About us

At Koolulam, we believe in people and in the incredible power that exists within each of us. That’s why we’ve developed a unique creative approach that speaks to individuals from diverse cultures, guiding them through an uplifting musical journey. In less than an hour, participants find themselves achieving things they never imagined possible.

Since 2017, we’ve held over 400 events, bringing together more than 400,000 participants across Israel and around the world. From large-scale productions with 18,000 participants in the U.S. and Brazil to intimate workshops for schools and businesses in Israel and Europe, Koolulam has the remarkable ability to unite voices from different backgrounds around a shared purpose and creative expression. Our events are all about connection, community, and inspiring action on meaningful social issues.

Koolulam’s videos have gained over 140 million views online and received international recognition from organizations like UNESCO, Asia Society and more. The music we’ve created together has been streamed more than 2.8 billion times, continuing to touch hearts and bring people and communities closer worldwide.

Recently, Koolulam was selected to participate in a groundbreaking study by the Templeton Foundation, led by Prof. Shira Gabriel from the University at Buffalo. The research focuses on “collective effervescence”—a powerful sense of connection and transcendence that occurs when people unite in pursuit of a common goal. Studies show that this experience, once primarily associated with religious ceremonies, can reduce stress and depression while enhancing a sense of purpose in life. Koolulam’s events were chosen for their unique ability to create this experience through mass singing, and the study is exploring the long-term impact of participating in these events.

The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
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The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS
The FOUNDERS

Ben Yaffet

Co-founder of Koolulam and leader of the initiative’s operations in the United States. A social activist, entrepreneur, and musician whose professional vision is to blend human textures and musical cultures to create social change. A graduate of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance in composition and orchestral conducting, he founded the youth movement “Voca Tikva” which promotes musical education and harmony in underprivileged neighborhoods across Israel. He conducted choirs and orchestras in Israel and abroad until meeting his partners to create Koolulam. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he created and hosted the television format “Kol HaShchuna” (“The Voice of the Neighborhood”) for the Kan Broadcasting Corporation, where he collaborated with leading musicians. Today, alongside developing the initiative, he conducts unique musical workshops based on his life story and various ventures. In addition to being the creative and professional development lead for projects in Israel and the United States, Ben specializes in leading organizational-wide processes as well as designing interactive and immersive user experiences.

Michal Shahaf

Co-founder and Global CEO of Koolulam, a business-social entrepreneur, mentor, and marketing expert with a vision to connect people, communities, and cultures through creativity and innovation. As CEO, she led the strategic aspects of the initiative, including growth, building a global brand, and business development. Under her leadership, Koolulam achieved international success and won prestigious awards, including the Globee Business Award for women-led organizations. 

In 2012, she founded On-It, an international digital and marketing agency, and at the end of 2016, she joined her partners in establishing Koolulam. Today, she combines her skills as an entrepreneur and mentor to promote social and business initiatives that connect people and cultures, while focusing on developing and expanding Koolulam’s activities into new avenues in Israel and worldwide.

Or Taicher

Co-founder of Koolulam, entrepreneur, visionary, and creator specializing in utilizing artistic tools and creative approaches to drive social change. Or spearheaded the artistic and visionary innovation that established Koolulam as a leading initiative in the field of immersive, musical, and social experiences worldwide.  

Or began his social activism at a young age and was recognized at the age of 18 as the 2003 “Volunteer of the Year” by B’nei B’rith International. Over the years, he has been involved in groundbreaking social projects such as “Zikaron BaSalon” and “Knafayim Shel Krembo”.

In addition to his work with Koolulam, Or is an acclaimed filmmaker and director, recognized for his work in television, short films, and marketing campaigns promoting social agendas. In 2018, the comedic web series he created, *Not Everything Is Pink*, which focuses on LGBTQ+ issues, achieved national success.  Today, Or continues to lead Koolulam’s artistic vision, developing innovative experiences that connect participants with themselves and with communities around the globe.

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Channel 12 News on the “Start from the Beginning” project

Families unite with Kololam’s “Like a Prayer” (Times of Israel)

Jerusalem Post covers “Like a Prayer” for the release of the hostages

Mako covers the 2021 Coloum Torch Ceremony

Globes on the musical innovation of Kololam

Asia Society Gives Columella Award for Social Impact