Israeli Emissaries

Infusing Israel into Puget Sound Jewish Life

The Shinshinim Young Ambassadors and Shlichim Ambassadors Programs are brought to our community through a partnership between your Federation and The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). The programs bring young, engaging representatives of Israel to the Puget Sound region.

Shinshinim Young Ambassadors Program

The shinshinim infuse Israel into our lives through programs and activities for people of all ages. We get a glimpse into what it means to grow up in Israel by learning about youth movements, current events, Israeli music, Hebrew slang, shared society, how the shinshinim’s friends and families celebrate holidays, and much more.

When they return home to Israel to begin service with the Israel Defense Forces, the shinshinim carry a deeper understanding of global Jewish peoplehood and what it means to be part of the Jewish community outside of Israel. Shinshinim is a Hebrew acronym for Shnat Sherut, meaning “year of service.”

Meet our 2023-2024 Shinshinim!

Hallel Cohen & Dana Mushkatel

Our Previous Years’ Shinshinim

2022-2023 | Daniella Barnett & Liel Ilin

2021-2022 | Mor Ben Haim and Or Chen Worcman

2020-2021 | Shoval Alfasi and Liel Aman

2019-2020 | Mor Amram and Abaye Singer

2018-2019 | Noam Rinat and Zohar Roditi

2017-2018 | Tal Bronstain and Lidar Efrati

2016-2017 | Noga Cherzman, Noa Dveyrin, Amit Komidi, and Yikrat Yogev

2015-2016 | Matan Aizen and Shavit Guttel

Shlichim Ambassadors Program

Shlichim (plural) are two or more individuals serving as emissaries on behalf of Israel to the Diaspora. After extensive training, these role models are placed in schools, synagogues, JCCs, camps, universities, youth movements, and Federations all over the globe. There, they engage with Jewish and non-Jewish people about Israel, teach Jewish heritage, and speak about issues of national and religious identity.

The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Shlichim provide a living connection to Israel by promoting Israeli experiences, facilitating Jewish social activism, and authentically modeling Israeli values and culture during their service abroad.

To learn more, contact:

Rabbi Samuel Klein | Director of Jewish Engagement | samuelk@jewishinseattle.org