Opher Zylbertal

Opher is a senior environmental policy coordinator at the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection, focuses primarily in his work on applying the methodology of  behavioral insights (behavioral economics) as an innovative tool for measuring and improving government policy.

Opher believes that applying behavioral insights in public policy helps to meet the Government’s goal of serving its citizen, since public policy must take into account not only economical-rational forecasts, but also an understanding and consideration of the human psyche. Doing so is an essential step in promoting sustainable behavior, both in terms of reducing consumption and pollution.

Opher holds a B.A. in psychology and media from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, where his main field of research was decision making processes. He also has a Master’s degree in public policy from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Opher is a graduate of the Israeli Civil Service Cadets’ Program.

He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Noa, son Noam, and dog Sawyer.