About the Organization
Birth is a pivotal moment—one that profoundly impacts the resilience of families and communities, and shapes the development of the next generation.
Mothers for Mothers is here to support, empower, and lead efforts on behalf of parents during the prenatal and early postnatal stages. We act from the deep understanding that the beginning of life is a crucial and powerful time—for babies, for parents, and for society.
Human potential is most accessible during the wide-open window of opportunity that begins in pregnancy, continues through birth, and extends into a baby’s first year. Investing in this foundational stage is not just wise—it is essential.
By preparing, guiding, and supporting parents from the very first moments, we can foster awareness, conscious choices, and reflective, nurturing parenting. Positive, empathetic interventions in these formative stages help us all grow into people who can love deeply, trust fully, and build strong, emotionally intelligent communities.
“If a community values its children it must cherish their parents”
-Bowlby-
Mothers for Mothers was founded in 2021 with a mission to improve early life experiences and provide optimal support for parents and infants across Israel.
A Message from the Director
Rabbi Yochanan said: There are three keys in the hands of God, which have not been entrusted to an agent: the key of rain, the key of childbirth, and the key of resurrection.
— Taanit 2
These three keys, as described by our sages, are the roots of life: its beginning, its essence, and its end.
Every couple seeking to bring life into the world experiences a sense of awe—recognizing that beyond all their efforts and desires, there is a mysterious, divine element in who is born, to whom, and when.
Yet from the moment of birth, so much is in our hands. There is so much we can and must do to pave the way for the newborn, to support the mother, and to uplift the new parents whose lives form the soil in which their child—and the next generation—will take root, grow strong, and thrive.
Becoming a mother changed my life entirely.
A surge of emotion, strength, responsibility, and love filled me—and still drives me today, evolving alongside my children. When life flows through us, we cannot help but feel our deep connection to one another, and the natural response is a desire to give, support, and belong.
I believe that we—as parents, as communities, and as a society—have immense power to build safety nets made of open hearts, attentive eyes, advanced knowledge, professional tools, and meaningful resources. Together, we can ensure a better beginning for every parent and child in Israel.
It is our responsibility to speak up, to recognize what’s missing, and to work for change.
In today’s reality in Israel, too many mothers are left alone after birth—even when they lack a support network. That must change.
This is an act of love—and it is a mission we can only accomplish together.
You’re warmly invited to reach out and join us.
With love,
Smadari
Who We Are
Our Team
Smadar Brand
Program Director
Happily married and a proud mother of five. Holds a degree in education with a specialization in dance and creative arts, and is a certified doula and gynecosophist. For nearly 15 years, she has supported women through body–mind processes surrounding childbirth. Founded and coordinated the “Mother to Mother” chapter in the Binyamin Regional Council. Believes life is a miracle worth embracing with both hands, and has a deep love for new beginnings.
Paz Reanan
Professional Director, “Mother to Mother” Program
Parenting and family coach, group facilitator for parenting and family dynamics, and an art therapist. Since 2010, she has developed and led the “Im LaDerech” postnatal support model for mothers within the Kfar Saba municipal authority. An innovator and program manager dedicated to building meaningful systems of care for new mothers.
Ela Garmzeh
Training Coordinator
Holds a B.A. in psychology and cognitive sciences and an M.A. in social work. Brings extensive experience in life-changing personal guidance and nonprofit project management. She has worked with women in crisis, patients in mental health clinics, youth, parents, and marginalized populations. Married and a mother of two daughters.
Keren Levi-Kalmanovich
Operations & Partnerships Coordinator
Married to Dvir and mother of Uri, Amit, and Eilon. Holds a degree in economics and business management. After working in the high-tech industry, transitioned to special education as a rehabilitation teacher for toddlers with visual impairments at the Eliya Association. Volunteered for two and a half years as coordinator of the “Mother to Mother” chapter in Shoham. Passionate and deeply committed to the mission and societal impact of the organization.
Board of Directors
Michal S. Zadok
Graduate of the Cadets for Civil Service program. Holds two Master’s degrees in public policy and business administration. Formerly served as advisor to the Director-General of the Ministry of Education, CEO of the Citizen Empowerment Center, and is currently Deputy Director of the Public Housing Division at the Ministry of Housing.
Shira Katz
Holds an M.A. in nonprofit management, along with certifications in HR management and mediation. Held leadership roles in education and in the National Program for At-Risk Children and Youth. Served as Middle School Program Director at the Cyber Education Center, supported by Rashi Foundation. Currently leads community development programs in Israel’s border towns and serves in the IDF reserves as a Civilian Population Officer.
Yonit Lebanon
Holds a Master’s degree in public administration and a Bachelor’s degree in education. Brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience across NGOs, foundations, and public institutions. In the past decade, has focused on early childhood, health, and welfare initiatives at the Rashi Foundation and as CEO of Goshen. Currently advises social organizations and initiatives in various stages of development.
Yael Ben Eliezer
Married and mother of four. A psychotherapist, group facilitator, and social worker, with over 30 years of experience working with young children at risk and their families. Her work includes therapy, professional training and supervision, program development, and research. Former coordinator for the “Mother to Mother” program within the community.
Inbar Frid Tsaig
Clinical Psychologist & Women’s Therapist Head of the “Women’s Space” Center—providing integrative CBT training and therapy for women. Director of the Li‑Bi team at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, offering specialized support to women throughout the fertility cycle. Serves on the Board of Mothers for Mothers
Sarah Tankman
Founder & CEO, Bria Foundation for Women’s Health Leads the Bria Foundation, which advances women’s health in Israel through policy advocacy, cutting‑edge research, and support for innovative field initiatives. Holds an M.A. in Gender Studies from Tel Aviv University. Honored as one of Globes’ “Forty Under 40” (2017) and by The Marker as one of “20 Women Shaping the Future of Medicine in Israel” (2018).
Association Members
Marsha Kates
Professor Emerita of Psychology, Hebrew University Renowned for her research on parenting and child development. Her pioneering work on the vital connection between parent well‑being and children’s mental and physical health led her to establish the Mother to Mother program in 2000.
Miriam Shriky
Developmental Psychologist & Program Coordinator Holds an M.A. in Developmental Psychology and has coordinated the Jerusalem chapter of Mother to Mother since its inception. Her research explores differences in maternal and paternal behaviors during the postpartum period, and she has designed new intervention programs for children with self‑regulation challenges.
Inbal Frag
Holistic Somatic Psychotherapist Initiator and leader of community‑based social projects. Formerly managed Mother to Mother programs in Rishon LeZion and Rehovot. Currently supervises professionals in perinatal care, and is pursuing an M.A. in Governance and Public Policy with a focus on applied research.
Zivah Dekel
Academic & Long‑time Volunteer Married mother of three and grandmother of three. Holds a B.A. in Geography and an M.A. in Jewish Studies, and works at the Israel Academy of Sciences. For nearly twenty years, volunteered with Mother to Mother, providing guidance and support to countless new mothers.
Tami (Tamar) Hass
Developmental Physiotherapist & Veteran Volunteer Mother of two daughters—Yaara and Libi—and grandmother to seven. Spent four decades treating children with special needs at all ages, specializing in physical development. Coordinated professional teams at a child development institute and holds an M.A. in Research Methods and Epidemiology from Hadassah–Hebrew University. In retirement, earned an M.A. in Jewish Thought and Land of Israel Studies from the Schechter Institute. Continues to volunteer with Mother to Mother, supporting mothers in the postpartum stage—a role she finds both giving and deeply rewarding.