on engaging students and young adults, empowering them to stay connected to their roots and become proud, educated members of our community.

We also stand firmly with Israel, recognizing it not just as our ancestral homeland but as a vital part of our spiritual and cultural identity. Through our programs, we teach love and support for Israel, help others understand its significance, and ensure our community knows how to advocate for Israel in meaningful and informed ways.