The Tali Center
The Tali Center is a community hub, a healing oasis where people can come and gather and unwind. Entrance is free for soldiers and their families, and they can gather, talk, garden, woodwork and more at no cost. The Tali Center also provides trauma therapy, traditional psychotherapy and holistic healing to individuals, children, teens, couples and families who have suffered from trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety and inner conflict as a result of the October 7th war, and situations that therapy, rest and recreation help with.
Treatments
All day, everyday access to holistic treatments, trauma therapy , traditional therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy,. One day and two day retreats will be offered providing an array of services including but not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, massage, meditation, yoga, psychotherapy, EMDR, nature walks, horseback riding, and eating prepared healthy food. Retreats are also designed for children and teens and for the healers and for the study of the intersection of science and the holistic arts. Retreats at the Tali Center will provide an array of tools for people to use at home and at work when overwhelmed by depression, anxiety or PTSD. The goal is to heal trauma, bring joy and hope back into people's lives, and enable them to function and stand strong again for themselves, their families and the country.
Spiritual activities
Promote healing by generating a feeling of love and joy through spiritual art, dance, movement and music.
Family fun days
With entertainment, campfires, and more will be provided to help people heal, find joy again and stand strong again.
All-round well-being
All activities will enhance physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Professionalism
All therapists are experienced and will provide evidence based treatment.
The American Friends of the Tali Center will support the Tali Center in Israel in every way possible
Including help with and advising on fundraising events, ideas regarding recruitment of volunteers, advice about advertisement for internships for American students at a wellness center, and any other activities and advice that will help keep the Tali Center thriving as a vibrant trauma and healing center.
Board of Directors
Sheri Perlman
Development
Sheri Perlman is a child, adolescent and adult psychoanalyst and psychotherapist. She sees patients in her private practice in person and online. Sheri's particular areas of interest include individual therapy, parent-child relationships, trauma and learning differences. She incorporates a myriad of tools in an eclectic approach to her work while maintaining an analytic and a neuropsychoanalytic frame. Sheri graduated from Washington University with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy, New York University with a Masters in Social Work, and from both the Institute for Child, Adolescent and Family Studies (ICAFS) and the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR). She is a member of CFS and an affiliate of WCSPP. Sheri has also trained in trauma work and in alternative treatment modalities.
Barbara Meixler
Secretary
Barbara Meixler is a market research and consumer insights consultant, working with a wide range of corporations and non-profits. She serves as a mentor in the Futures Fellowship, providing professional and personal guidance and support to under-served young adults in the metro-New York area. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel Center of White Plains.
Laura Rotter
Treasurer
Laura Rotter, CFA, CFP is the owner of True Abundance Advisors, a heart-centered, values-based financial planning firm based in New York, and host of the podcast Making Change With Your Money. After a successful career managing money for institutional investors, Laura discovered mindfulness practices and was drawn to guide professionals facing a big life change to achieve both financial security and life satisfaction. Laura is on the advisory council of Impact100 Westchester, a women’s group giving organization.
Rachel Hallote
Rachel Hallote is the former Director of the Jewish Studies Department at SUNY Purchase College, where her administrative duties included fundraising and grant writing. She also wrote grants as part of the Israel archeology group she is a part of . Rachel is a professor of History at SUNY Purchase, whose specialty is in the archaeology of ancient Israel. As an archaeologist, her research focuses on the history of the discipline of archaeology in the Middle East. She teaches courses on Jewish history as well as ancient history, and is the author of several books and many articles. She has worked at numerous archaeological sites in Israel and co-hosts a podcast, This Week in the Ancient Near East, a humor-filled conversation about current archaeological discoveries and news.
Paula Wittlin
Paula has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and spent years working at Planned Parenthood as a counselor. Later in life she returned to school to study photography, and worked first as a photojournalist, and then photographing events for nonprofits as well as individuals. She specializes in capturing what is beautiful within people and loves taking portraits. A recent passion is curating. Paula runs the art gallery at her synagogue and enjoys conceptualizing and assembling exhibits. She has been widowed since 2017 and has two wonderful adult daughters. Her friends, daughters and synagogue community fill her life with joy.
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If not now, when?
From love and loss, The Tali Center is born. Tali was a survivor of the shooting of the girls' school on the Jordanian border in the 90’s. She believes that the unresolved trauma caused her cancer. My promise to her near the end was that I would create a center in honor of her spiritual journey home, and to try to save others from the effects trauma has on one’s life. Mercaz Tali is a non profit healing oasis in nature. Trauma therapy, ongoing psychotherapy, and holistic healing will be available for all ages, along with retreats and family fun days, that will provide activities that make room for love and joy and strength again. I am available to speak about the unprecedented trauma people are experiencing from the view point of a therapist volunteering with the soldiers and families. Feel free to reach out and support our people. “If not now, when?”
