This month, Connecticut welcomes a new group of Israeli Young Emissaries who arrived in late August and are eager to begin work strengthening the living bridge between Israel and the communities to which they have been assigned.

Now in its 17th year, the Young Emissary program is sponsored by the Southern New England Consortium (SNEC), made up of the Jewish Federations of Connecticut, and Western and Central Massachusetts. The teens from Israel’s Afula-Gilboa region have delayed their military service to perform a year of outreach in SNEC communities, while living with local host families.

The Young Emissary program is a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership 2000, which connects 400 communities worldwide with regions in Israel.

The Ledger asked this year’s Israeli Young Emissaries to introduce themselves.

Donna Cohen and Edo Shilo

GREATER HARTFORD

Edo Shilo

I am 18 years old and live in Timrat, a settlement in the north of Israel. It is a very special place to live. With only about 1400 people, it’s like a really small town where almost everyone knows one another. Timrat has a very strong and vibrant community life: we celebrate holidays together and have many communal institutions, such as a pool, gym, sports center, synagogue, meeting halls, etc.

I also have a wonderful family that I love very much: I have an older sister and brother, as well as a younger brother – and, of course, my terrific parents.

I have many hobbies, but if I had to choose one that defined me it would probably be music, because it’s such a significant part of my life. I am a drummer and I like to play, record and compose.

I am sure the coming year will be remarkable for me, and I hope it will be for you as well!

Donna Cohen

I’m 18 years old and live in Afula, the capital of the Jezreel Valley.

I have a lovely family which consists of my mother, Hagit, my father, Yehuda and my two younger siblings: my sister, Shay, and my brother, Matan, who is going to celebrate his bar mitzvah this year.

My favorite hobby is cooking — I spend a lot of time in my kitchen. I also like to dance and read books. And, I’m part of a sports group called “Aharai” (which means “after me”), an organization that prepares you for a significant military service in the IDF.

For three years, I also participated in a program called Unistream, during which my friends and I founded our own company and developed a product called Blink; I was CEO of the company.

I’m certain that this year will be experiential

and meaningful for me and I hope it will be just as experiential and meaningful for you too.

EASTERN CONNECTICUT

Amit Horovitz

I live in a beautiful small town called Ram On, in the Jezreel Valley not far from Nazareth. I live with my parents, Ziv and Anat, my siblings, Tomer, Noa, and Roy, and my dog, Tamuz.

I studied in Nir Ha’emek high school, where I majored in chemistry, physics, math and agriculture. My hobbies include running, singing and reading.

This year, I volunteered in a boarding school for kids from troubled families, where I helped them with their studies in the learning center. I was also involved in different social events in my community.

I joined the Shlichim (Emissary) program because I love Israel and I hope to share my own view of Israel. I lived two years in California, and living far from my home made me realize how much I love Israel and feel connected to it. I am very willing to share and contribute and am very motivated to meet and experience the Jewish communities abroad — to influence those I meet and to be influenced by them.

I am very excited for the upcoming year and I am looking forward to becoming a part of my new community, as well as meeting many people from the other communities in the SNEC region.

Sagi Zazon

I grew up in Tsfat, where I still live. Tsfat, the capital of the Galilee and the highest city in the country, is an amazing place with a rich history, great weather and beautiful views.

My father is a manager at a hotel in Qeriat Shemona, and my mother is a homemaker and a professional pastry chef. I have two brothers: Matan; 25, is an engineer in the Israeli Air Force, and Itay, 23, completed his military service and then studied sports communication.

I majored in theater and physics in high school, which I greatly enjoyed. Most of my interests and hobbies involve sports, such as basketball, tennis, football and soccer. I also enjoy video games, Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball, music, movies, roller coasters and much more.

Over the years I have taken part in many youth movements. As a teenager, I joined Psagot, where I was a counselor. I was also a part of the national, county and city school students and youth council. At the council, I served as vice chairman for a year and a half and chairman for a year. I was also a member of Aharii, a youth movement that trains for the army; and Cnafaim Shel Krembo, a movement for kids with special needs between the ages of 7-21. I can proudly say that I played a key role in starting this youth movement in my city as a part of the leaders’ team.

I have postponed my military service for a year in order to come to your community because I want to share “my Israel” with people around the world and specifically in Eastern CT. I want to introduce the beauty of Israel, its people, atmosphere, styles, culture – everything about this beautiful and amazing country which I love so much.

EASTERN & UPPER FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Gaya, Netanel, Shaked and May

Netanel Benami

I am 18 years old. My father, Eli, and my mother, Ariana, own a small furniture store. I have two brothers, Nirel, 17, and Liad, 11. We live in Afula, the capital of the Jezreel Valley (Emek Iz’rael in Hebrew).

