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Our Team
The People Driving IDI Forward
The International Diplomacy Initiative (IDI) is powered by a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and emerging leaders committed to advancing diplomacy. Working across programs, outreach, operations, and strategy, our team brings together diverse backgrounds and shared purpose to strengthen IDI’s impact as a global platform for diplomacy.
Our Team Members
Tal Zelinger
Founder & President
Tal Zelinger
Founder & President
Tal Zelinger is the Founder and President of the International Diplomacy Initiative. He works at the intersection of international engagement, parliamentary affairs, and youth leadership.He holds an LL.B and a B.A. in Government, Foreign Affairs, and Strategy from Reichman University, and has gained experience across the U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, NATO, and the Israeli Knesset. His work has focused on legislative research, institutional analysis, policy briefings, and engagement with governmental and international institutions worldwide.Through IDI, Tal leads the organization’s strategic vision, building platforms that connect emerging diplomats, students, and policymakers through practical and immersive diplomatic engagement.
Lior Hecht
Vice President
Lior Hecht
Vice President
Tal Zelinger is a legal and policy professional working at the intersection of international engagement, parliamentary affairs, and youth leadership.Tal holds an LL.B and a B.A. in Government, Foreign Affairs, and Strategy from Reichman University, and has experience across the U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, NATO, and the Israeli Knesset. His work has focused on legislative research, institutional analysis, policy briefings, and engagement with governmental and international institutions across the globe.
Lidia Bernd
Vice President
Lidia Bernd
Vice President
Lidia Bernd serves as Vice President of the International Diplomacy Initiative (IDI), where she oversees programming, partnerships, and organizational strategy to expand hands-on diplomacy education and international engagement opportunities for students.She earned her M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and her B.A. in Political Science from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Her work focuses on international security, emerging technologies, and transatlantic cooperation.Lidia has held policy and research roles across the United States, Europe, and Israel, including with the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Hedera Hashgraph, the Representative of German Industry and Trade, and the Institute for Counter-Terrorism. She is fluent in German, Hungarian, English, and French, with basic proficiency in Hebrew.
Solomon Prince
Chief Operations
Solomon Prince
Chief Operations
Solomon Prince serves as Chief Operations Officer of the International Diplomacy Initiative.He is a Communications student at Reichman University in Herzliya. Since joining IDI in his first year of studies, he has taken a leading role in coordinating events and managing the organization’s operational framework.He is responsible for planning and executing IDI’s programs, overseeing logistics, and ensuring effective coordination across departments and initiatives.
Guy Shalom
Chief Strategic Development & Growth
Guy Shalom
Chief Strategic Development & Growth
Guy Shalom serves as Strategic Development & Growth Officer of the International Diplomacy Initiative.He studies Conflict Management and International Relations at Reichman University’s School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy.He is responsible for institutional development, long term planning, and partnership expansion, supporting the organization’s strategic growth and international positioning.
Yarden Mustaki
Fundraising & Donor Relations
Yannick Dreyer
Germany Chapter Chairman
Yannick Dreyer
Germany Chapter Chairman
Yannick Dreyer serves as Chairman of the Germany Chapter of the International Diplomacy Initiative.Since April 2022, he has served as Foreign Policy Adviser to Member of the German Bundestag Markus Koob, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. His work focuses on West and Central Africa, and he coordinates the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group’s Africa Working Group. He studied Political Science and History (B.A) as well as International Relations at Goethe University Frankfurt and Darmstadt University of Technology.Within IDI, he leads the organization’s activities in Germany, fostering dialogue and cooperation with parliamentary offices, diplomatic missions, and foreign policy institutions, particularly in Berlin.
Itay Corem
Israel Chapter Chairman
Itay Corem
Israel Chapter Chairman
Israel Chapter ChairmanItay Corem serves as Chairman of the Israel Chapter of the International Diplomacy Initiative.He studies International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with a focus on security and strategic affairs.Within IDI, he leads the organization’s activities in Israel, coordinating chapter programming and fostering engagement between students, young professionals, and diplomatic stakeholders.
