Rabbi Ari Abramowitz

Founder, Executive Director

High energy and full of passion, Ari is dedicated to ensuring lone soldier veterans have all the resources they need to succeed. Ari tirelessly works to provide an empowering and amazing experience for Nevut members. Having served in the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, Ari still returns yearly for miluim. After years working with lone soldiers, Ari realized the need for an IDF lone soldier veteran organization and founded Nevut in 2017.

Shmuel Feigenbaum, MSW

Well-being Program Director & Case Manager

Shmuel is a social worker, currently working on his Ph.D. A unique blend of academic pursuit and hands-on military experience has shaped his journey. Shmuel proudly served in the Israel Defense Forces, operating heavy machinery within the esteemed Engineer Corps of the Air Force. This military background fueled his passion for aiding veterans in their return to the United States. Combining the precision and discipline acquired in the armed forces with his commitment to social work, Shmuel is dedicated to supporting veterans through their reintegration process. His goal is to provide tailored assistance, drawing from both academic insights and firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by those who have served. In the intersection of academia and military service, Shmuel is driven by a profound commitment to positively impact veterans’ lives as they navigate the transition to civilian life.

Shmuel can be reached at 929.456.4090 or Shmuel.Feigenbaum@nevut.org

Matis Brenner

Case Manager

Matis is dedicated to leveraging his passion for mental health to support and guide individuals facing various challenges. With a background marked by service and resilience, Matis served as a platoon sergeant in the Givati Brigade in 2015 and continued his commitment through miluim during Operation Swords of Iron. His deployment during the war has instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in high-stress environments. Matis is committed to making a positive impact, finding fulfillment in helping and being there for others.

Lilly Romond

Program and Resource Coordinator & Family Support

Lilly served in the IDF as the International Policy & Military Coordination in the J6 Cyber Defense Directorate playing a crucial role in fostering positive relationships with international military personnel through cyber training. In her current role at Nevut, Lilly continues to channel her dedication toward supporting Lone Soldier Veterans in their transition to civilian life. Her focus remains on developing initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, parents and spouses during this crucial phase. 

Chaim Meisels, Captain (Res.)

Tri-State Program Coordinator

Chaim is an esteemed IDF Captain in the reserves, with over five years of active duty service. Following October 7, he served over 120 days in Gaza. Chaim’s dedication extends beyond his military career, as he passionately works to assist IDF Lone Soldiers have a successful transition back into civilian life. As the Tri-State Program Coordinator, Chaim plays a pivotal role in supporting and organizing initiatives to ease the reintegration process for returning soldiers.

Jay Abramowitz

Bookkeeping and Accounting

Father of a lone soldier, Jay selflessly volunteers at Nevut, utilizing his expertise of over 30 years at the MTA as a computer programmer, to ensure that Nevut’s systems are running smoothly to provide the best experience for our donors and soldiers.

David Devor

Chairman of the Board

As a parent of a lone soldier, David first became involved with Nevut 7 years ago. David brings both his 40 years of business experience and his past various non-for profit board roles to Nevut to help assure the organization can successfully grow and support the needs of the Lone Soldiers.

Phil Goldfeder

Board Member

With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of the public and private sectors, Phil Goldfeder is eager to utilize his experience to benefit Nevut and our brave returning lone soldiers.

Goldfeder previously  served as an elected member of the New York State Assembly. Prior to his election, he served as a senior advisor to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Goldfeder is now a Chief Executive who is frequently invited to speak on panels, roundtables, and conferences globally on banking, technology, financial literacy, and the new financial services landscape.

Eric Pollak, Psy.D

Advisor

Eric is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of CBT for anxiety, OCD, sleep disorders, trauma, and addictions. Dr. Pollak received his masters and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Long Island University. He completed his predoctoral internship at the VA Hudson Valley providing evidence-based treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, and insomnia to US Armed Forces veterans and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Yeshiva University Counseling Center. He is currently the Director of Behavioral Health at Ezra Medical Center while also maintaining a private practice in Long Island. Eric has been involved in Nevut and the Lone Soldier population for the past 9 years.

Miryam Sperka, Ph.D.

Clinical Advisor
Miryam is the Training Director for The Center for Psychedelic Therapy Research (CPTR), an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a clinical psychologist in the Trauma and Readjustment Service at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from Hofstra University and joined the Yehuda Lab as a postdoctoral clinical research fellow in 2017, where she continues to serve as a study psychologist and diagnostic evaluator on several research projects. As training director of CPTR, Dr. Sperka runs the MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD Education Program, which focuses on clinician training and curriculum development to address the specific needs of military and veteran populations. At the VA, Dr. Sperka provides trauma-focused therapy, including evidence-based treatments such as prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, and treatments for moral injury. She also trains and supervises psychology doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows within the PTSD clinic.

Robert Heshie Reiss

Lone Soldier Support Coordinator

Robert Heshie Reiss first became involved with Lone Soldier Veterans while distributing equipment to IDF soldiers. He quickly became an active and beloved volunteer for Nevut, serving as a father figure to the veterans. Heshie says, “When a parent sends their son or daughter to the army, that person becomes all of our responsibility; they become our child.” Nevut is grateful for Heshie’s passionate dedication to our veterans, always available with a listening ear and to help in any way he can.