Olim Giving Back to Israel

Yoni Sherizen (Detroit, Michigan)

Made Aliyah and went from working in Jewish non-profit sector to founding a high-tech company

Making Aliyah was always part of my plan. Although my parents couldn’t fulfill their dream due to responsibilities in the US, Aliyah was always a core part of my life plan. Now, both sets of parents and all of my wife’s siblings live in Israel. While language and culture have posed challenges, I work in Hebrew every day, effectively managing people, projects, and initiatives despite my American accent. I served on our community’s Va’ad (committee) as the sole native English speaker and eventually became the chairperson. Immersing myself in this role, learning on the go, and embracing mistakes have helped me acclimate. For our family, breaking out of our comfort zone, exposing ourselves to Hebrew, and familiarizing ourselves with Israeli culture have been crucial to our success. Personally, I chose a community with 15% native English speakers, but others may prefer different ratios.

Before making Aliyah, I worked in the non-profit and Jewish communal sector, which I continued until transitioning to the tech industry. I founded a technology company called GABRIEL, which offers a groundbreaking proactive emergency response system. The skills I gained from running non-profits proved invaluable in managing an early-stage company where resourcefulness and versatility are essential. Demonstrating the transferability of skills can be challenging, as Israelis are sometimes hesitant to hire individuals from different industries. However, once you prove yourself, they recognize your abilities.

Living in Israel offers a profound sense of purpose and meaning, and it is inspiring to contribute to the nation’s history and growth. Though some of the cultural changes can be challenging, I’ve discovered it is better to embrace the differences instead of comparing them to what is familiar. Israel provides incredible learning opportunities and rewards; don’t miss the gift of Israel’s uniqueness!

Nava Freiberg (Miami, Florida)

Made Aliyah during the summer of 2022 and is now a Bat Sherut

Working at Yad Rachel, a therapy center for at-risk children, is deeply fulfilling. Our moadanit provides a nurturing and safe environment for children after school. My role demands empathy, attention, creativity, and patience.

Last August, I joined the Summer 2022 Charter Flight, embarking on my Aliyah journey. I joined Sherut Leumi, Israel’s national service program, which aligned perfectly with my values and practical considerations. It allowed me to contribute to my homeland and facilitated a smooth transition. Working with Hebrew-speaking Israelis, accessing government benefits, and living among other olot chadashot has supported my integration into Israeli life. Since arriving in Israel, I’ve found embracing the unknown to be exhilarating. As a bodedah, I’ve had to fearlessly tackle new challenges, and I’ve grown from the experience. Surprises along the way have been delightful. When my kupat cholim abruptly canceled my account, seeking assistance led me to discover that the helpful receptionist was my neighbor, resulting in a warm Shabbat invitation. My dental technician, conveniently located nearby, also became a friend, and I discovered her talent for making delicious French fries!

Being away from my family poses challenges, but I hope that one day my family will join me on this extraordinary journey. Israel offers a sense of purpose and meaning, contributing to its growth and drawing inspiration from its vibrant energy. The country provides remarkable learning opportunities and rewards. It is a place to expand horizons, deepen knowledge, and treasure the gift of its culture and history.

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