Hello

My name is Joey Low. I was born in New York City in 1951 and raised in a diverse, socially conscious environment. A proud alumnus of Ramaz School, I continued my education at NYU, including a junior-year exchange at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In 1973, I volunteered during the Yom Kippur War—an experience that deepened my connection to Israel. My wife, Carol of Belgian origin, and I reside between Israel and New York. We are proud parents to our four children and four grandchildren.

My Story

In 2001, frustrated by media misrepresentations of Israel, I founded Israel at Heart. Since then, I have:

Sent over 800 Israeli university students abroad to share authentic stories about daily life in Israel.
Prioritized representation of Ethiopian Israelis, bringing more than 50 on delegations—most notably nine Ethiopian Israeli lawyers and students who toured law programs in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York.
Launched sports and cultural exchanges, including a recent tour of 12 Israeli university basketball players competing against NCAA Division III teams—many from IDC, where Joey serves on the American Friends of IDC board.
Produced a 10-campus concert tour for one of Israel’s top bands, including a major concert for Idan Raichel Project at the Apollo Theater.
Initiated an inaugural Australian campus campaign, sending six Israeli student ambassadors Down Under.
Launched the reality TV series The Ambassador, which ran for three seasons. The winner received a one-year fellowship with Israel at Heart in New York.

In addition to Israel at Heart, I have been a champion for African communities in Israel. In 2010, IDC University partnered with me to support asylum seekers and Ethiopian Israelis through scholarships and mentorship. This led to the establishment of the Israel at Heart Fellowship Program and the African Students Organization, providing educational opportunities and leadership training for students from across Africa.

My impactful advocacy earned me an Honorary Doctorate from Reichman University in 2021. Reflecting on my journey, I often invoke Jewish values from Leviticus and Isaiah—calling for compassion, justice, and building bridges across cultures.

“When a stranger resides with you in your land… love him as yourself” — Leviticus 19:33‑34. This principle guides my work—whether supporting Ethiopian Israelis, asylum seekers, or fellow students sharing Israel’s story.