Avrum Rosensweig

Avrum Rosensweig is the founding director of Ve’ahavta: The Canadian Jewish Humanitarian & Relief Committee. He founded Ve’ahavta, Canada’s only organization of its kind, in 1994. During the Rwanda crisis, he was compelled to act after seeing the lack of response from the world, and more specifically from the Jewish community. Avrum explains, “If we were to hold strongly to the phrase ‘Never Again,’  we would be vigilant when genocides and destruction was happening around us. I take most pride in knowing that, over the last decade and a half, we have made a major impact in the area of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) by raising people’s consciousness about the needs of our homeless, HIV/AIDS victims in Zimbabwe, the poor in the rainforests of Guyana, people suffering in Darfur, and, of course, the impoverished in Israel.”

Geoffrey Clarfield

Geoffrey Clarfield is the Executive Director of Ve’ahavta. He supervises all Ve’ahavta staff, projects and operations, at home and abroad. As Executive Director he works closely with the Founding Director in the strategic planning of Ve’ahavta. As ED he chairs all staff meetings and reports regularly to the Executive and Board of Directors of Ve’ahavta. Before taking up his position at Ve’ahavta he spent two decades living and working in Africa and the Middle East as a researcher, project writer, manager and international development consultant. In addition to his expertise in the design and implementation of poverty alleviation projects in the developing world, he is well versed in theories of development and underdevelopment and, the strategies that provide relief and hope to underprivileged communities at home and abroad. He brings to Ve’ahavta a rich experience in working with a broad range of organizations that include the UN, the Rockefeller Foundation, various international NGOs (non governmental organizations) as well as the governments of the U.S., Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Israel, Kenya and Tanzania. In addition to his graduate studies in the social sciences, African and Middle Eastern studies, he is a lifelong student of the history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Kirill Zaretsky

Kirill Zaretsky is the Director of Development for Ve’ahavta and manages the overall strategic direction of the fundraising department. Prior to joining the Ve’ahavta team, Kirill had worked as a senior fundraising officer for almost 10 years raising millions of dollars for the Canadian Red Cross, The Canadian Cancer Society, The Scarborough Hospital as well as a private arts college. He also ran a fundraising consultant company for a variety clients in the field of development and health. His experience includes major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, monthly and online programs as well as special events. He is a graduate of York University and a member of the Association for Fundraising professionals. He has a passion for the mystical side of Judaism and has devoted his career to raising funds for the most underprivileged in society.

Katie Stemeroff

Katie Stemeroff is the Acting Manager of Volunteer Programs at Ve’ahavta. She is responsible for the recruitment, training, placement and supervision of all volunteers within the organization. She also is actively involved in planning and recruiting volunteers for various events including the Creative Writing Contest and the Passover Seder for people on/near the street. Before working at Ve’ahavta, Katie was extensively involved in many Toronto community agencies including the North York Women’s Shelter, Muki Baum Treatment Centres and JIAS. Most recently, she had to opportunity to work at Yonge Street Mission, in the heart of Regent Park, where her energy and drive helped to implement the first advocacy group for newcomer women as well as creating a needs assessment survey for the Women and Family program. Throughout this time, Katie was also interested in learning about the plight of poverty all over the world. As a result of her growing concern to take action abroad, she participated in a redevelopment project in Fiji, became a Thailand Tsunami Relief volunteer and most recently was involved in a community development research study in Kingston Jamaica assessing the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. Katie is still periodically working on this study with her professor to soon be ready for publication. Katie recently graduated from Seneca College with a diploma in Social Service Work. She hopes to go back to school for a masters degree in Social Work. Katie is inspired by kindness, action and creativity. Whenever she feels discouraged she always remembers the words of Margaret Mead: “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”.

