In the aftermath of the October 7th tragedy, Dr. Tayri created a groundbreaking AI bot designed to support the mental health of survivors, soldiers, and families of abductees.

Dr. Talia Meital Schwartz-Tayri is a faculty member at the BGU Spitzer Department of Social Work at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, an expert in social services research, and the founder and head of the BGU AI for SW@BGU R&D Lab. Her lab leads transdisciplinary research projects harnessing big data from public administrative systems (welfare, health, and education, among others) and cutting-edge data science methods to enhance our knowledge to better strengthen children and families’ well-being.

The lab uses the most advanced AI methods to promote TIKUN OLAM and foster the resilience of at-risk individuals, families, and communities. Through innovative research and technology, we aim to implement AI-based systems that can prevent the adverse impact of national crises and loss, and help children and families thrive despite facing challenging circumstances. During the 7th of October war, the lab invented and developed two technological systems – CareHero and EmoBot, the first AI psychological first-response WhatsApp bot. The lab collaborates with policymakers at various national institutions, including Hadassah Medical Center, the National Forensic Clinic, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and Stars Behavioral Health Group (SBHG) in California.

Together, we share the vision of advancing the science of public services through the ethical and rigorous use of existing data. By doing so, we aspire to make a positive impact on the lives of future generations. Talia has recently received the University’s accolade celebrating International Women’s Day in 2024.

Alon was called up for duty on the morning of October 7th to help secure the kibbutzim that were attacked by Hamas.

Alon Jacobs, a 25-year-old Hod Hasharon resident, is in his second year studying Industrial Engineering and Management at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Alon served in the IDF special forces Egoz Unit for three years between 2016 and 2019 and has served in the reserves for the last four years. He was called up for active duty on the morning of October 7th and spent several days helping to secure the Kibbutzim that were attacked by Hamas. Alon subsequently completed five cycles in Gaza before sustaining injuries. Despite his challenges, he has since resumed his studies at BGU.

An experienced EMT who was called up for reserve duty in the wake of October 7th, Dr. Wacht will share his first-hand experience and his work leading BGU’s Field Medical Simulation Center.

Dr. Oren Wacht is the head of the Department of Emergency Medicine and academic director of BGU’s Field Family Medical Simulation Center in the Rachel and Max Javit Medical Simulation and Classroom Building. He received his bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services and his postgraduate degree in health systems management from BGU.

As a member of the BGU faculty, Dr. Wacht is the head of the program for paramedics at BGU.

Dr. Wacht is also the academic manager of the Field Family Medical Simulation Center at BGU. This Center ensures that BGU students who receive a master’s degree in emergency medicine are equipped to help in emergencies and disaster relief worldwide.

Dr. Levy created a 3D printed solution to carry medications in the field during war that is now being used by IDF units across the country.

Dr. Galit Katarivas Levy is a researcher in the field of biomaterials and 3D printing, with a unique and strong background in materials science and engineering, biomechanics, and tissue engineering. She received the B.Sc., M.Sc. (magma cum laude), and Ph.D. from the Department of Material Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), Israel, in 2008, 20010, and 2016, respectively, and she completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Cambridge, UK, in the Department of Engineering, Division C – Materials Engineering & Material-Tissue Interactions.

In Oct 2020, she joined as a senior lecturer to the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BGU), where she is the head of the Biomaterials & 3D-printing Laboratory. She is the recipient of the 40 Most Promising Young People of 2021 by The Marker, 2019 Endorsement for Tier 1 as Exceptional Talent by the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, the prestigious Blavatnik Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, and the Reuben Foundation Postdoctoral Award.

Dr. Katarivas Levy’s research focuses on developing advanced biomaterials and using additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Specifically, she is interested in using AM to create patient-specific bone scaffolds and skin patches that can mimic the structure and function of native tissues. She is also interested in developing new biomaterials that can promote bone tissue regeneration and enhance integration with the host tissue based on high-performance polymer-based composites. In recognition of her research accomplishments, she was recently awarded a highly competitive grant to support her ongoing research from the Israel Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST) – Science Forefront. Dr. Katarivas Levy also collaborates with surgeons from Soroka and Tel-Aviv medical centers and with leading industries in Israel such as Synergy3DMed, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Negev Nuclear Research Center, to translate her research findings into clinical practice and industrial applications.

