Shaul Goldstein

Mayor Gush Etzion Regional Council

Shaul Goldstein, 51, is the Mayor of the Regional council of Gush Etzion. In the 11 years since he took up office, the population of Gush Etzion has more than doubled, new schools have been built, and tourist attractions and sites have been receiving national and international visitors. In 2008, 450,000 tourists visited the area. A technology park providing employment and new industries is now open.

Before becoming Mayor in May 1999, he ran his own construction company, building private homes all over Gush Etzion and beyond. He ran for mayor only after some of his peers convinced him that the region needed the leadership, drive and vision for which he stands. In January of 2009 he was elected for a third term.

For the past 20 years he has been living in Neve Daniel, one of 15 communities in Gush Etzion. He has a deep personal connection to the place: "My father fought in this region during the War of Independence," he recalls. "He was the radio operator of the convoy that brought supplies to the besieged settlements of Gush Etzion of Gush Etzion in 1948. Many of his comrades were killed or wounded just a stone's throw from where I live now. His hometown, Neve-Daniel is called after the name of this convoy…

Shaul grew up in Beersheba where he attended the Reali high school. Always a leader, he was the president of his school council and represented the entire Negev on the National Student Council. He studied engineering at Ben Gurion University before joining the Air Force, where he served in an elite technology unit which he went on to command. He left the Air Force with the rank of major at the age of 31.

Shaul is deeply committed to promoting understanding and tolerance between orthodox and non orthodox Israelis, both in Gush Etzion and throughout the country -"Having grown up in a totally irreligious environment," he says "I can truly understand the issues involved from both "sides"".

Throughout the years, Shaul has learned fast how to promote Gush Etzion, attracting investment from both government and private sources. In 2008 he completed a master's degree in public policy from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has big plans for the area: Developing the area as a central tourism region, attracting and raising the numbers of visitors annually to 800,000 which would include a hotel and many new attractions; expanding and developing industry and businesses and improving the educational facilities and frameworks in the region. The municipality has also taken upon itself the importance of environmental issues and the improvement and preservation of the local landscapes and grounds..

Mayor Shaul Goldstein is affiliated with the Likud party, a member of the central committee and he maintains a close, working relationship with many members of the Knesset, from all political branches, and has an excellent association with the media. He has assisted in establishing some new Zionistic movements, has been participating in "round table" dialogs, and is involved with advocacy (Hasbara ) in Israel and abroad.

Over the years, Mayor Goldstein has developed strong relationship with many United States senators and congressman. The New York City Mayor's office maintains an especially close relationship with him for couple of years.

As a leader, Mayor Goldstein insists on being fair and open minded. He is very tolerant and respectful of all political views, left or right, but will not lose sight of what he believes in.

Shani Abrams Simkowitz

Director of the Gush Etzion Foundation

Shani Abrams Simkowitz is the Director of the Gush Etzion Foundation, a division of the Regional Council of Gush Etzion which is responsible for public relations and fundraising for the communities and residents of this area. 

Ms. Simkowitz has a long and distinguished career in communications, public relations, fundraising and education.  Her devotion to the State of Israel is the motivating force behind all of her efforts.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Shani moved to Israel at the age of sixteen.  After graduating high school, she enlisted in the Israel Defense Force, three weeks before the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War.

Following the completion of her army service, Shani studied at the Kibbutz Teacher’s College in Tel Aviv where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education.  She then went on to receive a BA in Creative Theater from Empire State College and an MA from Touro College in Jewish Education with an emphasis on Holocaust studies for young children.

From 1997 to 1995 Shani was the Regional Supervisor of Early Childhood Education for the Regional Council of Gush Etzion.   She oversaw thirty five kindergartens, fifteen daycare centers and a teacher’s resource center.

In 1995, the Gush Etzion Foundation was established and Shani became its leader.  The Foundation was created to provide supplemental funding for health, education, social, cultural and security services for the residents of Gush Etzion.  Shani’s innovative and resourceful method of management is the reason for the Foundation’s success.

Shani Abrams Simkowitz, along with Mayor Shaul Goldstein, is an English speaking spokesperson for Gush Etzion.  Her tireless efforts to promote Gush Etzion have pioneered a public awareness worldwide.

Shani is the mother of five children and lives in the Gush Etzion community, Tekoa, where she has been a resident since 1981. In her spare time she is also a medical clown…