Amit Toledo
Reichman University Chapter Chairwoman
Amit Toledo
Reichman University Chapter Chairwoman
Amit serves as Chairwoman of the IDI Reichman Club at the International Diplomacy Initiative.She is a second year student of Diplomacy and International Affairs at Reichman University.Within IDI, she oversees campus programming, coordinates events, and strengthens engagement between students and diplomatic professional
Lior Abutbul
Senior Programs Officer
Lior Abutbul
Senior Programs Officer
Lior Abutbul serves as Programs Officer at the International Diplomacy Initiative.She is the European Outreach Coordinator at the Ayn Rand Institute, where she develops academic networks and organizes lectures and student programs across Europe. She holds an M.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from CEVRO University in Prague and previously served as an advisor to Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister.Within IDI, she supports program development and institutional engagement initiatives, contributing to the organization’s cross border activities and partnerships.
Noa Aharon
Head of Digital & Social Media
Noa Aharon
Head of Digital & Social Media
Tal Zelinger is a legal and policy professional working at the intersection of international engagement, parliamentary affairs, and youth leadership.Tal holds an LL.B and a B.A. in Government, Foreign Affairs, and Strategy from Reichman University, and has experience across the U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, NATO, and the Israeli Knesset. His work has focused on legislative research, institutional analysis, policy briefings, and engagement with governmental and international institutions across the globe.
Matan Goldenberg
Hebrew University Chapter Vice Chairman
Matan Goldenberg
Hebrew University Chapter Vice Chairman
Matan Goldenberg serves as Vice Chairman of the Hebrew University Chapter of the International Diplomacy Initiative.He studies International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with a focus on foreign policy, security, diplomacy, and regional political processes.Within IDI, he supports chapter programming and student engagement initiatives, contributing to dialogue and practical diplomatic exposure on campus.
Galit Bez
Reichman University Chapter Vice Chaiworman
Galit Bez
Reichman University Chapter Vice Chaiworman
Galit Bez serves as Vice Chairwoman of the IDI Reichman University Chapter.She is a B.A. student in Government and Diplomacy at Reichman University. Her academic focus includes strategic communications and international affairs, and she brings experience in media environments and policy oriented research.Within IDI, she supports campus programming and student engagement initiatives, contributing to the chapter’s diplomatic events and institutional outreach efforts.
Roni Goferman
Hebrew University Chapter Vice Chairman
Roni Goferman
Hebrew University Chapter Vice Chairman
Roni Goferman serves as Vice Chairman of the Hebrew University Chapter of the International Diplomacy Initiative.He is a second year student of Political Science and International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He currently interns at the Israeli Forum for Impact Economy and works at the Knesset.Within IDI, he supports chapter programming and engagement efforts, contributing to dialogue and practical exposure to public policy and diplomatic affairs on campus.
Ethan Geifman
Director of Impact & Operations
Ethan Geifman
Director of Impact & Operations
Ethan Geifman serves as Director of Impact & Operations at the International Diplomacy Initiative.He is currently pursuing a degree in Government at Reichman University, with a focus on counter terrorism and human security. Prior to joining IDI, he held senior political and operational roles in the United States, including serving as Political Director for a presidential campaign, where he managed strategic operations and voter engagement initiatives.Within IDI, he oversees operational management and impact strategy, supporting institutional development, organizational structure, and long term planning across departments.
Daniel Smith
Operations & Finance Officer
Daniel Smith
Operations & Finance Officer
Daniel Smith serves as Operations & Finance Officer at the International Diplomacy Initiative.He is currently studying Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy at Reichman University. His academic focus includes public policy, institutional governance, and strategic management.Within IDI, he supports operational coordination and financial administration, contributing to budgeting processes, logistical planning, and internal organizational systems.
Aviv Shultz
Operations Officer
Aviv Shultz
Operations Officer
Aviv Shultz serves as Operations Officer at the International Diplomacy Initiative.He is a Business Administration and Finance student at Reichman University and works in the real estate sector. His academic background focuses on management, financial systems, and organizational operations.Within IDI, he supports operational coordination and program logistics, contributing to the effective execution of events and institutional activities.
Raz Friedman
Programs Officer
Raz Friedman
Programs Officer
Raz Friedman serves as Programs Officer at the International Diplomacy Initiative.He is a student of Government, Strategy, and Diplomacy at Reichman University. Alongside his academic studies, he is engaged in the field of luxury tourism and concierge services, with a focus on international relations and global networking.Within IDI, he supports program coordination and partnership initiatives, contributing to the organization’s diplomatic events and international engagement activities.