ADRIAN SIMONS
CEO, Authentic Europe
Adrian has been involved in Jewish Tourism for nearly 35 years, first at the Jewish Agency and then Tlalim Group, before founding Authentic Europe as a subsidiary of Tlalim Group. He launched Authentic Europe because he believes that understanding the past can significantly impact young lives. He lives in Modi’in with his wife Esther, five children and six amazing grandchildren.
HILLEL AKOTONAS
Hillel has been immersed in education, tourism, and innovative ventures since his military service as a tour guide in the IDF’s Sar-El volunteer unit. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Tourism and Leisure.
Hillel has been associated with Tlalim Group since 1992, with intermittent periods of professional exploration. He is also a lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Leisure Management at Ben-Gurion University and a certified tourism consultant accredited by the Ministry of Tourism. His expertise lies in adapting tourist products to diverse audiences, understanding the modern tourist, and navigating optimal guidance strategies in light of evolving consumption habits.
Currently, Hillel serves as ‘s Poland travel referent, managing a diverse client base, primarily in the educational sector. Passionate about his role, he finds joy and fulfillment in his work every day!
MINA SOLOMON
Mina was born in Los Angeles and moved to Israel with her family at the age of 13. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and has a passion for education and creating meaningful experiences for Jews of all ages. After a career as an teacher, she found her passion in designing educational Jewish trips across Europe.
Her programs blend fun with learning, offering participants the chance to explore Jewish history while fostering personal growth and a stronger connection to their heritage. She ensures that every trip respects and celebrates Jewish identity – whether through kosher meals, a Shabbat atmosphere, or visits to significant historical sites.
As the Manager of the World Travel Department at Authentic Europe, Mina tailors each journey to meet her clients’ unique needs, making every trip special, meaningful, and unforgettable.
LINOY BAREL
Linoy, a former officer in the Israeli Defense Forces, is fluent in French and has a passion for travel, both within Israel and around the world. She is driven by a desire for personal growth and embraces every opportunity to explore and learn. Linoy takes pride in organizing group trips to Poland with Authentic Europe, guiding participants through the profound history of the Holocaust. She is deeply dedicated to her work, which she views as a vital contribution to preserving Jewish heritage and honoring the memory of the past for future generations.
TALYA BIALIK
Talya was born and raised in Israel to parents from the United States and the UK. She holds a B.A. in Management, specializing in Hotel and Tourism, from Michlelet Hadassa in Jerusalem. With a solid foundation in the travel industry, Talya started her career as a tour operator for Taglit, gaining invaluable experience in organizing and managing tours.
Currently working as a tour operator at Authentic Europe, Talya is responsible for coordinating global trips, ensuring every journey meets the highest standards and providing travelers with unforgettable experiences. Her passion for travel and attention to detail make her a dedicated professional in the field
MAYA SHARABI
Maya was born and raised in Israel, with her family originally from Russia. She served in the Israeli IDF as part of the Human Resources Corps, where she worked as a welfare manager and led a recruitment project for at-risk youth and new Olim. After her military service, Maya joined Tlalim Group, where she has been involved in organizing Taglit trips and is currently working in the Authentic Europe department.
In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and has been volunteering for over two years with a nonprofit organization that supports the elderly. Maya loves exploring new places in Europe and planning trips for groups around the world.
MALKA SCHIFFMILLER
Malka brings energy and expertise to her role as a Tour Operations Coordinator at Authentic Europe. With a talent for managing logistics and delivering exceptional customer service, she ensures every travel experience is seamless and memorable.
Known for her cheerful and spontaneous nature, Malka thrives on connecting with people and creating joyful moments. When she’s not planning incredible trips, she loves spending time with her husband and baby girl, exploring new destinations, and socializing with friends.
MORANI PELE
For the past 7 years, Morani has been an integral part of the Tlalim Group, contributing to various incoming tourism projects and excelling in multiple roles.
Fluent in Hebrew, English, Spanish, and German (and currently learning Portuguese!), Morani brings her multilingual expertise to her role as Operations Manager for the Poland Department of Authentic Europe, where she organizes trips to Poland and neighboring countries.
Morani has a degree from Reichman University in Government and Diplomacy with specialization on the European Union which she finds useful for her current position.
Outside of work, she’s a passionate volunteer, an avid language learner, and an active improv actress.
OUR GUIDES
From Sunderland, UK, David has been a guide in Poland for Camp Ramah since 1997, and has guided groups such as March of the living and Habad and many schools.
Miriam guides trips in Israel and Poland since 2006. Miriam believes that Educational trips reminds us of our past and its the way to ensure a stronger future.
Leading trips to Poland since 1994, Jonathan believes the Poland Experience can be a dramatic factor in reconnecting to one's Judaism and roots.
Dima, born in the former USSR lives in Netanya. He loves the moment on a trip when individuals bond into a group. In his free time, Dima likes to go to the beach.
