Best Decision of my Life

Gordy Zacks, chairman of the R.G. Barry Corporation and former advisor to U.S. Presidents on Israel coined the term “defining moment”. My ten months in Israel as an OTZMA fellow was one continuous defining moment. Ten years after departing the United States for Israel as an OTZMA fellow, I still find myself reflecting on the greatest year of my life.
OTZMA opened my eyes to the Jewish Federation system and enabled me to serve as an instrument by impacting the lives of people in need in Israel. At the same time I developed a life long connection to Israel, a connection that has guided my career path and guides my passion.

One day I will never forget is the day I made a connection with a group of Ethiopian immigrants. Less than two hours before our meeting, they arrived in Israel for the first time. Many arrived with only the clothes on their backs. I worked with Jewish Agency staff to introduce them to their future – to introduce them to the land of Israel. Since that day I have dedicated my professional life to sustaining the global Jewish community and connecting people to Israel.

The passion I developed while on OTZMA gave me the energy to develop a teen trip to Israel for Jews, Christians, and Muslims for Jewish National Fund. The passion continues to fulfill me as a professional in the Jewish Federation system first in Philadelphia and in Monmouth County, NJ. Now I organize and lead Taglit Birthright Israel trips to continue the connection. Ten years later OTZMA is impacting my life and the lives of others. Thanks OTZMA!