Join us for an internationally acclaimed photography exhibition featuring the work of Israel’s top photojournalists, presented in partnership with Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. The evening will include special guests Josh Aronson, recognized as the first journalist with autism and a global advocate for inclusion, and Eli Mandelbaum, a Shalva ambassador and former YNET journalist.

More about our Guest Speakers

Josh Aronson is a journalist on the autism spectrum, community leader, and advocate for global Jewish engagement and inclusion. He serves as the Jewish World and Diaspora Correspondent for Maariv, one of Israel’s leading newspapers, and is based in Manchester, UK, where he lives with his wife and is deeply involved in Jewish communal life locally and internationally. Josh is a Deputy at the Board of Deputies of British Jews, a Board Member of the Zionist Federation UK, and was recently elected to the Zionist Congress as a representative of JLM–Meretz UK. He also serves on the Board of Keep Olim in Israel, is a Global Ambassador for both the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (USA) and Magen for Communities, and is a Council Member of President Isaac Herzog’s “Kol Ha’am” (Voice of the People) initiative. Josh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and Advertising from Ono Academic College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Journalism at the University of Salford. His advocacy focuses on disability inclusion and accessibility, including initiatives honoring Holocaust victims with disabilities, improving travel accessibility for individuals on the autism spectrum, and promoting the global use of the inclusive term “people with determination,” inspired by language adopted in Dubai.

Eli Manelbaum is a former journalist, media creator, and senior nonprofit executive whose life and career were profoundly reshaped by trauma—and by a deliberate choice to turn adversity into purpose, leadership, and impact.
Eli spent twenty years as a journalist at Ynet, one of Israel’s leading news platforms, covering major national stories and breaking events. Alongside his work at Ynet, he also created and took part in several journalistic series for different television channels, bringing in-depth and human-centered storytelling to wide audiences. During his journalistic career, Eli was injured in a terrorist attack after being ambushed while parked near the village of Husan. Five to six terrorists surrounded his car and attempted to set it on fire while he was still inside. Although he survived the attack without severe physical injuries, the psychological impact was significant. Several months later, Eli was formally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Following medical recommendations that returning to frontline journalism could intensify his trauma, Eli made the difficult decision to step away from active reporting. He went on to found his own PR and strategy firm, focusing on strategic communications, storytelling, and impact-driven initiatives. During this transitional period, Eli began volunteering at the Shalva National Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, initially offering just a few hours of support. What started as volunteering gradually evolved into deep involvement, as his skills, vision, and commitment became integral to the organization. Today, Eli serves as Deputy CEO and CTO of Shalva, helping lead the organization to new levels of innovation, growth, and international reach. He oversees strategy, technology, communications, and global partnerships, playing a key role in expanding Shalva’s impact in Israel and around the world. Eli often says that his work at Shalva is an essential part of his healing journey—a place where purpose, responsibility, and human connection helped transform trauma into leadership and lasting social change.