’m honoured to be joined by a remarkable humanitarian leader and visionary, Shachar Zahavi. Shachar lives on a Moshav near Tel Aviv with his wife, Rachel, and their two children, but his life’s work has taken him far beyond Israel’s borders. His humanitarian journey began in 1994, when, instead of setting off on the traditional post-army travels, he was moved by the horrors of the Rwandan genocide and organized relief efforts. That choice set him on a lifelong path of service. In 2001, he co-founded IsraAID, bringing together Israeli aid organizations under one umbrella. As executive director for 16 years, Shachar grew IsraAID into a globally recognized NGO, providing vital support in over 60 countries, responding to crises like the Sri Lanka tsunami in 2004, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, and more recently, the war in Ukraine. Never one to stand still, in 2019, Shachar co-founded SmartAID with Ron Zeltzer. This groundbreaking organization harnesses cutting-edge technology, drones, solar power, fintech, and more, to revolutionize disaster relief and build resilience in communities from Afghanistan to California, from Gaza to Israel’s kibbutzim after October 7th. Through all of this, Shachar has embodied a vision of humanitarianism rooted in independence, collaboration, and human dignity. On a personal note, I had the privilege of working with Shachar in the early 2000s, when Ve’ahavta was active in international humanitarian work. It was always a pleasure to partner with him and to work together in repairing our world. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Shachar’s story of becoming a leading force in humanitarian response, from Rwanda to Gaza The founding of IsraAID and SmartAID, and how technology is revolutionizing the way aid reaches those most vulnerable Insights into challenges of disaster relief, from fundraising and logistics to partnering across cultures and nations Powerful memories of global service, including a partnership with Ve’ahavta in the early 2000s The personal roots of humanitarian vision: family, collaboration, and the spirit of tikkun olam (“repairing the world”) About Shachar Zahavi: Since 1994, Shachar has answered the call to humanitarian action, organizing relief efforts for the Rwandan genocide and co-founding IsraAID in 2001. Under his leadership, IsraAID became a world-recognized NGO, responding to global crises from tsunamis to earthquakes to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. In 2019, Shachar co-founded SmartAID, bringing breakthrough technologies, solar power, drones, fintech, and more, into the heart of modern disaster relief. His mission embodies independence, collaboration, and human dignity, inspiring hope and practical change wherever disaster strikes. How can technology and compassion light the way for healing in times of crisis? Share your thoughts below and subscribe for more in-depth interviews with remarkable changemakers in humanitarian aid. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #ShacharZahavi #IsraAID #SmartAID #humanitarianrelief #gaza #disasterresponse #techforgood #globalaid #InnovationInAid #Ukraine #IsraeliAid #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #je