Meet Tali Ehrenthal, a dedicated leader and advocate for human rights, currently serving as the Executive Director of ASSAF - Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel. Drawing from her family’s history as Holocaust survivors and refugees, Tali has turned personal experience into a lifelong commitment to supporting displaced communities. Her work exemplifies resilience, empathy, and a steadfast belief in justice for all.
A Journey of Advocacy and Leadership
Tali’s career with ASSAF began in 2013 as Director of the Psychosocial Department after years of volunteering with Israel’s refugee community. In 2019, she stepped into the role of Executive Director, taking on the responsibility of leading an organization committed to providing psychosocial support and advocating for the rights of asylum seekers.
Guided by the belief in Israel’s historical responsibility to refugees, Tali has led her team through immense challenges, including navigating a complex political landscape with little governmental support. Despite these barriers, ASSAF has continued to provide critical services and champion the rights of people who have fled dictatorships, wars, and genocide.
Empowering Refugees and Driving Change
One of Tali’s proudest organizational achievements has been increasing the participation of asylum seekers in ASSAF’s leadership and decision-making processes. Guided by the principle “nothing about us without us,” this approach has ensured that ASSAF’s work reflects the lived experiences and needs of the communities it serves.
Her team’s efforts go beyond advocacy and direct support—they focus on fostering resilience within the refugee community and among ASSAF staff. Tali’s leadership has emphasized staff well-being to combat secondary traumatization, burnout and compassion fatigue, ensuring her team remains strong in the face of adversity.
Leading Through Crisis
The recent Hamas attack and ongoing war have further amplified the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. In response, Tali and her team quickly adapted their efforts to provide essential resources, advocate for inclusion in governmental aid programs, and support the refugee population, who were already marginalized.
The crisis also revealed remarkable solidarity, as refugees stepped up to assist Israeli victims. This interconnectedness underscored the strength of the refugee community.
The CALO Connection: A Space for Growth and Support
Recognizing the unique challenges of leading a nonprofit, Tali joined the CALO CEO Forum in 2020. For Tali, the forum has been a vital resource, providing a “a safe and empowering space examining both the professional and personal aspects of leadership.”
The forum has been instrumental in helping Tali navigate the professional solitude of leadership while fostering a culture of resilience and self-care within her team. As she notes, “Working with vulnerable communities can take a toll, but the right support structure ensures we stay strong and impactful.”
A Vision for the Future
Tali’s long-term goal is bold and inspiring: to create an Israel where refugees are treated with dignity, justice, and access to opportunities to rebuild their lives. Her leadership at ASSAF and participation in her CALO Forum embody her commitment to making this vision a reality.
We are proud to celebrate Tali Ehrenthal with this CALO Member Spotlight. Thank you, Tali, for your extraordinary dedication to human rights and for inspiring us all with your leadership and passion!
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