The IFF Team

Elana Yael Heideman, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Elana Heideman Dr. Elana Heideman is a Jewish identity transformational leader and Jewish rights activist. A historian, educator, writer and motivational speaker, Elana's expertise in Holocaust and Jewish studies, antisemitism and leadership informs and inspires toward a proSemitism and an empowered Jewish future.

A published writer, Elana produces extensive expert materials and resources. Her talent in public speaking, curriculum and programming development, classroom instruction, and personal coaching been channeled into vitually accessible experiential learning opportunities for communities and groups, families and individuals alike. Her focus on the psychology of hate, modern implications of the Holocaust, and conflicts of Jewish identity have been shaped into useable workshops on confronting Holocaust denial and modern Antisemitism.

A delegate on the World Zionist Council for 30 years, a Jewish rights activist from a young age, Young Leadership Chair of B’nai B’rith International, awarded the Herzl Prize in 2005, Elana has guided countless young professionals and young leaders through innovative initiatives to deepen Holocaust awareness, to expand respect for Israel, and strengthen Jewish identity and peoplehood empowerment. Elana has served as a lecturer and consultant for various educational institutions in venues throughout the United States and Israel, including as a expert guide at Yad Vashem National Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem.

Elana studied under Professor Elie Wiesel, with whom she completed her Ph.D. in Holocaust Studies, Antisemitism and Phenomenology. Elana made Aliyah in 2005, lives in Moshav Nes Harim outside of Jerusalem with her three children.