Isaac Herzog Appoints Maya Ohana Moreno to Lead Social Cohesion Project
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has appointed Maya Ohana Moreno as his advisor and head of the social cohesion initiative "Mchlifim Mila", succeeding Sigal Knutopsky.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has appointed Maya Ohana Moreno as his advisor and the head of the "Mchlifim Mila" (Exchanging a Word) initiative, aimed at fostering a shared Israeli future, the President's Residence announced on Tuesday. Ohana Moreno succeeds Sigal Knutopsky, who is stepping down after more than two years in office.
Ohana Moreno is widely known as the widow of Lt. Col. Emanuel Moreno, who fell during an operational activity in the Second Lebanon War. Residing near the Gaza envelope, she is married to Eliran, a mother of five, and a grandmother. In recent years, she has been actively engaged in social activism aimed at strengthening ties between diverse segments of Israeli society, promoting shared discourse, and bridging divides.
In her new role, Ohana Moreno will lead the "Mchlifim Mila" project, established by President Herzog to reinforce social cohesion and curb polarization within Israeli society. The initiative collaborates with state agencies, civil society organizations, the business sector, and philanthropic foundations to advance joint projects and build trust among various social groups.
Ohana Moreno succeeds Sigal Knutopsky, who also served as the head of the strategic directorate at the President's Residence. During her tenure, Knutopsky expanded the project's activities and established a partnership network comprising nearly 100 organizations and initiatives, including the upcoming 2026 President's Conference. Upon her departure, Knutopsky plans to pursue doctoral studies.
President Herzog welcomed the appointment, stating: "Maya brings a wealth of life experience, a deep commitment to Israeli society, and an unwavering belief in the power of connections between people and communities. I am confident that she will continue to lead the initiative with professionalism, wisdom, and a broad heart, guiding it to new achievements."
Herzog also expressed gratitude to Knutopsky for her dedicated service. Addressing the broader social climate, the president added: "Disagreement is an inherent part of democracy, but it must never turn into a fracture. The initiative is designed to provide Israeli society with the tools to build a shared future and establish genuine partnerships."
