As part of our efforts to intensify acquaintance among the communities partnered in Partnership 2000 Netivot-Sedot Negev - Philadelphia, we decided to focus the spotlight on individuals representing these communities. Today, we meet Linoi Pahima of Netivot. Other people will be introduced in subsequent editions of this electronic newspaper.

Linoi, 18, is a Netivot resident who attended the Netivei Noam Elementary School, Neria Girls Junior High School in Sedot Negev and now attends the Mamlachti High School in Netivot. She continues to play an active role in partnership activity by serving as Acting Chair of the Netivot Youth Council (part of the Youth and Young Adults Project), participating in the Mifgashim 2007 Program, hosting the Bux-Mont (Philadelphia) Confirmation Class and joining the Satell Teen Fellowship for the second consecutive year.

Q:  Tell us about your public activity.
A: For as long as I can remember, I have been a member or chair of student councils.

Q: Why? For what purpose?
A: I have the ability to lead and influence people and I like to contribute, especially when the issues are close to my heart, such as my school. I love it. We have a marvelous staff and a wonderful atmosphere. From the moment I returned from the United States last summer I could not wait for the start of the school year.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I am a responsible person who likes to help. I am so pleased when people appreciate my work. I've been asked: "Why do you need all this? You know you're going to be drafted. You'll leave this place and you won't come back." That's just it. I certainly do intend to come back here. Perhaps I won't be studying here, but I will be returning to Netivot to make my mark. There is a warmth here that I haven't observed in many other places. I noticed it at home as well: My mother hosts National Service girls and many other people and I learned from her. When I say "I'll be back to make my mark," I'm referring to my dream - to fulfill a significant function in Netivot.

Q: Where do you perceive yourself in another ten years?
A: In Netivot, after getting my master's degree in psychology, working as a clinical psychologist. At that age, I'll certainly be married and it's reasonable to assume that there will also be children, but only when I've completed my studies.

Q: You belong to the Youth Theater at the Netivot Community Center.
A: I did not mention it, but I have another dream - to be an actress. The Youth Theater enables me and other youth to express our talents and attempt to realize our dreams.

Q: What brought you to the Youth Council and what emphases and objectives did you set for it?
A: I was elected democratically by the student council of my school. Membership in the Council provides me with an opportunity for activity that it significant to me and to my community. I believe that the Council's function is to respond to youth needs. My emphasis this year is on ascertaining that all children and youth in Netivot are informed about the Youth Council, are familiar with its representatives and aware of how to apply to them. The importance of the Youth Council is inherent in youth's function as our future. As such, we have to give youngsters the proper and appropriate tools to fulfill their function adequately.

Q: What do you think about the ties forming in the Living Bridge programs you've participated in so far?
A: We are receiving much support and assistance from the Jewish Community of Greater Philadelphia. Here, we have the opportunity to conduct mutual activity. The Mifgashim Program provides opportunities for pleasant conversation and deeper acquaintance. I also find briefer encounters significant, however, because they develop a taste for more and form the initial basis for contact. I maintain almost daily contact with participants in all Living Bridge programs in which I participated: Ben Winston, Josh, Eli, Sara and Aaron, to name just a few of them. I also formed ties with people from our own Region. I predict that these ties will continue in the future, including ties with people we met during the encounters who were not official participants.

Q: What benefit did you derive from participation in the various Partnership 2000 programs?
A: I am now more strongly linked to the Region. I am in contact with municipal employees, the Community Center. I can also appeal to Yechiel Zohar (although indirectly, through Youth Program Director Ziv Bar). Members of the Youth Council have become very good friends of mine. The partnership strengthened my concern and my leadership qualities and improved my English, self confidence and decision making ability. I was pleased to become acquainted with a new culture and derive certain values from it. My Jewish and Zionist identities were reinforced, as was my attachment to and love for Israel. I have not changed my outlook, but I learned to respect and accept views different from my own.

Thank you, Linoi. We wish you and all of us a sweet and happy New Year.