Jewish Social Action

Masa Israel Journey program participants

Jewish Social Action

The Jewish Agency builds a thriving Israel by harnessing social activism in service of vulnerable populations. We train young Israelis to become leaders, social entrepreneurs, and skilled volunteers who work to make Herzl's vision of a model society a reality in Israel.

Meet Our Staff

"I myself made Aliyah in the 1980's, and I am full of gratitude for the continued work and commitment of The Jewish Agency" – Vered Achihon

Content Director of "Ethiopian Project". Vered made Aliyah when she was 4 on Operation Moses, arriving at a Jewish Agency absorption center. Today, Vered oversees absorption needs for olim, preparing a smooth integration into Israeli society and life.
"I am currently writing a children's book that I always dreamed of publishing." – Omer Givati

Omer studied International Relations and Political Science at Hebrew University, and met his wife while an emissary in USA. He won the President's Award for his work with Ethiopian immigrants. As a Partnership Director, Omer is responsible for connections with the communities, educational projects and supporting local voluntary organizations.
"After coming to Israel on The Jewish Agency's "Operation Moses", I'm now privileged to make the dream of return to Zion come true for so many others" – Asher Seyom

Emissary to Ethiopia, Director of the Meron Absorption Center in Sefad. Following the Second Lebanon War, the Center was awarded most outstanding center for its treatment of olim.
"My Masa program was a test drive which reinforced my long-time dream – to make Aliyah" – Rina Barats

Rina Barats, a graphic designer for The Jewish Agency, emigrated from Latvia in 2012, graduating from Hebrew studies in Ulpan Etzion. Rina earned her BA from Latvian Academia of Culture, and participated in Taglit in 2009 and Masa.
"It's an amazing opportunity to provide young Jewish campers and counselors with the same life-changing experience that I had" – Daniel Mahrer

Danielle Mahrer works as a Shlichim and Camps Coordinator for The Jewish Agency's Summer Shlichim Program, sending shlichim to summer camps in North America. She grew up in Los Angeles; her first trip to Israel was on Taglit-Birthright, and after making Aliyah in 2010, she studied at the Hebrew University.
"25 years ago, I was finding myself. I aspired to find work in which I could contribute to other people. That’s how I found my way here. I was looking for solidarity; an approach in which people support each other. My approach remains the same today."

Ariel Kandel is a native of Paris and made Aliyah (immigrated) to Israel at age 17 in 1991. He has a master’s degree in Jewish education, and has previously served as a community shaliach (emissary), and as the head of The Jewish Agency’s delegation in France from 2010-2014. He currently directs French operations at The Jewish Agency.
"My work provides a wonderful opportunity to develop Aliyah programs that serve the interests of both Olim and Israel's economy" – Bilana Sahar

Bilana Sahar, Director of Aliyah Unit and Experience Israel programs, was born in Lvov, Ukraine. She worked in the IDF for 10 years and has served The Jewish Agency as an emissary in Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Today, Bilana manages her unit's daily work, guiding teams and emissaries in the field.
"The challenge enables me have a real impact on society, putting a smile on the faces of youth at risk" – Muhammad Abu Al-Hija

Muhammad Abu al-Hija is the Director of Youth Futures in East Jerusalem, working with youth at-risk, and is responsible for meeting the program's educational, organizational and budget goals, guiding Mentors, alongside welfare and educational staff. Muhammad worked for five years at the Ministry of Education.

Jewish Social Action Programs

Amigour: Subsidized Housing in Israel
Amigour is a Jewish Agency subsidiary that provides quality housing in Israel to the elderly, new immigrants, and single-parent families.
Project TEN: Global Tikkun Olam
Be The Change - Become a Jewish global activist and volunteer in Ghana, Mexico, Uganda, South Africa or Israel

Youth Futures: Mentoring for At-Risk Children
Each Youth Futures mentor works with 16 at-risk children over the course of three years, teaching skills for academic improvement and social integration that last a lifetime.
Nitzana Educational Eco-Village
A cutting-edge desert community and educational center that fosters environmentalism, tolerance, and self-confidence. Nitzana is home to many Jewish Agency Social Activism projects.
Mechinot: Post High-School Service Learning
At Mechinot, Israeli high school graduates participate in Jewish study, volunteerism, and leadership training, towards a more engaged citizenship and a brighter future.
Young Aliyah
Nativ: Jewish Heritage Education for Immigrant Soldiers
Nativ is a warm Jewish educational experience for immigrant soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Fund For The Victims Of Terror
Fund For The Victims Of Terror
The Fund for the Victims of Terror provides Israel’s terror victims with direct, immediate financial assistance after an attack.
Security Assistance Fund
Emergency Assistance for Wildfire Victims
Net@
The Net@ program increases the educational, social and economic opportunities of youth living in Israel's peripheral communities and works to reduce Israel's digital divide.
Youth Villages
The Jewish Agency's Youth Villages provide highly cost-effective boarding school settings for youth with severe emotional, behavioral and family problems.
Young Activism
The Jewish Agency's Young Activism activities are dedicated to investing in young Israelis who value social activism as a way of life, repairing the world, and long-term change.
Volunteer for At Home Together
Interested in volunteering? Here's what you need to know!
Security Assistance Fund
The Security Assistance Fund provides security details to Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centers around the world, so Jewish communal life can thrive even in the unfriendliest of places.
Service Year Enrichment Program (Shin-shinui)
A new initiative provides training courses and Jewish learning for post-high school service-year volunteers.

Jewish Social Action

The Jewish Agency builds a thriving Israel by harnessing social activism in service of vulnerable populations. We train young Israelis to become leaders, social entrepreneurs, and skilled volunteers who work to make Herzl's vision of a model society a reality in Israel.

Meet Our Staff

Jewish Social Action Programs

Young Aliyah

Fund For The Victims Of Terror

Security Assistance Fund