Navah - Begining to Continue
About Navah
Navah was founded in 2003, in the wake of the Second Intifada terror attacks, to provide emotional support to families bereaved by terrorism. The organization has since expanded its mission to support families who have lost loved ones in national tragedies as well.
When tragedy strikes, it impacts every aspect of a family’s life -daily functioning, employment, health, parenting, relationships, and financial stability. After the loss of a close family member, parents, children, and spouses need comprehensive, compassionate support to find the strength to begin rebuilding their lives. That is why we are here.
Nonprofit Registration Number (Amuta): 580403921
How It All Began
In the summer of 1989, a suicide terrorist seized control of Egged Bus No. 405 en route from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, deliberately sending it hurtling into a deep ravine. Fourteen-year-old Tehila Friedman was at the scene and witnessed the devastating aftermath - images that left an indelible mark on her life.
Years later, in 2002, as the Second Intifada erupted, those traumatic memories resurfaced. By then a young mother of three and a successful business owner, Tehila felt compelled to act. She reached out to her clients in the United States and rallied their support for victims hospitalized across Israel and for families suddenly plunged into crisis.
In 2003, Tehila Friedman formally founded Navah, dedicated to supporting families bereaved by terror and national tragedies.
Navah – In Memory of Navah Shean
Navah Shean, an actress who performed at the Cameri and HaBima Theaters, was one of the founders of the Haifa Municipal Theater and Zavit Theater. Born in 1919 in Czechoslovakia as Vlasta Schönová, she began performing at the municipal theater in Prague at the age of 8. By the age of 20, she had forged a promising career in Prague’s children and youth theater.
In 1941, however, she was deported to the Terezin concentration camp. Despite the harsh conditions in the camp, Navah immersed herself in intensive artistic activity there, organizing shows, directing, and producing plays for both children and adults. Evenings were dedicated to rehearsals after grueling days of physical labor. Within the camp, she founded a children’s theater, directing adaptations such as Kipling’s "Mowgli" and the Czech children’s story "Fireflies.”
Upon arriving in Israel in 1948, she adopted the name Navah Shean, mastered Hebrew, and began performing at several Israeli theaters. Navah was instrumental in founding Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and contributed to the establishment of the Haifa Municipal Theater in 1961. Pnina Gary, who shared the stage with Shean at Zavit Theater, fondly remembers her as "one of the most free-spirited, bravest women in Israel," noting her resilience in overcoming challenges and advocating for justice and truth.
Navah Shean z"l, 1919-2001
Our Team
Tehila Friedman
Founder and Director of Programs and Initiatives for Families
Tehila Friedman, founder of Navah, has led the organization for over two decades. She dedicates her time and energy to supporting bereaved families who have lost loved ones to terror attacks and national tragedies. With sensitivity, devotion, and unwavering commitment, she has built a life’s work focused on providing professional guidance, easing the process of coping with loss, and strengthening those who carry the memory of their loved ones in their hearts forever.
Tehila, mother of six, is married to Yitzhak and lives in Kiryat Yearim.
Chavi Ehrenfeld
Director, “Stones with a Human Heart” Initiative
Chavi Ehrenfeld is the founder and director of the “Stones with a Human Heart” initiative. For more than two decades, she has volunteered in the management of Navah, and her tremendous contribution has been a cornerstone of the organization’s growth and success. Her dedication, leadership, and vision continue to leave a profound and meaningful impact on the organization’s work and on the thousands of families who receive guidance and support.
Professionally, Chavi heads “Chavi Ehrenfeld – Academic Education for Haredi Women.” The mother of 4 children, she resides in Ramat Beit Shemesh with her family.
Noa Solomon
Director of Activities and Family Coordinator
Noa Salomon oversees all programming at Navah. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, she is deeply committed to supporting every bereaved family who turns to the organization. She leads the planning, coordination, and execution of Navah’s initiatives with care and dedication. The mother of 2, Noa lives in Petach Tikva with her family.
Rachel Matzliach
Events, Partnerships, and Grants Coordinator
Rachel Matzliach serves as Navah’s Events and Partnerships Coordinator, working with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. She has been with the organization for nearly a decade, investing tremendous effort to ensure that bereaved families receive meaningful and responsive support.
Emuni Zussman
Producer and Content Creator
Emuni Zussman is a producer and content creator at Navah, as well as an artistic photographer and drama therapist. She approaches her work with professionalism and sensitivity, producing programs that reflect deep attentiveness to the needs of bereaved families. She brings her whole heart to her work, guided by love and devotion.