Who we are
Our team
Key Creators & Credentials
The Team Behind The Last Ones: Filmmakers Dedicated to Holocaust Survivor Stories.
Leslie Gelrubin-Benitah
Leslie Benitah is a journalist, filmmaker, and third-generation Holocaust survivor dedicated to preserving memory and combating historical denial through storytelling. Holding a PhD in Journalism from the Sorbonne, she began her career as Executive Producer for TF1, France’s leading network, shaping primetime content for millions of viewers.
After moving to Miami in 2006, she ran a major French language publication before returning to film, directing critically acclaimed documentaries and collaborating with top production companies for over 20 years. Driven by activism and education, Leslie co-founded The Last Ones—a groundbreaking documentary series that has amassed millions of views across social media and is used as an official educational tool in schools worldwide.
Featuring over 150 survivor testimonies filmed across multiple continents, The Last Ones bridges past and present, ensuring younger generations remain engaged with Holocaust history. Leslie frequently speaks in schools, advocating for education as the most powerful tool against misinformation and hate.
Sophie Nahum
Sophie Nahum is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who has spent nearly 25 years capturing untold stories for major networks like Arte, exploring complex themes such as cloning, genetics, and identity.
In 2015, she turned to independent production, directing Young et Moi: On the Trail of the Auschwitz Boxer (awarded at FIGRA) before launching Les Derniers—a multimedia Holocaust testimony project.
Sophie initiated the project and has been filming Holocaust survivors in France for the past ten years, capturing their raw, unfiltered testimonies. Her expertise in storytelling and historical documentation has been instrumental in shaping the depth and emotional resonance of The Last Ones. Her work has been recognized with the Tenoudji Prize, CNC Talents, and the Louis Blum Prize.
Laurent Preece
Laurent Preece is a French documentary producer known for pioneering innovative, multi-platform storytelling. As the founder of Hello Prod, he has redefined documentary distribution, seamlessly integrating film, digital, and social media to reach millions of viewers.
He is the producer behind “Les Derniers” (The Last Ones)—a groundbreaking project ocumenting the final testimonies of Holocaust survivors through a web series, books, and feature- length documentaries. The series has amassed millions of views and is officially recommended by the French National Education system.
His most recent production, “Les Derniers d’Auschwitz”, premiered on LCI (TF1 Group) in January 2025, drawing 258,000 viewers and ranking as the top broadcast among news channels.
Xavier Liberman
Jerome Eltabet
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Dr. Leslie Benitah – Chair
Born and raised in Paris, Leslie earned her PhD in Journalism from the Sorbonne before beginning her career in broadcasting, where she became Executive Producer at TF1, France’s leading network. After moving to Miami in 2006, she transitioned to print media and later returned to film, directing documentaries and collaborating with various production companies. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Leslie co-founded The Last Ones, and serves as its Board Chair. In addition to her leadership role at TLO, she is deeply involved in philanthropy, serving as Vice President of Women’s Philanthropy for The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and holding positions with the American Friends of Tel Aviv University and Le Témoin des Témoins.
Eugenie Jeffries – Treasurer
With a B.S. from MIT and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in engineering, Gigi has a strong background in technology development, patents, and acquisitions. She served as an executive at a multibillion-dollar automotive electronics supplier, overseeing manufacturing and R&D. In addition to her role on the board of The Last Ones, Gigi also serves on the boards of Miami Country Day School, The Childhood Cancer Project, and MIB Agents.
Michelle Klinger – Secretary
As the Executive Board Member of Musicians On Call, Michelle launched the Miami Branch in 2009, helping the organization bring the healing power of music to over 1 million patients, families, and caregivers. She also founded Soul Shine Colombia, providing access to clean water for over 300 families in Cartagena. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania.
Directors
Corey Feinsilver
A former high school theater teacher and director with over a decade of experience in both public and private sectors, Corey ended her career as an endowed chair of a fine arts department. She has served on numerous boards focused on education, cancer research, and Jewish causes, including Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dolphins Cancer Challenge, and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. After building a reputation as a public speaker, Corey now enjoys coaching individuals privately to enhance their speaking skills. She holds a BFA from Boston University.
Vanessa Landau
Vanessa Landau is the co-founder and CEO of LOVA by VL Jewelry, a brand specializing in luxury statement earrings designed to enhance a woman’s internal energies and complement any outfit. Before establishing LOVA, Vanessa built a distinguished career in marketing, holding positions at renowned companies such as Guerlain and Dior. Her extensive experience in the beauty and fashion industries, combined with her passion for unique accessories, led her to create LOVA, aiming to offer handcrafted, lightweight statement pieces that embody both Parisian elegance and New York vibrancy.
Hannah Litman
Hannah Litman is a seasoned communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the lifestyle industry. Her career includes roles at Elle magazine and The Daily Telegraph in London, as well as esteemed media outlets and think tanks like the BBC, WGSN, Stylus, and Condé Nast. Leveraging this extensive background, Hannah founded Wink Communications, a North Miami Beach-based agency specializing in comprehensive communication solutions. Wink Communications offers services such as public relations, event planning, integrated marketing strategies, and branding, aiming to deliver impactful and cohesive messaging across all channels.
Ayana Rodriguez
A graduate of Miami Herbert Business School, Ayana founded the award-winning childcare brand itavi in 2019 to provide reliable, engaging childcare. As a mother of three, she developed the itavi™ Method, a program that combines play, exercise, learning, and local culture. The brand has earned recognition, including LUXLife’s Most Engaging Child Care Company in 2024 and the Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneur award.
Stephanie Rosen
A descendant of Holocaust survivors, Stephanie is the co-founder of 3G Miami, an organization dedicated to preserving survivor testimonies. Born in Montreal and a graduate of McGill and NYU, she is also the Director of Leasing and Acquisitions for Tander Inversions, a high-street retail real estate company with assets throughout Europe. As a skilled moderator, Stephanie brings depth and warmth to literary, film, and cultural discussions, with a passion for education and storytelling.
Alexandra Salanic
An art director and graphic designer based in Miami Beach, Alexandra specializes in brand identity and package design. With a BFA from Boston University and an MS in Package Design from The Pratt Institute, she has worked with notable agencies like FutureBrand and Marc Rosen Associates, as well as Estee Lauder. Additionally, she co-founded Cureatable, a business curating shoppable tablescapes for private clients and brides. Alexandra is also involved in philanthropy, supporting her family’s foundation in Colombia and Jewish causes such as the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Jafco.
Mamie C. Joeveer
Mamie C. Joeveer is a litigation and commercial real estate attorney in Miami, specializing in land use, zoning, and real estate transactions. A former journalist, she serves on the Board of Directors of Miami City Ballet and holds degrees from the University of Miami (LL.M.), FIU College of Law (J.D.), and the University of Memphis (B.A.).
Samantha Rothschild
Samantha Rothschild is currently pursuing a degree in Child Life, with a professional focus on supporting children and families navigating medical crises. She brings meaningful field experience from Camp Simcha, a premier program for children with life-threatening illnesses, and is actively involved in weekly volunteer work with families impacted by serious health challenges. Samantha is a graduate of the Chai Lifeline Lubeck Fellowship, a highly regarded leadership initiative for rising professionals in the Jewish nonprofit sector. In addition to her academic and volunteer commitments, she contributes to strategic operations within her Father’s business. Deeply committed to Holocaust education and memory, Samantha honors the legacy of relatives lost in the Shoah through her work with The Last Ones, where she will bring passion, purpose, and a next-generation perspective to the board.