Elad Topel

Born and raised in Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim. In my youth I have worked in the agricultural fields of the community and studied in the science course of studies in high-school. During my M.Sc. program I leaded the creation and establishment of a new village in the Lachish region for secular and orthodox Jews, the community is using environmental planning and practice sustainability to overcome the gaps between the two religious streams. After graduation, I formed part of the founders of ARAVA Environmental Consulting and Technology Ltd (EC&T). EC&T was the business arm of the Arava Institute (www.arava.org). I hold a bachelor degree in Geography, Philosophy, and Islam from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and an M.Sc. degree from the Ben Gurion University and the Arava Institute. After graduation, I have been offered a position at the Arava Institute and worked there for 5 years. During my studies and work at the Arava Institute, I have established strong relationships with Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. I have basic understanding of Arabic which I can also read. I am self motivated, independent, with a high ability to learn new things, creative and determined