Avner is a former executive director of Breaking the Silence, an Israeli human rights organisation comprised of former soldiers. Born in 1985 in Israel, Avner witnessed power dynamics and military abuses during his paratrooper service in the West Bank, transforming his worldview. This experience led him to pursue a Bachelor's in Social Work and later a Master's in Human Rights Studies at Columbia University, where he focused on bridging theory and practice in Israel-Palestine. Upon returning, Avner joined Breaking the Silence, where he amplified soldier testimonies, built cross-community coalitions, and advocated for accountability at the UN and internationally. His work centers on challenging institutional hierarchies and promoting justice. His academic focus on military conduct complements his ongoing advocacy work and he aims to further this by researching AI use in war. Avner is an Alfred Landecker scholar.