Professor Hayim Granot was a researcher at the City University of New York. He taught Sociology at Long Island University and at the Graduate School of Social Work at Rutgers University in New Jersey. In 1970 he was appointed to the School of Social Work at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, where he served until 2002. Professor Granot established the Mass Emergencies Project at Bar-Ilan University with its emphasis on applied solutions for human problems in emergencies and disasters. He served as a senior consultant to civil defence headquarters and other emergency agencies on community response and behaviour in emergencies.

Jay Levinson, after retiring from the Israel Police, has published many books and articles about his numerous travels. He has written extensively about Jewish sites and history, kosher wine, and various food products. He is well acquainted with the Jerusalem area where he has lived for more than thirty years. He holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern studies from New York University and is currently an adjunct professor at John Jay College and a frequent contributor to the Jewish Tribune.