Professional Staff

Billy Planer

Director & Founder

Billy Planer is the founder and Director of Etgar 36. He developed Etgar 36 after 20 years of leading synagogue youth programs and educating young people. He has led numerous trips around America and abroad. Billy graduated with a degree in Psychology and Advertising from Syracuse University and received a Masters in Counseling from the school of Education at Georgia State University. He is from Atlanta and enjoys live music, travel, trying new restaurants, and sports. 

Josh Dubin

Asst. Director

Josh grew up in Asheville, NC, and is an alum of the 2004 Etgar 36 Summer Journey.  He graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in History with a focus on American History. 

Josh enjoys running, hiking, and camping when he is not on the bus. 

Civil Rights Journey Educators

Gil Eplan-Frankel, Eli Klarman, and Scott Fried

Along with Billy and Josh, we have a group of talented and knowledgeable Civil Rights journey educators who bring the lessons of the road to life for our groups.