Lorne Opler

Lorne Opler is the Manager of the Mobile Jewish Response to Homelessness project. In this position, he is responsible for the daily operation and functioning of the outreach van. His responsibilities include the hiring, scheduling, and training of drivers, procuring donations of food and other essentials for distribution to our clients, public speaking engagements to promote Ve’ahavta and the MJRH to community organizations, and establishing partnerships with other social service and outreach agencies. He is also involved with the design of an expansion of the homeless program to serve a greater number of clients during the next 24 months. Prior to joining Ve’ahavta, Lorne coordinated a wellness and health promotion program at Casey House Hospice, and has worked in a variety of health education capacities both in Canada and the United States. He holds a master’s degree in health education and health promotion from the University of Texas at Austin. To Ve’ahavta he brings a long term study of different streams of Judaism, including the teaching of Jewish culture at non Jewish institutions, personal interest, career experience, and a lifelong dedication to working with disenfranchised populations, and individuals in need.

Rebecca Stulberg

Rebecca Stulberg is the Acting Director of International Projects and Education for Ve’ahavta. Rebecca came on board in August 2008 and will be actively managing Ve’ahavta’s International and Education departments for the duration of her predecessors’ maternity leave. Rebecca’ interest in humanitarian work, Jewish community leadership, and international development began as a camper in the Canadian Young Judea (CYJ) system. Since then she has graduated with an honours degree in History with a specialization in International Relations from the University of Guelph. During her studies she dedicated her time to the Guelph Oxfam International Chapter, as their media coordinator. Rebecca also participated in an international exchange to Australia, and has traveled to the Middle East, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Mexico.

Upon graduating Rebecca worked for Greenpeace Canada as a Direct Dialogue Fundraiser and spent two summers working at CYJ’s Camp Biluim, as a leadership facilitator. Rebecca has worked as an Office Manager for an online company and assisted the programming department of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. Last winter Rebecca spent the three months in Zanzibar, Tanzania doing HIV/AIDS advocacy work with Youth Challenge International. Rebecca is proud of Ve’ahavta’s commitment to tikkun olam programming in Canada and abroad and feels that Ve’ahavta’s values and vision match her own.

Dianne Douglas

Dianne Douglas is the Office Manager of Ve’ahavta.  She insures that all of Ve’ahavta’s projects and managers receive the necessary IT and operational support that allows our staff and volunteers to implement projects in a timely and efficient manner. Dianne works closely with the Financial Controller and the Executive Director so that  funds are made available to project managers and volunteers as their projects move through the fiscal year. Before joining Ve’ahavta Dianne worked in the private sector and brings to her work at Ve’ahavta a competent understanding of the goods and services necessary to the work that we do. Dianne has a BA in Political Science from York University and College Diploma in Business from George Brown College. Despite Dianne’s technical focus she is devoted to the principles of Tikun Olam that are the inspiration of our projects.

Shai Abraham

Shai Abraham is the Executive Assistant and Campaign Associate at Ve’ahavta. She works closely with the Founding Director and the Executive Director ensuring implementation of the policies and directives of the Board of Directors of Ve’ahavta. She also serves as liaison for  Ve’ahavta’s annual fundraising gala, Starry Nights as well as participating in donor stewardship. Coming from a business development  background in the corporate world, Shai brings with her many skills and innovative ideas that have been assimilated at Ve’ahavta and contributed to its development as an organization. Shai was born in Bombay, India and grew up in Beer-Sheva, Israel. She came to Canada in April 2005. Coming from the Bene Israel community, Shai has introduced to Ve’ahavta many of their rich customs and traditions. Shai considers Ve’ahavta not only to be a job but a way that allows her to contribute to Tikun Olam.

Barbara Morton

Barbara Morton was born near Ottawa, and has lived in Toronto for a significant part of her life. She is a Certified General Accountant, has worked with Ve’ahavta in a financial capacity since 2001 and is currently Controller for the organization. Along with her strong financial background, Barbara also brings organizational and operational skills to Ve’ahavta which have helped the organization to grow and mature over the years. She believes deeply in helping others and has been involved in numerous Homeless projects in Toronto over the years. She is very excited to be a part of Tikkun Olam and Ve’ahavta’s mission which is strongly rooted in Judaism but is implemented for the benefit of all people.