ABOUT US
Global Vision, Local Expertise
Be Aviv is a New York City-based investment company and fund manager. The company’s core business focuses on multi-family residential development investments and debt opportunities in the core real estate markets across the United States. Be Aviv provides innovative solutions throughout market cycles to produce risk-adjusted returns with our integrated structure of private equity, debt, and real estate assets.
OUR STORY
Be Aviv was founded in 2014 with a mission to create smart, flexible capital solutions in the U.S. real estate market. We combine institutional investment standards with a boutique approach, allowing us to move fast, partner closely with developers, and unlock opportunities others miss. We operate at the intersection of real estate development, structured lending, and credit fund management — offering investors access to stable, asset-backed returns across diversified strategies.
OUR EDGE
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Bespoke Structures – We tailor every investment or loan to fit the project’s unique risk profile and capital stack.
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Local Expertise – Our team is based in both Tel Aviv and New York, with on-the-ground knowledge of the markets we serve.
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Trusted Partnerships – We work with proven developers, family offices, and institutional investors.
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Diversification – Our platform spans multiple verticals: debt funds, development, and direct lending.
MANAGING PRINCIPALS
Ben Harlev
Ben is the Co-Founder and Principal of Be-Aviv since 2014. He co-manages the daily operations, ranging from sourcing new projects, management of the construction process and the fund’s financials. In the past Ben was the Finance and Acquisition Associate with East River Partners, a NYC real estate investment and development firm. In addition, he was a Senior accountant in Ernst & Young’s real estate department in Israel and acted as the Business Development Manager of D. Harlev Properties, a family owned holding company for real estate investment in Israel, US and Europe.
Eyal Epstein
Eyal is the Co-Founder and Principal of Be-Aviv since 2014. He co-manages the daily operations, sources new projects, and directs Be-Aviv’s work with local partners and the group’s investors. Previously, Eyal held various positions within the Budget department of the Israeli Ministry of Finance (2004-2013). He served as Senior Budget Department Deputy Director, Team leader of the Trade and Agriculture and Team leader of the Macro- economic team.
Vision-Led.
Value-Driven.
ABOUT US
Be Aviv is a New York City-based investment firm focused on multifamily real estate and structured debt across U.S. core markets. Founded in 2014, we blend institutional standards with a boutique approach—moving quickly, partnering closely, and uncovering value others miss.
Our integrated platform spans private equity, credit, and real estate to deliver stable, risk-adjusted returns through all market cycles. We provide innovative, flexible capital solutions that adapt to the needs of both developers and investors.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
OUR EDGE
Investment Philosophy
We are built on relationships and supported by institutional capital. Through deep industry expertise and disciplined underwriting, we pursue high-impact investments that generate durable, long-term value.
Leadership Experience
Our leadership team brings over 25 years of combined expertise across real estate, finance, and operations. We stay directly involved in every deal, ensuring thoughtful oversight, transparent communication, and consistent results from start to finish.
Flexible Lending
Our discretionary funds lets us move quickly and act on high-quality opportunities. We focus on loans between $5M–$75M, while leveraging co-lenders to scale up to $250M when needed.
Team Structure & Performance
Our lean, highly coordinated team structure enables speed, precision, and clear decision-making. This agility allows us to quickly evaluate, capitalize on, and execute the right opportunities.
OUR PEOPLE
Ben Harlev
Ben is the Co-Founder and Principal of Be-Aviv since 2014. He manages the daily operations, ranging from sourcing new projects, management of the construction process and the fund’s financials. In the past, Ben was a senior accountant in Ernst & Young’s real estate department in Israel and acted as the Business Development Manager of D. Harlev Properties, a family owned holding company for real estate investment in Israel, US and Europe.
Eyal epstein
Eyal is the Co-Founder and Principal of Be-Aviv since 2014. He sources new projects and directs Be-Aviv’s work with partners and the group’s investors. Previously, Eyal held various positions within the Budget department of the Israeli Ministry of Finance (2004-2013). He served as Senior Budget Department Deputy Director, Team leader of the Trade and Agriculture and Team leader of the Macro-economic team.
DR. EHUD SHAPIRA
Chairman of Investment Committee
Ehud is the previous Chairman of Psagot Investment House LTD, Chairman of Phoenix Holdings LTD, and the Senior Deputy C.E.O. of Bank Leumi where he was also the Head of Corporate & International Banking and Chief Credit Risk Officer.
DAFNA HARLEV
PARTNER
Dafna has been serving as the CEO of Aviv Group since 2000, and previously she was the VP of Finance of the Group for over fifteen years. She plays an essential role in structuring Be-Aviv’s transactions and brings strategic thinking, and financial insight of great value. Dafna has more than 30 years of experience, in the Israeli, European, and US real estate markets.
