Cyrus Copeland, a writer and nonprofit pioneer, planted his first tree––a red oak––at Vally Forge in honor of his father. But it wasn’t until Cyrus traveled to the West Bank and saw the deep relationship between Palestinians and their olive trees that an idea sparked: Could planting trees bring prosperity and balance to a high conflict region? Collaborating with the Palestinian Farmers Union, he launched Treedom for Palestine, harnessing the power of the olive tree as a catalyst for change.
Cyrus's dedication to civic engagement comes from his parents, educators from Iran and America, who instilled in him a love of diverse cultures. He started his career on Madison Avenue developing strategies for clients like Kodak, Chrysler, and Chase, but found his true calling as a writer and social change advocate. His most recent book, OFF THE RADAR (Penguin/Blue Rider), won him the Chautauqua Prize, and his writings have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Slate, NPR, and BBC. Cyrus is also a sought after speaker and has delivered talks at conferences and cultural events worldwide.
He is an alum of Haverford College, Villanova, and Cornell University.
As the Executive Director of the Palestinian Farmers Union, Abbas is renowned for his dedication to the well-being of Palestinian farmers and efforts to advance the agricultural sector as a whole. He began his career leading gender and human rights training for the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy, establishing a strong foundation in promoting equality and social progress. Since then Abbas has collaborated with many international NGOs, using his expertise to design and implement impactful civil society programs. Notable among these: The Sudan Civil Society and Youth Participation Program; The Arab-Americare Foundation; The Health, Development, Information, and Policy Institute; and The Palestinian Child Cultural Center.
Today, Abbas is a prominent advocate for Palestinian farmers, working tirelessly to secure their rights. He has been a leading voice in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing farmer access to crucial resources. Renowned for his knowledge of Palestinian agriculture and rural development, Abbas often speaks at agricultural conferences, sharing his insights and passion for the land. He holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Bethlehem University and a degree in Conflict Resolution and NGO Management from the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy—equipping him with the skills to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and drive meaningful change.
Mark Jacobs brings two decades of legal expertise to Treedom, shaping our legal affairs and driving our strategic vision. As a founding partner at Harvey Siskind Jacobs LLP, a renowned intellectual property firm in San Francisco, Mark established himself as a veteran litigator who successfully represented major corporations like Exxon Mobil, Otis Elevator, and General Electric and served as general counsel for Sierra Molecular. His areas of expertise included unfair competition, trade secrets, contract disputes and product liability—with a particular focus on marshaling complicated facts and technical information in pursuit of justice. Now, he brings his astute skills to the opportunities and challenges of Treedom.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mark is deeply committed to nonprofit endeavors. His extensive involvement with organizations like Service Space, Dil se Dil, Friends Without Borders, KALW Foundation, Pacific Crest Outward Bound School, and Shuddham showcases his commitment to volunteerism, peace initiatives, waste management systems and environmental preservation. Mark's dedication also extends to humanitarian work, including refining UNHCR's non-discrimination objectives (he rewrote their policy manual to address sexual orientation and gender identify) and working in Sudanese refugee camps and schools with the World Food Programme.
As graduate of Cornell University (BA) and University of California (JD), Mark is an accomplished lecturer, sharing his insights on volunteerism and innovative approaches to nonprofit sectors at institutions like UCLA's Anderson School of Management and UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business Administration. His pro-bono work focused on education and child welfare, spanning dozens of projects in both the US and India, highlights his commitment to making a positive impact.
Mark Jacobs is an inspiring force within Treedom, bringing his wealth of expertise, humanitarian values, and passion for collective action to drive our mission forward.
As a charter board member of Treedom for Palestine, Tab Ahmad brings a seasoned dedication to sowing the seeds of prosperity. She is the founder and CEO of Employ Ability, and has spent over 18 years advocating for equality and inclusion in the workforce. Tab’s expertise in supporting talented disabled students and graduates has yielded remarkable results: Employ Ability has successfully assisted 15,000 disabled individuals in securing meaningful employment. Her company has formed strategic partnerships with Google, Meta, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, and many others—providing them with strategic counsel and generating measurable results.
Tab’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the prestigious Asian Women of Achievement Award. Her company has also been honored with various diversity accolades. In 2020, she received the Genius of the Year Award for her innovative approach in supporting neuro-diverse students, highlighting her commitment to empowering individuals from all walks of life. In 2024, Tab was awarded an OBE by King Charles for her services to neurodivergent and disabled young people.
Tab’s involvement with Treedom is driven by her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and culturally balanced world. Prior to her work with Employ Ability, Tab founded a search firm specializing in financial services and investment banking. Her background as a trained chartered accountant, coupled with her degree in Economics and Accounting, further enhances Tab’s understanding of the business landscape and the opportunities and challenges of steering Treedom towards success. With her dedication to creating lasting change and prosperity across borders, Tab is an influential advocate for Treedom, and planting the seeds of progress to cultivate a better tomorrow.
Alvaro Salas, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, joins Treedom with a wealth of knowledge and exceptional leadership skills. In his current position as Sector Director for Volunteers of America, Alvaro guides a dedicated staff of 150 and oversees a multi-million dollar budget ensuring that essential childcare, educational, and vocational services reach New York City’s neediest constituents.
With his expertise in financial management, budgeting, fiscal reporting, and resource allocation, Alvaro plays a crucial role in optimizing Treedom's fiscal effectiveness—maximizing the impact of every donation. A passionate advocate for accountability in driving social change, Alvaro emphasizes the importance of transparent financial practices to build trust and achieve tangible results. His background in contract management, quality assurance, and group facilitation further helps Treedom meet its ambitious goals.
Alvaro's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship began in Costa Rica, where he cultivated a deep love for trees and a strong sense of responsibility towards the planet. By combining his proficiency in financial management with his passion for ecological well-being, equality, and sustainability, Alvaro plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission, propelling us towards a vision of a greener and more equitable West Bank—and world.
Empowering farmers since 1993, the Palestinian Farmer's Union is a steadfast advocate for farmers’ rights irrespective of religion, race or gender. Committed to nonviolent advocacy, the union champions sustainable practices, responsible water usage, and environmental well-being. Central to their mission is the empowerment of Palestinian women in agriculture, with a special emphasis on supporting farms owned or operated by women.
The PFU has collaborated with international NGOs like Oxfam, Human Appeal, and the United Nations, spearheading transformative projects focused on planting and irrigation. These strategic partnerships enhance the union's capacity to drive change and foster an inclusive environment for Palestinian farmers. Through these collective efforts, the PFU strengthens farmer welfare while promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the community and the environment.