Advisory Board
Martin Kaminer
Consultant to the Tali Center
Martin Kaminer is an outstanding social entrepreneurship advisor. Together with UJC (now JFNA) and JESNA, he established a residential incubator for non-profit start ups inside the headquarters of UCJ.Over a 19 year period, Bikkurim incubated 33 ventures. He participated in fundraising for the Canine Dental Unit For The Brave Dogs Of Okets, IDF unit that works with the Search and Rescue dogs. Martin is also the CEO of Instructional Systems Inc., a company specializing in educational and training solutions. Martin attended Princeton University and the MIT Sloan School of Managemant.It is an honor to have Martin as consultant to the Tali Center.
David Hoch
David Hoch is the owner and principal consultant at DGH Technologies, Inc., a full-service technology consulting firm serving commercial, non-profit, and residential clients. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in computer system design, integration, management, and technical training, David specializes in delivering tailored technology solutions that address each client’s unique needs.
Under David’s leadership, DGH Technologies offers comprehensive services—from system selection (including computers, internet, voice, security, and surveillance) to the seamless design and integration of those systems. His approach ensures the creation of cohesive technology environments that boost productivity, protect intellectual property, and strengthen the overall operational health of client organizations.
David’s expertise is exemplified by his work with a Manhattan-based mental health non-profit organization, where he designed and implemented scalable systems that supported the company’s growth from just four employees to over 100. His commitment to client success is matched by his passion for empowering teams through effective technical training, ensuring that every solution is both powerful and user-friendly.
Achva Benzinberg Stein
Achva Benzinberg Stein is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects and a Distinguished Alumna of the University of California College of Environmental Design. She has been a practicing professional who has taught and worked in the US, Israel, Europe, India and China. Her projects with neighborhood groups, non-profit organizations, public housing authorities and government agencies have focused on meeting social needs while seeking to heal the damage caused by poorly-managed urban development.
Professor Stein has been honored with the Community Service Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects in recognition of her lifelong commitment to public design and her contribution as the Director of the City College Architectural Center, a community assistance program that prepared designs and master plans for low-income communities in the greater New York City region. Among the numerous awards she has received are: the Outstanding Teaching Award from the City College of New York; the Award of Excellence from the American Institute of Architects California Chapter for her educational contributions to the profession; a Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Service to the Community from the City of Los Angeles; the Collaborative Practice Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture; the Award of Distinction from the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture; and the University of Southern California Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching. Professor Stein has also been the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship two times, once to India in 1979 and again in 2001 to Germany.
Prior to becoming professor emerita, Achva Benzinberg Stein was the founding Director of the Graduate Program in Landscape Architecture at the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York, where she was a member of the faculty in both Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. She has been teaching in the College of Environmental Design at the University of California at Berkeley since 2015.
Professor Stein is the designer of the permanent installation of the Moroccan Courtyard in the new galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and South Asia at the Metropolitan Museum of New York. Among her other important works is the installation “Windows of Opportunities,” which was part of the exhibition “Nature Constructed/Nature Revealed” in the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, and which then travelled nationwide. Her installation “Subjects and Objects” was shown at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, while her design for “Uhuru Garden” was part of the show “Urban Revisions,” prepared by the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, which later toured both the US and Canada.
Clare Kochavi
Creative Director
CGMuse is passionately dedicated to creating lucid beautiful stories through animation. Conor and Clare will be providing moving stories by video for the website and for marketing in Israel and fundraising internationally.
Yakov Geif
Yakov Grief, partner of Greif and Koven graduated Harvard Law School and practices international law in Israel. He represents the American Friends of the Tali Center as well as the Tali Center in Israel on all legal matters.
Jerry Morgenstern
Jerry Morgenstern is an international tax consultant at galitercpa.com who is be responsible for all accounting needs of the American Friends of the Tali Center in the U.S. as well as the Tali Center in Israelof Galitzer & Associates
Austin Feld
Austin Feld Inc is a digital and social media marketing company in Israel. Austin Feld is a seasoned CMO and product development executive with expertise in digital transformation, brand strategy, and AI integration. He has led growth and innovation at brands including Mrs Wordsmith, Hooked on Phonics, Panini America, and American Express, driving measurable impact across education, fintech, and consumer products. Known for building high-performing teams and brands that resonate deeply with their audiences, Austin combines strategic vision with operational excellence to deliver results.