ELI BENZION
Member of Investment Committee
Eli has been serving as the head of Alternative Investments at Himalaya Family Office since 2022. Eli has vast experience in CRE debt and real estate equity investments. Before joining Himalaya, Eli has worked in the real estate division at Harel Insurance and Finance. In his tenure at Harel, Eli completed more than $1.5 billion worth of real estate transactions and over $2 billion of real estate credit transactions. In his last position, Eli served as the Head of Global Credit at Harel. Prior to Harel, he worked as a senior analyst at MNS Consulting.
OREN SHILONY
MEMBER OF INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Oren is the founder and CEO of Himalaya Family Office since 2008. Managing foreign trade, investments, and his banking experience in Israel and the U.S. have been exposed him to a vast array of investment opportunities. Previously, Oren served for 15 years as Head of Foreign Securities Trading and Sales at Israel Discount Bank Ltd. (1993-2008) and as a Senior Corporate Action Analyst at Fidelity Investments, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (1990-1993).
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Dr. Ehud Shapira | Chairman of Investment Committee
Ehud is the previous Chairman of Psagot Investment House LTD, Chairman of Phoenix Holdings LTD, and the Senior Deputy C.E.O. of Bank Leumi where he was also the Head of Corporate & International Banking and Chief Credit Risk Officer.
Dafna Harlev | Managing Partner
Dafna has been serving as the CEO of Aviv Group since 2000, and previously she was the VP of Finance of the Group for over fifteen years. She plays an essential role in structuring Be-Aviv’s transactions and brings strategic thinking, and financial insight of great value. Dafna has more than 30 years of experience, in the Israeli, European, and US real estate markets.
Eli Benzion | Member of Investment Committee
Eli has been serving as the head of Alternative Investments at Himalaya Family Office since 2022. Eli has vast experience in CRE debt and real estate equity investments. Before joining Himalaya, Eli has worked in the real estate division at Harel Insurance and Finance. In his tenure at Harel, Eli completed more than $1.5 billion worth of real estate transactions and over $2 billion of real estate credit transactions. In his last position, Eli served as the Head of Global Credit at Harel. Prior to Harel, he worked as a senior analyst at MNS Consulting.
Oren Shilony | Member of Investment Committee
Oren is the founder and CEO of Himalaya Family Office since 2008. Managing foreign trade, investments, and his banking experience in Israel and the U.S. have been exposed him to a vast array of investment opportunities. Previously, Oren served for 15 years as Head of Foreign Securities Trading and Sales at Israel Discount Bank Ltd. (1993-2008) and as a Senior Corporate Action Analyst at Fidelity Investments, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (1990-1993).
Strategic Partners
Our ESG Commitment
Social Impact
At Be Aviv, we go beyond financial performance by embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into our approach. By supporting sustainable construction, strengthening communities, and upholding the highest ethical standards, we aim to create long-term value for our investors and a positive impact on the projects we finance and develop.
Environmental Responsibility
AFFORDABE HOUSING
We finance multifamily projects that provide accessible, affordable housing, addressing community needs and supporting low-income families.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We foster open dialogue and inclusive participation to strengthen social cohesion and community well-being.
JOB CREATION & ECONOMIC GROWTH
Our developments generate employment opportunities and stimulate local economies, contributing to sustainable regional growth.
COMPLIANCE & RISK OVERSIGHT
We follow all laws, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure strong compliance and effective risk management.
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION
We enforce strict anti-corruption policies, prohibiting bribery, fraud, or any unethical behavior in our operations.
TRANSPARENT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
We maintain open communication with borrowers, investors, employees, and communities to improve practices and foster trust.
Ethical Governance
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
We finance multifamily projects that meet recognized green building standards, like LEED, ensuring environmentally conscious design and construction.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
We promote energy-saving technologies and practices to reduce consumption, lower emissions, and cut long-term costs.
COMPLIANCE & RISK OVERSIGHT
We follow all laws, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure strong compliance and effective risk management.
Environmental Responsibility
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
We finance multifamily projects that meet recognized green building standards, like LEED, ensuring environmentally conscious design and construction.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
We promote energy-saving technologies and practices to reduce consumption, lower emissions, and cut long-term costs.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
We support projects that integrate clean energy solutions, such as solar or wind, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Social Impact
AFFORDABE HOUSING
We finance multifamily projects that provide accessible, affordable housing, addressing community needs and supporting low-income families.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We foster open dialogue and inclusive participation to strengthen social cohesion and community well-being.
JOB CREATION & ECONOMIC GROWTH
Our developments generate employment opportunities and stimulate local economies, contributing to sustainable regional growth.
Ethical Governance
COMPLIANCE & RISK OVERSIGHT
We follow all laws, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure strong compliance and effective risk management.
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION
We enforce strict anti-corruption policies, prohibiting bribery, fraud, or any unethical behavior in our operations.
TRANSPARENT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
We maintain open communication with borrowers, investors, employees, and communities to improve practices and foster trust.