Herzog Appoints Maya Ohana Moreno to Lead National Social-Cohesion Initiative

President Isaac Herzog has appointed Maya Ohana Moreno as his adviser and director of “Machlifim Mila,” the presidential initiative for a shared Israeli tomorrow. The appointment, announced on November 3, puts her in charge of an existing effort to strengthen social cohesion, build partnerships and reduce polarization across Israeli society. Ohana Moreno succeeds Sigal Knotofsky, who is leaving the President’s Office after more than two years and beginning doctoral studies. Knotofsky also headed strategy at the office. During her tenure, the initiative developed a network of nearly 100 partner organizations and initiatives, connecting state bodies, civil society, businesses and philanthropy. Her work included public gatherings such as the 2026 President’s Conference. Herzog thanked Knotofsky for her service and welcomed Ohana Moreno, pointing to her life experience, commitment to Israeli society and work to connect people and communities. Referring to the period after the election, while the composition of the leadership is being determined, he urged Israelis to remember their shared foundations. “Disagreement is an inseparable part of democracy, but it must not become a rupture,” Herzog said. Ohana Moreno has worked for years to strengthen partnership and mutual responsibility among different parts of Israeli society. She lives in the Gaza-border region. Her first husband, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Moreno, was killed during an operation in the Second Lebanon War. Her new role places that community work within the president’s existing national partnership initiative.