Michal Sela Forum Founder Steps Down After Seven Years

Lili Ben Ami, founder and CEO of the Michal Sela Forum, is stepping down after seven years leading the organization dedicated to the safety of women and children. She is succeeded by Adv. Mi-Tal Grayver-Schwartz, who previously served as the Forum's deputy CEO and head of its protection division for the past five years.

Grayver-Schwartz brings 22 years of experience in social change, policy promotion, and inter-sectoral partnerships. Her prior roles include deputy CEO of community relations and regulation at the Israel Internet Association. At the Michal Sela Forum, she managed the protection system, the hotline, and educational and policy initiatives.

Under her leadership, the protection division assisted 1,049 threatened women and 3,986 at-risk children through the Welfare Ministry's "Michal Patrol" program. The Forum's protection solutions directly prevented murder in 53 real cases. Grayver-Schwartz also identified the issue of technological violence, developed a "firewall" kit with the National Cyber Directorate, and created tailored support for the LGBTQ+ community and youth, while representing the Forum in Knesset committees.

Since the outbreak of the war, she has focused on the increased danger to threatened women due to rising domestic violence and the proliferation of weapons in civilian areas. She advocated for stricter criteria for firearm permits and preventing their transfer to individuals with violent backgrounds. As the new CEO, Grayver-Schwartz aims to continue leading the national fight against domestic violence and prevent future murders.