Kobi is an expert in conflict resolution and leadership development. He was raised and lived in the ultra-orthodox Chabad community in Kiryat Malakhi, a city in southern Israel. Later, he lived in the Itamar Settlement in the West Bank and Tel Aviv. He also served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Force.

Over time, Kobi transformed from being taught to dehumanize Palestinians throughout his childhood to actively listening to Palestinians’ life stories and advocating for their rights, despite the loss many friends, in the second Intifada. Kobi has engaged in deep peacebuilding work on the ground for many years. He brought hundreds of academics and community leaders to visit refugee camps in the West Bank to hear the Palestinian perspectives, as well as to Israeli towns to hear and learn from Israelis’ perspectives.

With decades of engagement with both Israelis and Palestinians, Kobi deeply understands their stories, histories, emotions and desires.