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.
Mike Mangili | Vice President
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.
Alyse Teitelbaum | Secretary
My current Zionist identity has evolved from my life-long connection to my Jewish identity, Heritage, and History. I taught at the local Schechter school, Sunday School at Temple EmanuEl and then Torat Yisrael. While the seeds of anti-semitism began to appear, I volunteered at our RI Holocaust Education Center, on the Education committees and then on the Board. I received training by Yad Vashem (Israel) and the Center For Israel Education, along with additional community and topic-related professional development. In 2015 I was part of the committee that collaborated with the Armenian Community and wrote the legislation to have ALL RI Middle and High Schools teach Holocaust and Genocide. This passed in 2016, and I then became one of the writers and ‘vetters’ of related curriculum on the RI Dept. of Education website.
Throughout these 20+ years, I served as a Board co-Chair and committee member of the Regional New England USY, sent my sons to Israel connected experiences, (where they both eventually volunteered to serve in the IDF), participated in the New England Friends of the IDF events, as well as a founding member of what is now known as RICI. For many years I hosted weekly Shabbaton’s for area families and local College students. I served on the original Southside Community Land Trust organization that brought community gardens to several inner-city populations and the East Side of Providence, and I was a Volunteer for Waterfire from 1997 - 2000. I am a lifelong member of Hadassah.
I am committed to furthering the fight for Jews and Israel in a time of continuous inadequate response and action by being part of the solutions through outreach, education, programs and partnership with our Christian and Latino communities.
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Ron Katz | Treasurer
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.
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.
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.
Daniela Volkovinsky | Board Member
Daniela Volkovinsky is a professional musician and marketer. She holds a Doctorate in Flute Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa and teaches lessons privately throughout Rhode Island. Daniela is also a skilled marketing and communications professional with 5 years of experience working in marketing roles in higher education and nonprofit sectors. Daniela was born and raised in Israel by her Ukrainian family before immigrating to the United States in 2001. Daniela speaks fluent Russian and some Hebrew. Upon arrival in Rhode Island, Daniela was overjoyed to be met with a vibrant and passionate Jewish community. Daniela looks forward to using her communications, marketing, teaching, and performance skills to passionately advocate for Israel throughout RI and beyond.
Judi Dill | Board Member
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.
David Aucoin | Board Member
Rev. Dave Aucoin serves as the President of Rhode Island Family Institute RIFI. RIFI is part of a national alliance with a presence in 40 states and networked with 3 other well-known and effective Faith and Family ministries: Focus on the Family, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and the Family Research Council located in Washington DC. Dave has been an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God for more than 25 years. He retired from pastoring in 2022 after serving as a senior pastor of Abundant Life Assembly of God for 15 years to begin the Rhode Island Family Institute. As a follower of Christ, a minister and a veteran who loves America, he felt very strongly regarding the cultural battles taking place in our nation. RIFI’s mission statement fits perfectly into the next stage of ministry…Our mission statement is to make Rhode Island a state where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.
Gary Rabinowitz | Board Member
With 16 years as a coach, teacher, and administrator at a private school in upstate New York, his experience is as diverse as it is deep. His coaching background spans 30 years at the collegiate, prep school, high school and international hockey levels and he currently serves as an Assistant Director at Camp Avoda (a camp for Jewish youth) and an Academic Advisor at Johnson & Wales University. He is an unabashed live music, peanut butter and walking addict.
LuAnn Pezzullo | Board Member
I am a wife, mother, grandmother and proud to say great Grammy!! My first trip to Israel was in 1985! That is when my love affair with Israel the people the Nation began and has never ceased! I am a Christian Zionist and have been a supporter and board member of RICI since it was birthed. I also am a member of CUFI…Christians United for Israel for over 18 years and act as their R I Liaison! I organize and escort groups of people to Israel which is an absolute joy to me, with over 16 trips under my belt. I invite you to join us at RICI! Shalom
Kirk Jordan | Board Member
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.
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.