My week in Israel is full of interesting activities. On Sundays, I host a radio show on Radio-Afula, in which I present young bands and musicians who play their songs live. Sometimes I play new music and tell the story behind it or talk about current events in my community. I spent last month preparing for my Sh’nat Sherut — my year of service with you! — so get ready, I will come in full power! (Spoiler: I hope to launch an Internet radio station that broadcasts to Israel and to the community.)

At home, you can often find me in the Scouts, where I guide the counseling course. On weekends, I travel with my family to beautiful lakes and mountains, or I search for something to photograph – my favorite hobby. I also travel across the country as a spokesman for the National Student and Youth Council of Israel. I am the Council’s press liaison. I set the content from the council, design and make videos for campaigns.

I chose to do a Sh’nat Sherut to contribute to the Jewish community – to contribute to Israel through the Jewish Diaspora, and to the Jewish Diaspora through Israel. I believe that Israel can help Jews around the world. Judaism is the common denominator for all of us; by working together we strengthen the unity of Jews around the world. My goal this year is to strengthen the local community’s relationship with Israel and strengthen my own Judaism.

Upper Fairfield County, here I come! We’re going to do great things together!

Gaya Kessler

I am 18 years old and I come from Givatayim, a small city next to Tel Aviv. I live with my parents and my older brother. My mom, Orly, is a fashion designer, and my dad, Eran, is a software engineer. My brother, Ido, 21, is an officer in the Israel Defense Forces. We are a small but united family! We love traveling on weekends when my brother gets home, and we watch a lot of police drama shows together, such as ‘Law and Order’ and ‘CSI’.

I love to cook and bake, and I spend a lot of my time in the kitchen, experimenting and trying new things. I’m also a big fan of art, and enjoy painting and going to art exhibits. Since the age of 11, I have been an active volunteer at CISV International, a global organization dedicated to working towards peace through building inter-cultural friendships, cooperation and understanding. CISV counts more than 70 countries among its members, and more than 200 chapters around the globe. I have participated in three unique international summer programs, and have made lifelong friendships with people from different countries. I am also a counselor for groups of kids and teens, leading them in weekly activities throughout the year. This past summer, I was chosen the national junior representative of the Israeli chapter of CISV to attend the first ever CISV Global Conference in Oslo, Norway. CISV has inspired me to always think ahead, to initiate, to lead and to be active.

I wanted to become an emissary because, after being so involved with people from different countries I realized that Israel needs way more representation around the world, so people can see Israel through their own eyes, not the media’s. It is really important for me to showcase the Israeli culture in a way that will make you truly understand what Israel is all about.

May Maraav 

I am 18 years old and I live in Yoqne’am, a town in the north of Israel. My father, Michael, is an engineer; and my mother, Michal, is a teacher. I have two younger twin sisters, Shir and Lior, who are 14. We like to cook and travel together; and Lior and I play flute together. And, oh yes, we also have a cat named Tulip.

My majors in high school were physics and computer science. In addition, for the past three years I’ve been a counselor in the “TZOFIM”- the Israeli Scouts. I was also a guide in a program that helps ninth graders learn physics. I also participated in Technion High School team to iGEM competition (international Genetics Engineering Machine).

I also play guitar and piano, and enjoy reading books and travelling. One of my most challenging experiences was a trip to Greece that I took as a member of Scouts. Together with Scouts form all over the world, we climbed the mountain Smolikas, the second highest mountain in Greece.

I always knew I would be a Shinshinit (Young Emissary), as I want to contribute to my country, inside or outside of Israel. I chose to be a young emissary because I believe Israel is not just a country, Israel is a home that belongs to many people all over the world. I have the privilege to live here, and I believe it is important to bring Israel, in my way, to the community.

My goal is to create lots of opportunities to build bridges between the community and Israel. Every person is different, and my goal is to help every individual find his or her unique connection to Israel.

Shaked Nisani

I am 18 years old and I come from Adi, a small community in the Jezreel Valley in the north of Israel. My parents were born in Israel. My mother, Galit, is a special education teacher. My father, Sarel, is an electronics engineer. I have two younger brothers: Omer, 14, and Liad, 10. We like playing soccer, watching TV and doing all sorts of activities together. We spend a lot of time together and we’re very close. Our family usually goes on trips on weekends all over Israel, and my extended family usually meets once a week for Shabbat dinner.

In 2013, I took part in a program in Chicago called “Hands of Peace” – an English-language program featuring discussions with teenagers from all over the world about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and activities focusing on leadership, community volunteering and more.

My favorite hobby is aviation. I’ve loved aviation since I was about four years old and a few years ago I began flying airplanes in simulators. My English final high school project was about aviation; and I want to be a pilot in the future.

