Batel completed her MA in Environmental Studies with a focus on urban sustainability at Tel Aviv University's Porter School and has a BA in Political Science from Stern College Yeshiva University.

She came to JGF after coordinating the Sustainability Center of Gilo, Jerusalem, where she worked with residents and elementary schools. Batel currently directs a sustainability center for the Haredi community run jointly by the JGF and the Romema Community Center. Through this center she also initiates out-reach to the wider Haredi community of Jerusalem.

Batel made aliyah in 2004 and lives in Tekoa with her husband and 4 children.

Esther made Aliyah in 1997 and has lived in Jerusalem ever since.  She has worked as an environmental educator, facilitating community building with people of all ages, and from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.

Previously she worked with the Society for Protection of Nature and collaborated with the Community Council  in the Environmental Education Department in the Jerusalem Municipality. She joined the Jerusalem Green Fund team in 2019, working on various projects related to urban agriculture and community sustainability.

Today she manages the Bustania community garden, creating a platform for environmental education, social events and community gardening. She also co-founded and oversees the neigbourhood food saving pilot in Kiriyat Hayovel.

ישראל סמית בוגר אוניברסיטת בר אילן , עם תואר ראשון בחינוך ושני בבלשנות. עבד בתור נגר, מרצה באוניברסיטה, ולאחרונה מנהל בית מדרש קהילתי בירושלים ותכנית לימוד נשי אונליין לתלמידות בכל העולם. בשנים האחרונות ישראל הרגיש צורך חיוני להיות פעיל בענייני סביבה, גם בתור אקטיביסט. בקרן ירושלים ירוקה הוא עוזר באדמיניסטרציה וגם מקדם שיתוף פעולה בגוש עציון. ישראל גר בתקוע, גוש עציון עם אשתו.