Our Community Shlichim

From educators and artists to leaders in tech, security, and community organizing, our Shlichim reflect the richness of Israeli society and the vibrancy of Jewish identity.

Scroll to meet the Shlichim

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Hila grew up in the Israeli Scouts, later leading her troop and discovering a passion for informal education and community-building. She studied community social work and earned a master’s degree in leadership and social entrepreneurship, going on to lead projects that strengthened civic engagement and local communities in Israel’s periphery.

Together with her wife, Chen Sara, who is also a Shlicha, Hila managed The Jewish Agency’s TEN volunteer center in Cambodia, mentoring young Jews from around the world in service and tikkun olam. She has also been actively involved in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Be’er Sheva, helping expand visibility and foster dialogue.

In her free time, Hila loves traveling, yoga, writing and music.

Originally from Rishon LeZion, Chen is passionate about building connections across cultures and communities. She has launched cultural projects, led peacebuilding seminars, coordinated youth leadership programs, and co-founded a volunteer center in Cambodia with her wife, Hila, who is also a Shlicha.

Chen studied political science, African studies, and sustainable communities. She believes lasting change happens both on the ground and within systems. Since Oct. 7, her commitment to serving the Jewish people has only deepened.

She loves to explore new places, cook, and bake.

Born in Ethiopia, Yismaw moved to Israel with his family at age three and grew up in Beit Shemesh. Inspired by his time at Neve Amiel boarding school, he returned as a counselor and later spent five years with Mechinat Gal, eventually becoming the branch director in Kiryat Bialik.

Passionate about both sports and music, he views them as a way of life—and hopes to one day establish an educational institution that combines the two.

If you’re looking for Yismaw, check the soccer field. That’s usually the first thing he finds when he moves to a new place!

Inbal grew up in the small community of Rakafet in northern Israel, balancing competitive swimming, dance classes, and her local youth movement. After high school, went on to serve as a Shlicha at a Jewish summer camp in Palo Alto. She later worked with The Jewish Agency to support others on their camp journeys.

She recently completed her studies in political science and sociology and loves baking, swimming, Pilates, and yoga. Above all, Inbal is passionate about creating meaningful memories and connecting with people from all walks of life.

Maya was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Mevaseret Zion as the middle of three sisters. A graduate of the Academy of Music & Dance high school, she focused on singing and took part in exchange programs in Germany and Japan. Her passion for social engagement began as a counselor with Krembo Wings, a youth movement for children with special needs.

Since then, Maya has volunteered with Project TEN in Uganda, joined a Birthright trip, and spent summers as a Shlicha at Jewish camps, often through art and creative education.

In her free time, she loves yoga, making art, and spending time at the beach with friends.

Ori is from Moshavat Kinneret in northern Israel, where she grew up with her parents, two younger siblings, and her dog. She’s been working with kids since high school—first as a youth movement counselor, then in kindergartens and daycares, and most recently as a summer camp counselor at Surprise Lake Camp in New York.

After a year of traveling across the U.S., Central America and East Asia, Ori is excited to bring her love of baking, photography, and exploring new places to Washington, DC, as a Shlicha. She can’t wait to meet the community and start this next adventure.

Tal grew up in Kiryat Bialik, just outside Haifa, and has spent the past five summers at URJ Crane Lake Camp in Massachusetts—moving from farm specialist to unit head and discovering a love for Jewish education along the way.

He studied political science and volunteered with Holocaust survivors, deepening his appreciation for memory, resilience, and storytelling.

Outside of work, Tal enjoys photography, cooking, and traveling—and loves making people laugh. He’s excited to join the Greater Washington community and continue his journey in Jewish education.

Tamar is from Givon Ha’Hadasha, a small community near Jerusalem. She recently graduated with a degree in Management and European-African Studies. Her journey in community engagement began in the Scouts youth movement, where she later worked as a youth coordinator, leading activities from community service and nationwide trips.

In her free time, Tamar loves cooking, baking, traveling in Israel and abroad, and spending time with family and friends. She’s especially passionate about meeting new people and learning from diverse cultures.

Yoel was born in Argentina and moved to Israel with his family as a toddler, growing up in Ra’anana. He began his path in education through the Scouts and his local youth center, HaMartef, where he later returned to work for the municipality creating music programs, mentoring teens, and coordinating youth outreach across the city.

More recently, Yoel has taught music workshops in schools, guiding students in songwriting, video production, and performance. In his free time, he loves singing, playing instruments, producing music, working out, and exploring nature. Yoel is excited to bring his love of music and community to Greater Washington as a Shaliach.

Yuval was born and raised in Rishon Lezion, the oldest of three in a big, loving family. She grew up in the Tzofim and Mashatzim youth movements, where she discovered her passion for education and community.

Before becoming a Shlicha, Yuval worked as a youth events and social media coordinator in Ra’anana, planning everything from small gatherings to concerts and holiday ceremonies. She’s also taught English, led after-school programs, and worked with teens in youth centers.

In her free time, Yuval loves singing, drawing, sculpting, meeting new people, and exploring new places. She’s excited to share her energy and creativity with the Greater Washington community.

Ziv was born in Jerusalem and raised in a diverse community in Judea and Samaria that embraced all streams of Judaism. From a young age, he was active in youth movements like S.A.H.I. and the Scouts, volunteering in community programs, leading activities, and organizing events for people with disabilities at the Center for the Blind in Jerusalem.

Today, he continues to volunteer while also working at a startup that develops tech solutions for people with disabilities. A self-taught coder and graphic designer, he enjoys building websites and designing for social media.

In his free time, he loves hiking, camping, cooking family recipes, and exploring history and archaeology through books, films, and site visits.