The 2026 Windsor Negev Dinner proudly honours Josh Berkovitz and Deborah Livneh for their exceptional leadership and selfless volunteerism, reflecting in their profound commitment to community life. Josh’s dedication to Israel and Jewish life is deeply personal. He was born in Israel to Holocaust survivors. He returned from his Engineering study in the United States to serve with his Israel Defense Forces unit during the Yom Kippur War. After a successful career as a vice-president in the pharmaceutical industry, Josh devoted himself to teaching Jewish youth Hebrew and Judaica and to advocacy for Israel. 

As President of JNF Windsor, and then later, Friends of JNF Windsor, Josh played a key role in rebuilding and strengthening the organization locally. A passionate educator and speaker, he frequently addresses Jewish and Christian audiences throughout Canada and USA, fostering understanding and support for Israel. Through his advocacy, outreach, and leadership, Josh continues to inspire others and build meaningful bridges across communities. 

Deborah has been a driving force in Windsor’s business and innovation community for more than 3 decades. Trained as an engineer and holding an MBA, she co-founded a successful medical device company that was later acquired by multinational Olympus Medical Corporation. 

Since then, Deborah’s career is marked by a tireless dedication to "giving back" through mentoring startup entrepreneurs and university students toward success. As Executive Director at WECAN, Deborah rebuilt the Windsor’s capital angel investor network, connecting promising startup companies with needed capital. Her impact as a bridge-builder is further evidenced by her work at WEtech to establish the Windsor-Detroit MedHealth Innovation Collaboration, connecting between healthcare innovators and investors on both sides of the border. 
 
Deborah’s commitment to community service is equally impressive. She has served on numerous boards, including as Chair of the Board of Governors at St. Clair College, President of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of Windsor, and as a director with JNF Windsor. 

Deborah and Josh continue to build bridges between communities while displaying a strong support to Israel. Together, Deborah and Josh exemplify vision, service, and an enduring commitment to strengthening both their local community and the State of Israel.