Israel In Your Community

Meet Our Staff

"I myself made Aliyah in the 1980's, and I am full of gratitude for the continued work and commitment of The Jewish Agency" – Vered Achihon

Content Director of "Ethiopian Project". Vered made Aliyah when she was 4 on Operation Moses, arriving at a Jewish Agency absorption center. Today, Vered oversees absorption needs for olim, preparing a smooth integration into Israeli society and life.
"I am currently writing a children's book that I always dreamed of publishing." – Omer Givati

Omer studied International Relations and Political Science at Hebrew University, and met his wife while an emissary in USA. He won the President's Award for his work with Ethiopian immigrants. As a Partnership Director, Omer is responsible for connections with the communities, educational projects and supporting local voluntary organizations.
"After coming to Israel on The Jewish Agency's "Operation Moses", I'm now privileged to make the dream of return to Zion come true for so many others" – Asher Seyom

Emissary to Ethiopia, Director of the Meron Absorption Center in Sefad. Following the Second Lebanon War, the Center was awarded most outstanding center for its treatment of olim.
"My Masa program was a test drive which reinforced my long-time dream – to make Aliyah" – Rina Barats

Rina Barats, a graphic designer for The Jewish Agency, emigrated from Latvia in 2012, graduating from Hebrew studies in Ulpan Etzion. Rina earned her BA from Latvian Academia of Culture, and participated in Taglit in 2009 and Masa.
"It's an amazing opportunity to provide young Jewish campers and counselors with the same life-changing experience that I had" – Daniel Mahrer

Danielle Mahrer works as a Shlichim and Camps Coordinator for The Jewish Agency's Summer Shlichim Program, sending shlichim to summer camps in North America. She grew up in Los Angeles; her first trip to Israel was on Taglit-Birthright, and after making Aliyah in 2010, she studied at the Hebrew University.
"25 years ago, I was finding myself. I aspired to find work in which I could contribute to other people. That’s how I found my way here. I was looking for solidarity; an approach in which people support each other. My approach remains the same today."

Ariel Kandel is a native of Paris and made Aliyah (immigrated) to Israel at age 17 in 1991. He has a master’s degree in Jewish education, and has previously served as a community shaliach (emissary), and as the head of The Jewish Agency’s delegation in France from 2010-2014. He currently directs French operations at The Jewish Agency.
"My work provides a wonderful opportunity to develop Aliyah programs that serve the interests of both Olim and Israel's economy" – Bilana Sahar

Bilana Sahar, Director of Aliyah Unit and Experience Israel programs, was born in Lvov, Ukraine. She worked in the IDF for 10 years and has served The Jewish Agency as an emissary in Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Today, Bilana manages her unit's daily work, guiding teams and emissaries in the field.
"The challenge enables me have a real impact on society, putting a smile on the faces of youth at risk" – Muhammad Abu Al-Hija

Muhammad Abu al-Hija is the Director of Youth Futures in East Jerusalem, working with youth at-risk, and is responsible for meeting the program's educational, organizational and budget goals, guiding Mentors, alongside welfare and educational staff. Muhammad worked for five years at the Ministry of Education.

Israel in Your Community Programs

Artist Workshop in the Communities 2016
Hasia Naveh, Quilt/Textile Artist - May 22 - 30, 2016, Host a creative artist working in textiles, cloth dyeing, patchwork and quilting in the U.S. Central Area Consortium Communities