Our Mission
The mission of the RI Coalition for Israel (RICI) shall be to promote Western, Judeo-Christian values in America and America's alliance with Israel through a working grassroots partnership of Christians and Jews.
The organization will serve as an advocate for Israel through educational activities within the Greater RI area.
RICI will stand up against anti-Semitism and the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement through educational activities, public statements, peaceful demonstrations, handouts, films, lectures, and other means of communication.
"I will bless those who bless you (Israel), and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3
"The reason that we are not liked is not because all kinds of accusations are leveled against us: no, they level accusations against us because they do not like us... We were here before them, and we will be leaving after them. We are fine just the way we are. We will not be any different, nor do we want to be." --Vladimir Jabotinsky
"Many studies and focus groups have shown that even Jews who are sympathetic toward Israel and feel positively about their own Jewishness choose to be silent in order not to defy mainstream opinion, damage their career, or take up what seems to be a losing cause. To change the atmosphere, then, Israel’s sympathizers have to shift gears, from playing defense to launching a confident offense. They have to take back the banner of human rights and liberalism, and not permit this rhetoric to be misused by those who are defending some of the world’s most reactionary forces." --Natan Sharansky, 2015
WHO
WE ARE
We are grassroots Christians and Jews volunteering to combat Jew-hatred and educate about Israel because of our unshakeable belief that the Jewish people have a right to a safe and secure homeland in Israel.
Our Team.
Get to know our Board members and staff
Maria Friedman | Executive Director
Maria Friedman holds a Masters degree in Social Work and a certificate of Graduate Studies in Non-Profit Leadership from Rhode Island College and specializes in macro social work (community organizing, organizational development, and program design). She is the daughter of Russian/Belarusian/Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants. She is also a leader within the Jewish young professional community in RI, helping to lead programs and events. She is fluent in Spanish. Maria has a passion for working in the community on various initiatives, whether that be policy advocacy, community education and outreach, or program development. Before RICI, she led the charge for the 2020 Census in the Latino community through 4 different grants, worked at Bristol Community College as an Internship Program Coordinator, led community outreach efforts with HealthSourceRI, served survivors of sexual assault/domestic violence as a Law Enforcement Advocate with Day One, and worked for the RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among other roles.
Ken Schneider | President
I am retired after being in the retail ice cream business for 50 years. I have been married for over 40 years. I’ve been a RICI Board member since its inception in 2017. I am a frequent visitor to Israel mostly as a volunteer with over 25 trips so far. In the 90’s, I was President of a neighborhood organization in East Providence mostly concerned with environmental issues. I was a coach and Board member for a local soccer league for 20 years. My current interests are volunteering at the local kosher pantry, taking long motorcycle trips, being a Zayde (grandfather) and improving my shooting skills at the range.
Kirk Jordan | Vice President
Kirk and his wife, Ellen, are members of Temple Sinai in Cranston, and raised their three children in Rhode Island. Kirk is a passionate Zionist and supporter of Israel. Kirk is an attorney and was a cofounder of Integrity Interactive, a web based corporate ethics and compliance training company. He is a member of Cherrystone Angel Group, where he invests in, and counsels, early stage companies. In addition to RICI, Kirk volunteers at a homeless shelter legal clinic, and mentors a student through the LINKS program in North Kingstown. Kirk also serves on the Board of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs. Kirk and his wife enjoy spending time with their children and family, hiking, biking and traveling.
Dave Talan | Board Member
Retired computer systems analyst and chemical/nuclear engineer
Temple Torat Yisrael Board of Directors. Runs speakers program for Temple’s Mens Club. University of Rhode Island Hillel Foundation Board of Directors. Was on Community Relations Council of Jewish Alliance of R.I. President, Reservoir Triangle Neighborhood Association in Providence Elmwood Little League, past-President & coach for 51 years. Co-Chair of Providence Republican Party. Administrative Assistant to State Rep. Ramon Perez (a strong supporter of Israel). Active in numerous school-related organizations.
Roberta Schneider | Board Member
From Long Island, NY, Roberta holds a masters degree in education and currently works at Ocean Tides school in Providence. She is on the Board of Women’s Wilderness Weekend of RI , GFWC Cranston community women’s club and is the RI State coordinator for CHADD, a national ADHD advocacy group. Roberta is an active member of Hadassah and Temple Emanu-el.
Carlos Spinola | Board Member
Judi Dill | Board Member
President of Entrack EDI software. Have been a board member and supporter of Rhode Island Coalition for Israel since 2017 (RICI's founding). Has been to Israel three times. Including volunteer work with the Israeli Defense Forces with the SAR-EL project. Former youth coach in baseball, softball, and soccer. RI resident for over 60 years.
.jpg)
Ron Katz | Treasurer
Jenny Rosario | Board Member
Dr. Jenny Tapia Rosario is an educator, minister, and community leader. She taught for Providence school department for several years, and retired from Classical High School. She has been known for her leadership within youth development and implementing and designing programs, including peer counseling. She also was a national consultant with the federal government in the areas of prevention of substance abuse and gang formation, offering pathways to productive careers and citizenship. Originally from Puerto Rico, she has a Masters in Education from Cambridge College and a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling and received a honorary degree in Divinity Studies. She also served on several state commissions and has advised several governors. She currently is an ordained minister serving at Monte Sinai church in North Providence. She founded the Ebenezer Fellowship Center which educates leadership development with minority youth, and is actively serving as a board member of the first pre-med Charter school focused on disadvantaged youth.
Mike Mangili | Board Member
I am very passionate about human rights and for all people to be treated fairly and equally, no matter what their religion, race, ancestry, or beliefs are. I have been a member of Rhode Island Coalition of Israel for years now, and they have a passion for fighting Antisemitism and Racism wherever it pops up. They are the boots on the ground, where most are just merely posting their distain. We do not just fight against Antisemitism; we fight for all Humanity and I will be there fighting every step of the way.
Born and bred in Brooklyn, NY. I've lived in Providence for 22 years. My late husband Sy and I were founders of RICI. We lived in Israel on a kibbutz with our 3 young children for 3 years, many years ago. That experience made me a lifelong Zionist. My education and work background is a combination of Art and Zionism. I have a BA in Fine Arts from Brooklyn College and an MA from Pratt Institute in Art Therapy. Previously, I was Eastern Area Director of NA’AMAT USA, the largest women’s organization in Israel, and the NJ director of Women’s American ORT. I am a lifelong member of Hadassah.
Carlos Spínola is a social service professional and committed community leader in
Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Born in Brava, Cape Verde, he immigrated to the United
States in 1994 and converted to Judaism in 2017. An active member of Temple Emanu-
El, he participates in the Brotherhood and the Social Justice Committee, guided by the
Jewish values of tikkun olam, justice, and responsibility to klal Yisrael. Carlos is a
devoted Zionist who views the State of Israel as the spiritual and historic homeland of
the Jewish people and an essential expression of Jewish self-determination.