The Team
Chen Amit
Co-Founder & Chair
Chen Amit is a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of the global fintech company Tipalti, which manages tens of billions of dollars in payments annually and serves thousands of clients worldwide. He brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, technology, and executive management, alongside a deep commitment to Israel’s social and national resilience. Chen holds a B.Sc. from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and an MBA from INSEAD.​​
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Matan Yaffe
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Matan Yaffe is a social entrepreneur, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of the Shoresh Fund. He founded and led Desert Stars, a groundbreaking leadership organization for Bedouin youth in Israel’s Negev, recognized internationally for its contribution to building a shared society. A Major (Res.) in the IDF and civic leader, Matan is dedicated to strengthening social cohesion, leadership, and national resilience. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University.
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David Sherez
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
David Sherez is a tech and social entrepreneur, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of the Shoresh Fund. He is one of the founders of Venn, a global company that strengthens urban communities around the world, and the founder of Ani-Ata, a Beit Midrash dedicated to integrating Torah and economics. A former Sayeret Matkal officer (Major, Res.),
economist, and graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, David combines sharp business insight with a deep commitment to shaping Israeli society as free, equal, and cohesive.
Rinat Peleg
Corporate Manager
Rinat Peleg serves as the Organizational Director and Human Resources Manager at the Shoresh Fund. She holds a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and brings over twenty years of experience in human resources management across diverse organizations. Rinat combines strategic vision, strong leadership skills, and extensive administrative experience in complex organizational environments. She serves as a professional and operational anchor, ensuring effective coordination and efficiency across Shoresh’s teams.
Dr. Hagit Shabtai
Director of Partnerships
Dr. Hagit Shabtai serves as the Director of Partnerships at the Shoresh Fund. She holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies and an MBA in Social Leadership, with nearly a decade of experience in resource development, partnership management, and impact growth within Israel’s civil society sector. Hagit specializes in identifying leverage points, translating vision into actionable strategy, and cultivating long-term relationships with donors and stakeholders — driven by a deep commitment to strengthening Israeli society.
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Peleg Raz
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Peleg Raz serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Shoresh Fund. He brings over two decades of experience in financial management, budgeting, and fiscal operations for nonprofit and public organizations in Israel. Founder of Finansitim, a company specializing in financial management for NGOs and foundations, Peleg combines strategic insight, deep financial expertise, and a unique understanding of how to balance economic sustainability with social impact.
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