Daniella Norman
Daniella Norman is the founder of a digital consulting service that helps older adults navigate technology, bridging generational gaps through personalized tech education. With a background in Behavior and Health from Boston University and upcoming doctoral studies in Occupational Therapy at NYU, she combines healthcare insight with digital accessibility to create more inclusive support systems.
Donate to the Tali Center
The need is immense and urgent! Your donation will directly impact healing of courageous men and women who are protecting our country.
Donations to Ne'eman Foundation are tax deductible by law.
Our Israeli team
Irith Barzel-Raveh
Irith Barzel-Raveh is the Founder and chairwoman of the Israeli Neuropsychoanalysis Society.She is the Board member of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society. She is a psychoanalyst in private practice in Tel Aviv where she sees clients in individual therapy and provides supervision to other psychoanalysts.
Moran Saad
Moran Saad is the mother of two beautiful young children and she is Tali’s sister. Moran is a talented singer, photographer and videographer.
Phyllis Krug
Phyllis Krug holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Columbia University with a specialty in cardiopulmonary diseases. She is trained in craniosacral therapy along with a multitude of mind body therapies such as Chun Yi Linn, Chi Massage for Viral Organs, : Master Mantauk Chia, and currently volunteers with soldiers and runs supervision groups for the healers in Israel.
Sheri Perlman
Sheri Perlman is a child, adolescent and adult psychoanalyst and psychotherapist. She sees
patients in her full time private practice in person and online from her offices in New Rochelle and Israel. Sheri’s particular areas of interest include individual therapy, parent-child relationships, trauma and learning differences. She incorporates a myriad of tools in an eclectic approach to her work while maintaining an analytic and a neuropsychoanalytic frame. Sheri graduated from Washington University with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy, New York University with a Masters in Social work, and from both the Institute for Child, Adolescent and Family Studies (ICAFS) and the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR). She is a member of CFS and an affiliate of WCSPP. Sheri has also trained in trauma work and in alternative treatment modalities.
Sheriperlman.com
Francine Friedman
Francine Friedman made Aliyah from New York with her husband Stu and their four children in 2007. They currently live in Bet Shemesh. Francine has been teaching English privately as well as in elementary schools in Bet Shemesh. Prior to making Aliyah, she was a teacher in a yeshiva on Long Island for ten years. She also volunteered in a school for at risk girls and was a teacher as well as a mentor for several of the girls.
Her son has served in Gaza several times this year. He was called up on October 7th and witnessed the horrors of that day which has had a profound effect on him. Francine is looking forward to the success of the Tali Center and hopes that her professional as well as personal experiences will be useful to this center.
Shai Schwartz
Shai Schwartz -originally a performer a stage director, playwright and storyteller, is now a group and Individual therapist, specializing in story and drama therapy, Psychodrama, Gestalt and Focusing
Among the many institutions that he has worked in, he did group therapy work with young asylum seekers who have been victims of torture, co-facilitating and developing a model of intervention with Sheila Melzak the principal psychoanalyst of the children and youth dept at the “Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture” in London. Later continuing this work at the Baobab Center for Young Survivors in Exile"founded by Sheila Melzak. They taught group workers and therapists in Great Britain and Europe. They have published an article on their work in "Group Analysis" Vl.38-June 2005" Sage Publications.
In Israel he worked in the Kaplan hospital in Rehovot and Tel Hashomer in Tel Aviv with HIV positive patients of Ethiopian descent.
He now concentrates his work at his two private clinics in Jerusalem and Neve Shalom
Sari Tzabari
Senior Social Worker | Trauma and Rehabilitation Specialist
Sari Tzabari is a seasoned social worker with over four decades of experience working with individuals, families, and communities affected by trauma. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Haifa.
Since 1977, Sari has served in various therapeutic roles within the Kiryat Ata Social Services Department, including family therapy, psychiatric rehabilitation, work with individuals with visual impairments, foster care support, and direct work with people coping with severe mental illness. Her work has always centered around healing, empowerment, and long-term recovery.
In 1998, Sari became the head of the Girls in Distress Department at the Haifa Municipality—a role she held until her retirement in 2014. During this time, she developed and led pioneering therapeutic programs for girls at risk, providing individual, group, and community interventions. She established safe houses and community-based centers designed to keep vulnerable girls within their natural environment and prevent institutionalization. Her work included deep post-trauma therapy and rehabilitation, always grounded in a belief in the resilience and strength of each individual.
Today, Sari is proud to be involved in the establishment of a new trauma center in Israel, dedicated to supporting those affected by the events of October 7 and the continuing trauma in the region near the Gaza border. With compassion, experience, and a lifelong commitment to social healing, she brings invaluable insight and leadership to this vital initiative.