Within 24 hours of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, the BGU Department of Psychology’s Community Clinic led by Prof. Diamond, sprang into action, delivering psychological first aid to survivors of the massacre.

Gary M. Diamond, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and family therapist and professor in the Department of Psychology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. He is also the Director and Chief Psychologist of the Department’s Community Clinic which delivered psychological first aid within 24 hours to individuals, groups, and families from Kfar Aza, Re’im, Ofakim, and Sderot who survived the October 7 massacre and continues to treat them today. The team employs a variety of intervention approaches to help individuals and families overcome their trauma symptoms, create a coherent narrative of the events they suffered through, re-engage in activities they find meaningful and enjoyable, and re-envision their future in these trying times.

Prof. Diamond is also a co-developer of attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) for depressed and suicidal adolescents and the primary developer of attachment-based family therapy for sexual/gender minority young adults and their non-accepting parents (ABFT-SGM). In 2014, along with Guy S. Diamond (no family relation), he received the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual research award. His book on ABFT-SGM, co-authored by Rotem Boruchovitz-Zamir, was recently published by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Diamond trains people internationally in ABFT for SGM adolescents and young adults.

Event Host

Natasha Raquel Kirtchuk is a digital and television journalist based in Tel Aviv, Israel. A Duke University graduate, she is currently the Lead Anchor & Content Creator for i24 News’ “Global Eye with Natasha Kirtchuk.

Natasha has also been the Head of Content and a host with ILTV. She produced and hosted the weekly hit culture show “Insight to Israel.” In her spare time, she also freelances as a Sports Reporter for Sport5 Israel, as the Travel Segment Host for Israel’s leading Reshet Channel 13 show “Soger Inyan”, and as a Social Media Host for Walla! News. For fun, Natasha shoots, edits and produces her own travel videos which you can see on her Facebook Page: @natasharktv.

Doug Seserman is the Chief Executive Officer of Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU). Known for his creative business vision, Doug joined A4BGU in October of 2017 after a successful 15-year tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of JEWISHcolorado, the Jewish Federation in Denver.

Under his leadership, Colorado became the fourth state in the country to pass anti-BDS legislation. He testified twice at the State Legislature during those proceedings.

The American Business Awards recognized Doug with the 2017 Gold Stevie Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award. In 2014, he was named to the Forward 50 as one of the 50 most impactful American Jews for his success reimagining the Jewish Federation for the 21st century.

Doug is a sought-after international speaker, thought leader, and changemaker transforming the conversation around modern-day Zionism.

Prior to entering the Jewish nonprofit arena, Doug had an exemplary career in cable television and consumer products marketing. He holds a BS and MBA from Northwestern University. Doug divides his time between Denver and New York City. He is an avid cyclist and skier and loves spending time with Scooter, his Vizsla wonderdog. Doug has been married to his college sweetheart, Sue, for 33 years She is the creator and author of Epilectra, a new graphic novel series. They have two adult children, Mariana and Georgeta.

Prof. Daniel Chamovitz grew up in Aliquippa, PA and is a proud alumnus of Young Judaea. He took part in the Institute for Youth Leaders from Abroad in Jerusalem, and then studied at both Columbia University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he received his Ph.D. in Genetics. He carried out postdoctoral research at Yale University under fellowships from the European Molecular Biology Organization and the Human Frontiers Science Research Program. He returned to Israel on the prestigious Alon Fellowship of the Council for Higher Education in Israel for Outstanding Young Researchers. His scientific career has been characterized by novel and field-defining research on plant biology, biochemistry, developmental biology, and systems biology. He has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles and served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals. Prof. Chamovitz has also held positions as a visiting scientist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and a visiting Professor at the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Peking University.

Prof. Chamovitz is a sought-after speaker and science commentator. He has lectured worldwide on issues of global food security. His 2012 book What a Plant Knows was translated into 19 languages and was featured in the world press and media.

Gary DeBode is the President of Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) and an alumnus from the third cohort of A4BGU’s Zin Fellows Leadership Program, an in-depth immersion into the issues involved in the continuing development of the Negev, Israel’s southern desert region. Gary is passionate about the development of the Negev, and is committed to his work with A4BGU and the OR Movement, both organizations have a strong focus on realizing David Ben-Gurion’s vision for the Negev and Israel.