ASO CONFERENCE 2019
The African Student Organization founded in June 2015, aims to empower the African community in Israel. ASO helps african students in israel realize their educational and career goals, and become leaders in their communities. ASO also has the potential to build strong bridges between Israel and African countries.
Usumain Barka
Alhaji Alpha Fofana
Keynote Speakers
Joey Low
Joey Low; was born and raised in New York. For the past many years he has invested in Israeli startups through Star Farm Ventures. He started the Israel at heart scholarship program at the IDC in 2006 for Ethiopian Israeli students.
In 2010 He began giving scholarships to African asylum seekers at the IDC as well. Joey is married to carol and they recently made Aliyah
Mr. Damtew Dessalegne
Mr. Damtew Dessalegne took up his functions as the Country Representative of the UNHCR in the State of Israel on 1 July 2018.
Mr. Dessalegne has been engaged in refugee and humanitarian work at the national and international level for more than 35 years. He started this career in Canada, where he worked first with an international NGO and later with the Canadian government. Since joining UNHCR in 1993, he has served at the organization’s Geneva Headquarters and in Romania, Egypt, Italy, Armenia, and Cyprus.
Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Davis is Vice-President for External Relations at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel’s first private university. He heads the Raphael Recanati International School and is a Member of the Advisory Board of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) and Research Fellow. Mr. Davis also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel (Res) in the IDF Spokesman’s office.
Yannick Tona
Yannick Tona is a youth advocate, former Aegis Trust Youth Ambassador, CEO of Global Institute for Youth and AIPAC Development fellow. He is actively involved in the relationship between Africa and Israel for the last 5 years. He is involved in issues of national and global concern regarding Africa development. Yannick is the former head of Children’s right Department in Peace and Love Proclaimers. In 2010 Yannick was awarded the White Rose Award.
Students panel: From refugees to bridge-builders
Naka Aligo
Melat Michael
Aron Weldemhrit
Adam Bashar
Business panel: Africa a continent of business opportunities
Joey Low
Joey Low; was born and raised in New York. For the past many years he has invested in Israeli startups through Star Farm Ventures. He started the Israel at heart scholarship program at the IDC in 2006 for Ethiopian Israeli students.
In 2010 He began giving scholarships to African asylum seekers at the IDC as well. Joey is married to carol and they recently made Aliyah.
Benjy Singer
Benjy Singer is the General Manager of WeWork Israel. Prior to joining WeWork in 2013, Benjy worked for 25 years in the restaurant business. Benjy made Aliyah in 1987 from New York and then served for two years in an IDF Intelligence Unit. He lives in Tel Aviv with his wife and three children.
Josef Abramowitz
Yosef I. Abramowitz, an American-Israeli human rights activist, educator and entrepreneur is recognized as one of the pioneers of the solar energy industry in both Israel and Africa. Abramowitz heads Energiya Global Capital, that advancing the environmental and humanitarian goals of providing affordable green power to underserved populations as a fundamental human right.
Yossi Vardi
Yossi vardi is known as the father of high tech in Israel. He has been the consultant and advisor to many of the most famous and respected business leaders. Yossi travels the world , leading conferences , which focus on technology and innovation. Yossi has for the past many years been a leading advocate for improving education in schools within israel. Yossi is married to talma , who shares his passion for social justice.
