About Us
The Story Behind The Orchard of Abraham's Children
The Orchard of Abraham’s Children nonprofit was born out of an exceptional love story between a Muslim man and a Jewish woman.
Ihab, a Muslim Arab from Jaffa, a spiritual leader and a peace activist, and Ora, a Jewish body-movement therapist from the Galilee, fell in love, and despite the gaps and tension between the two cultures, the couple took a leap of faith and tied the knot.
Their love transcended barriers of religion, language, culture, and nationality, leading to impactful interfaith, peacebuilding, and multicultural educational work in the Middle East.
Today, the Orchard of Abraham’s Children is a growing network of 9 bilingual kindergartens, an elementary school, a community center, and an interfaith spiritual home, that serves over 20,000 families and community members across the region and beyond.
The People Behind The Orchard of Abraham's Children
Ihab balha
Ihab is the manager of the “The Orchard of Abraham’s children” Foundation, a peace activist and an educator, with experience in the area of Coexistence and bridging gaps between people. For more the 18 years, he has been an Islamic Cleric and a researcher of the Sufi Movement - the mythical Islamic movement.
Ihab is sanctifying values of Islam for Peace and Love which constitute powerful tools to bridge and join hearts between people.
Ihab is a family man and the father of Noor, Anis and Habib.
Ora Balha
Ora is the manager of the foundation alongside Ihab. She is a young mother of three sons. Ora has been the director of the association since its inception. Ora is the key contact in Israel and around the world. She is a mediator between people from different cultures, and has a belief that each person is a messenger of peace and love.
Ora is a qualified dance teacher and Feldenkrais method instructor.
Ihab and Ora are leading an inspirational life of reconciliation, coexistence, and instilling a culture of peace.
Irit Tzoref
Irit is the manager of finance and administration, and producer of the events of the association.
After a rich 36-year career in high-tech, she has become part of the actual realization of the vision for peace and closeness between humans, of connection to nature and human nature.
Mother of two wonderful young women, engaged in art and crafts.
Galia Meron
Since 2017, serving as a key member of the orchard’s management team, responsible for payment licensing and registration for the kindergartens and school, while maintaining ongoing communication with both current and former orchard parents.
A mother of 4 and grandmother of 2, reflexologist and a therapist in training, applies the tools she has learned in her daily interactions with parents and staff.
Yael Cohen
Community organizer
Community and arts program developer.
Matan Mamo
Media & Communication Manager
The Foundation Board Members
Hayat Abou Shmess: Chairman, as of December 2011. Principal of the AHVA primary school in Jaffa.
Monir Urial Shoat: Member of the committee, as of December 2011.
Lior Raz: Member of the committee, as of February 2023.
Elishevah Gostphson: Member of the committee, as of December 2011.
Zachariah Awad: Member of the committee, as of April 2018.
Adi Ashkenazi: Member of the committee, as of May 2020.
Salim Sa’aba: Member of the Audit Committee, as of December 2012.
Myasar Zachariah: Member of the Audit Committee, as of April 2018.