LEADERSHIP
GUIDED BY COMPASSION, DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Our Leadership Philosophy
Collaborative decision-making with bereaved Israeli families,
Continuous engagement with the communities we serve,
A deep commitment to transparency and ethical practices
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE TEAM
Our Board and Executive Team comprise individuals passionate about making a difference. They bring diverse expertise and shared commitment to enrich and empower the lives of bereaved families.
PERRY HIIMAN - FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Perry Hiiman's personal journey of loss and recovery inspired the creation of Circle of Heroes. His dedication to providing support and creating meaningful connections forms the cornerstone of our organization.
Perry was born in 1969 in Tel Aviv and established his roots in NYC in 1992. Shortly after, he met his wife Shirley and welcomed three lovely daughters. With a lifelong passion for home improvement and design, Perry has dedicated over 25 years to the service industry.
After decades of being active in supporting the bereaved, Perry started Circle of Heroes with the commitment to create a meaningful change, inspire hope, and make a lasting impact on the lives of Israel’s bereaved families.
SHIRLEY HIIMAN, CO-FOUNDER, BOARD SECRETARY, HEAD OF WOMEN’S WELLNESS CIRCLES
Shirley was born in Israel and moved to the U.S. at ten. At age 23, she met Perry in NYC, and the rest is history. She is a Holistic Coach and Mentor who empowers women to live their best lives. Shirley is an Essential Oils Practitioner and a Licensed Esthetician. In Circle of Heroes, Shirley runs the Women’s Wellness Circle; she is the Board Treasurer and a critical guide in our journey.
Over the past 25+ years of marriage to a bereaved son, Shirley has been committed to helping the community of the bereaved overcome obstacles and support you on your path.
DR. PAZIT LEVITAN, CO-FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE
Pazit Levitan, EdD CFRE, was born in Israel and moved to NYC as a young adult. She is a Nonprofit Whisperer who founded a boutique consulting firm, The Path to Impact, to serve the nonprofit's success. She serves on the Board of AFP-NY (Association of Fundraising Professionals) and is a member of the AFP Mentorship Committee.
Pazit is experienced in guiding individual teams and advising private foundations and charity organizations on strategic planning, fundraising, and professional growth. She is a scholar in adult education and leadership, a public speaker, and a teacher.
Pazit joined forces with Shirley and Perry in forming Circle of Heroes after 15 years in their kids’ Jewish Day School halls. From those early days of shared experiences on our unique paths, our reunion speaks to the bond we forged.
SARRI SINGER, BOARD MEMBER, TREASURER
Sarri Singer was born in Lakewood, New Jersey. She moved to Israel after 9/11, at the end of 2001. In 2003, she became a victim of terror when a teenage suicide bomber blew himself up on the Jerusalem bus #14 she had taken to meet a friend for dinner.
Sarri was severely injured, but when she recovered, rather than harbor resentment or hopelessness, Sarri founded Strength to Strength, a global haven for victims of terror, a network for survivors to heal, become empowered, and move forward to build a culture of peace.
Throughout the years, Sarri’s path has merged with Perry’s on various stages, speaking of their loss. In January 2024, during the launch event of Circle of Heroes, Sarri was inspired to join our cause.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Embracing You with Love: A Heartfelt Message from Our Leadership Team
Dear Members of Our Bereaved Families Community,
In this tender moment, we wrap you in our love and understanding as the compassionate hearts leading Circle of Heroes; we stand with you, ready to walk alongside you on your healing journey.
In the depths of grief, know that you are not alone. Our commitment to you is steadfast and unwavering, driven by a deep desire to ease your pain and lift your spirit. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who bear the weight of loss, knowing that your sorrow touches us all.
Together, let us envision a haven of comfort and renewal, where memories blossom like flowers in spring, and love flows freely like a gentle stream. Our shared aspirations paint a picture of hope and healing, where every soul finds solace and strength.
With love as our guide, we invite you to join us in nurturing this sanctuary of healing and connection. Your presence, stories, and essence enrich our community, weaving a tapestry of compassion and understanding.
May our unity be a source of strength, our shared humanity a balm for the soul, and our love a beacon of hope in the darkest nights. Together, let us embrace the journey of healing, knowing that in our collective embrace, we find the courage to face each new day with renewed resilience and love.
With boundless love and solidarity,
Your Friends at Circle of Heroes