Ari Shvat, also known as Ari Chwat or Rabbi Ari Shvat, is an Israeli rabbi, Torah scholar, educator, and executive with deep roots in religious Zionism. Born and raised in Riverdale, New York, he immigrated to Israel independently at age 17, where he immersed himself in yeshiva studies, earned rabbinical ordination, and served as a sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He has made significant contributions to Jewish philosophy, particularly the teachings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, and is recognized as a musician and inspirational figure in Jewish education. His career spans decades in leadership roles within religious educational institutions, including serving as Rosh Midrasha and director of Israeli and overseas programs for young women at Michlelet Orot Israel College in Elkana and Midreshet Harova in Jerusalem. He has also been involved in seminary programs and higher education initiatives, fostering Torah study and connections to Jewish tradition. In addition to his scholarly and educational pursuits, Shvat is a key operative and executive in the Ir David Foundation, where he manages tourism and visitor center operations in the City of David area of Jerusalem, advancing the organization's settlement agenda and broader mission of promoting Jewish heritage and settlement activities in contested East Jerusalem neighborhoods like Silwan. This role positions him at the intersection of religious education, cultural preservation, and political advocacy, reflecting his commitment to religious Zionist ideals.