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Our Community Shlichim

Community Shlichim speaking to each other.

What the Shlichim Bring to Our Community

  • Diverse backgrounds and expertise, from education and the arts to security and innovation
  • Programs rooted in Jewish learning, culture, and history—designed to spark dialogue, pride, and meaningful connection with Israel
  • Deep community engagement, with Shlichim leading workshops, facilitating conversations, and connecting with people of all ages during their two-year service

Fast Facts

  • ~ 20,000

    participants engaged

  • 400 +

    programs annually

  • 10 +

    local communities served

Meet the 2025-2026 Community Shlichim!

Each Shaliach (singular male emissary) and Shlicha (singular female emissary) brings a unique perspective shaped by personal background, professional experience, and a deep connection to Israeli life.
Group picture of the Shlichim

From Israel to Greater Washington

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

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Hila • Community Shlicha at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

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.

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Chen Sara • Fairfax, VA

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 October 7, her commitment to serving the Jewish people has only deepened.

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

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Inbal • Potomac, MD

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.

Inbar • Alexandria, VA

Inbar is from Modi’in, Israel. Growing up, she was active in the youth movement Ha’Noar HaOved VeHaLomed. She served for 4 years in the IDF, working in training development and knowledge management and later as a commander, leading teams and projects.

After completing her military service, Inbar spent several months traveling through Australia and East Asia. In her free time, she enjoys traveling in Israel and abroad, reading, cooking, singing, and theatre. As a Shlicha, she hopes to share her experiences and perspective from Israel while learning from the community around her and building meaningful connections.

Moriya • Potomac, MD

Originally from Petah Tikva, Israel, Moriya has always believed that the best things begin with meaningful human connections.

With a background in non-formal education, she worked with at-risk youth through ELEM and led a local Bnei Akiva branch during her National Service. She later earned a degree in non-formal education, specializing in youth at risk, and worked as an instructor at a Mechina, a program combining National Service with personal growth for young women.

Moriya previously served as a Shlicha at Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia, sharing Israeli culture through education and theater.

In her free time, Moriya loves baking, creating music, and exploring new places. She is excited to share her love for Israel and build meaningful connections with the American Jewish community.

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Ori • Chevy Chase, MD

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.

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Tal • Kensington, MD

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.

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Yismaw • Gaithersburg, MD

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!

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Yoel • Bethesda, MD

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.

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Yuval • Rockville, MD

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.

Ella, Senior Shlicha, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and Head of the Israeli Delegation to DC

Born and raised in Kvutzat Yavne, Ella developed a passion for informal education and leadership early on. Following her hadrachah in the Bnei Akiva youth movement and her IDF service as a company commander in the Education and Youth Corps, she arrived in Greater Washington as part of the very first delegation sent to the area.

Upon returning to Israel, Ella earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and bible and went on to pursue a master’s degree in Jewish education at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She worked with The Jewish Agency for Israel as an Educational Director and later as the Director of the Ofek Community Shlichut track. Now back in Greater Washington as head of mishlachat, she leads the local delegation and works to connect the community with Israel.

Ella came to Rockville from Efrat with her husband, Toren, and their two children, Eitam and Ya’ari. In her free time, she loves reading books, talking about podcasts she’s listened to, running, and hiking.

Discover Israel in ways that feel personal, relevant, and real

Through interactive learning experiences led by our community Shlichim, you’ll explore Israel’s complexities, culture, and people—all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to deepen your own connection, engage your community, or train your team, our programs are built around your needs and designed to spark honest, meaningful conversations.

Hands on Israel images

Experience Israel in a way that’s hands-on, personal, and built for your community

Led by our local Shlichim, Hands-on Israel workshops bring Israeli life and culture into your congregation, classroom, or organization through interactive sessions on topics like:

  • Identity, Story & Society
  • Dialogue, Leadership and Community Engagement
  • Culture, Creativity & Tradition

Each workshop is fully customizable to your audience—designed to spark conversation, deepen connection, and bring Israel to life in meaningful ways.

Explore our workshops
Inview exhibit of art

Bring the spirit of Israel to your space

Created by our local Shlichim, InView Traveling Exhibits offer a window into Israeli life, culture, and society—through creative, thought-provoking displays. Perfect for congregations, classrooms, and community spaces, each exhibit can be hosted for 1–2 weeks and includes the option of Shlichim-led conversations to spark dialogue, curiosity, and connection.

Current exhibit themes include:

  • Art – Expressions of resilience and hope
  • Interactive reflections – Opportunities for dialogue and connection
  • Photography – Capturing life in Israel and moments of renewal
Request an Exhibit
Israel Path Game

Explore Israel with the IsReal Library—designed to bring learning to life.

This curated collection of hands-on materials is available to borrow for your school, synagogue, or community event. Perfect for all ages, the IsReal Library includes:

  • Maps and games
  • Art supplies and interactive activities
  • Tools for exploring Israeli culture, history, and identity

Every item is designed to spark curiosity, dialogue, and meaningful connection to Israel in your community.

Request Resources

Your Dollars at Work

We are committed to helping people across Greater Washington build meaningful connections to Israel through relationships, learning, and shared experiences. Through the Community Shlichim Program, Federation brings Israeli emissaries into congregations, schools, JCCs, and community organizations across our region. Together, we are fostering deeper understanding, strengthening Jewish identity, and building lasting connections between our community and Israel.

Request an experience


Experiencing Israel, Together

Your values. Your impact.

Your support helps ensure our community can continue building meaningful relationships with Israel through authentic experiences, personal connections, and lifelong learning.
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