Leadership Team

 Bernie Furshpan is an educator, producer, and humanitarian dedicated to promoting empathy, tolerance, and moral courage through film and media. Partnering with the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance (JAMD), he champions unity through the transformative power of the arts. 

 Kelly Wright is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, recording artist, and advocate for unity through faith and music. As a supporter of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, he champions the power of the arts to bridge divides and inspire peace. 

 Jolanta Zamecka is a passionate advocate for the arts and intercultural understanding, dedicated to supporting the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. Through her leadership and vision, she helps foster creativity, collaboration, and coexistence among diverse communities in Israel and beyond. 

Andy Zeidman is a dedicated supporter of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, committed to advancing its mission of harmony through the arts. With a passion for cultural exchange, he helps strengthen creative collaboration and understanding across Israel’s diverse communities.

 Ellen Coyne is a passionate supporter of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, believing in the arts as a bridge for understanding and peace. She champions JAMD’s mission to unite diverse cultures through music, dance, and shared human expression. 

 Stuart Diamond is a steadfast supporter of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, driven by a belief in the arts as a universal language. He advocates for JAMD’s mission to inspire collaboration, compassion, and harmony among Israel’s diverse communities. 

Panagiota Betty Tufariello is a passionate advocate for the performing arts and charitable causes. She actively supports creative expression, community outreach, and philanthropic initiatives that inspire hope, inclusion, and cultural understanding. 

 Daniel Holtzman is a dedicated advocate for the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, inspired by its role in nurturing creativity and coexistence. He supports JAMD’s mission to bring together diverse cultures through music and dance, fostering understanding, compassion, and shared humanity.

 Stephanie Weeks is a passionate supporter of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, believing in the arts as a force for unity and healing. She champions JAMD’s mission to inspire collaboration, understanding, and peace among people of all backgrounds. 

Samantha Sosnik is a dedicated advocate for the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, inspired by its mission to cultivate creativity and cross-cultural harmony. She supports JAMD’s vision of using music and dance to build understanding, empathy, and lasting connections among diverse communities.

 Dr. Susanne Seperson, Professor Emerita of Sociology at Long Island University, is a founding member of Friends of JAMD. She has collaborated with the United Nations on global education and peace initiatives, championing JAMD’s mission to unite diverse communities through music, dance, and shared humanity. 

 Dr. Ron Csilag, a dedicated member of the Friends for JAMD Committee, is deeply committed to advancing Israeli culture and the arts. His leadership and passion help strengthen cross-cultural understanding, fostering creativity and connection between Israel and global artistic communities.