I like many sports. I enjoy playing soccer and I’m a fan of Maccabi Haifa team. And I go to their games with my father and brothers. I also enjoy wakeboarding in the Sea of Galilee, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends.

It’s been my dream to be a Shaliach ShinShin (Young Emissary). I want to let people know there is a strong Jewish nation named Israel. I want to work with many people, including children. I want to share with everyone my knowledge about Judaism and Zionism. Volunteering is very important to me; I always look for new ways to meet new people, connect to the society and help others wherever I can.

GREATER NEW HAVEN

Ron Zamir

Vicki Fisher and Ron Zamir

I’m 18 years old and live in Shimshit, a community in the Jezrael Valley. I have two sisters, Adi, 20, who is serving in the IDF, and, Or, 13. My majors in high school were history, physics and sports.

In my free time I enjoy playing guitar and participate in all kinds of sports, such as sport orienteering and basketball.

For the past nine years, I was a part of the youth movement B’nei Hamoshavim, serving as a group counselor and a trip counselor. When I was in eighth and tenth grades, I was part of a delegation to a summer camp called Tamarack that was in the United States. After that, I participated in a leadership program in Israel.

Following these experiences, I knew that I wanted to serve in a volunteer program before my army service. I chose the Young Emissary program because I understand how critical the connection between the Jewish communities in the United States and Israel is and I wanted to maintain that connection. In addition, I wanted to share with all of you the Israel I know and love and I will do my best to do that.

Vicki Fisher

I’m 18 years old and I live in Metulla, a small town in the north of Israel. My mother’s name is Hila and she works as a teacher in school for kids with special needs. My father’s name is Arik and he works as an engineer in the Israel aerospace industries. I have two younger siblings called Tal and Michael.

My majors in school were biology and biotechnology. During high school I was part of a few youth movements: “B’nei Hamoshavim” and Net@. I also participated in a Jewish leadership group called Diller Teen Fellows. This program is all about building a stronger connection between the Jewish people all around the world, trying hands-on tikkun olam and deepening the Jewish identity.

This program changed my life and was one of the reasons that I chose to be part of the Young Emissary program this year.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Omri Eyal and Lihi Regev

Lihi Regev 

I live in Kiryat Tivon, with my mom. Kiryat Tivon is a beautiful green place close to Haifa. My dad lives in Givat Ella, in the Jezreel Valley. I have three siblings, two sisters and one brother whom I love very much.

I was a counselor in the Israeli Scouts for the past three years. In my free time, I meet friends and do arts and crafts. I also love to sing and listen to music.

I want to be part of a community that doesn’t take for granted its Judaism. I want to learn more about Judaism, and to bring Israel to you, as I know it. These are some of the reasons I want to be a Young Emissary.

Looking forward to meeting all of you very soon!

Omri Eyal

I am 18 years old — and on Oct. 14 I’ll turn 19.

I live in Alon Hagalil, a small community in the Jezreel valley. My mother, Dalia, works in the Jezreel Valley municipality. My father, Shlomi, lives in Ramat Tzvi in the Gilboa region. He works as a fencing coach. He participated in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

I have two older brothers: Roee, who is 29, and Amit, 26, who married two months ago to Joy.  My mother and her second husband, Ofer and his daughter, Tamar, live with us.

I love to act, sing, cook, party, play the guitar and play tennis.

I’m so excited for this coming year. I’ve been waiting for a really long time to participate in the Young Emissary Program! I believe the connection between Jews around the world is important and that is one of the main reasons I chose to take part in this program!

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Tal Salman and Naama Tzur

Tal Salman

I am 18 years old and live in Moshav Hever, a small community in the Gilboa region. I love sports very much, especially basketball. I played in Gilboa’s basketball club for 10 years.

I heard about this year of service from my sister, who was a Young Emissary four years ago. It made me realize that is the year of service I want to do.

Naama Tzur

I am 18 years old, and just finished high school. I live in a small Moshav in Jezreel Valley called Moshav Merhavia.

I really love dancing and acting, I took part in dancing clubs for many years and studied theatre at school.

I have known I wanted to do this special year of service year ever since I found out about it during an English lesson while I was in eighth grade. I started my journey at Tamarack Camps in Detroit, Michigan, where I was first a camper and later a young guide. I so enjoyed meeting other Jews from around the world.

From Tal and Naama: We hope to bring with all the happiness and joy that we experience in Israel to the community. We look forward to getting to know the people of Western Massachusetts and to become a part of the community. We hope to strengthen the connection between your community and Israel and her people. We see this as a great opportunity to bring you Israel through our eyes. Can’t wait to meet you all!

Cap: The Israeli Young Emissaries enjoyed a day of orientation at Camp Laurelwood in Madison last month, where they met the heads of Connecticut and Massachusetts Federations and other Jewish community leaders.