Israel Center
Shlichut
MJF’s shlichut program is the oldest continuous program in the United States.
Overview
Every three years, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation (MJF), in collaboration with our partner The Jewish Agency for Israel, brings a new Shaliach (cultural emissary) to live and work in our community. The goal of Shlichut is to make meaningful connections with Milwaukeeans.
Milwaukee’s Community Shlicha
Meet Noa Gerassi
Noa was born in Tiberias and spent most of her childhood in Ofra, a small Orthodox-Zionist community in northern Jerusalem. After graduating from high school, she fulfilled her Civil service by tutoring at-risk youth in general studies. During these two years she began exploring secularism. After finishing her service, she spent seven summers at Camp Ramah in upstate New York as a Shlicha. She specialized as a Hebrew Teacher and oversaw the Israeli staff and programs at the camp.
She attended Kibbutzim College in Tel Aviv, graduating with both a degree in education and a teacher certificate. She went on to get her master’s degree in Jewish studies from Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. While attending college, Noa worked for Masa program in Tel Aviv, BINA (The secular Yeshiva), and “Momentum – Lahayalim BeAhava” (a nonprofit that prepares soldiers for civilian life, right before the end of their military service.) For seven years Noa worked as a high school history and citizenship studies teacher. For the past 4 years, she worked for the Ministry of Education as an Educational Coordinator, guiding educational staff working with at-risk youth.
Noa married Liran during the summer of 2014. They came to Milwaukee with their two daughters Rona and Lihi and their dog Chika. Noa enjoys reading all genres, watching Israeli films and TV, jogging and Pilates.
Milwaukee’s Campus Israel Fellow
Meet Or Kashi
Or Kashi, the new Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Hillel Milwaukee, grew up in Moshav Shtulim in southern Israel. Or spent a summer as a counselor at Camp 92NY in New York as part of a Jewish Agency summer program. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Labor Studies from Tel Aviv University and has taken part in leadership and public diplomacy programs, including the StandWithUs Fellowship and DIPLOACT. Or comes from a farming family and has worked in agriculture to support local Israeli development. She’s excited to start this journey and connect with students on campus.
Milwaukee’s Shin Shinim
Meet Mia & Eitan
Eitan Ben Zeev comes to us from Moshav Shadmot Dvora in northern Israel. In high school, he majored in biology and agriculture, combining his love of science with his passion for working the land. Eitan has been a youth instructor for three years in the Tnua Hahadasha youth movement, where he leads activities and trips for elementary school children. He has also taught kids to sail and kayak. In his free time, Eitan enjoys playing piano, running, reading, exercising, and spending time with friends.
Mia Ostrovsky is from Haifa, where she lives with her parents and younger brother. In high school, she majored in chemistry and art, blending her interest in science with her love for creativity and drawing. Mia has been active in the Scouts since 4th grade and has taken on multiple leadership roles, including troop leader for 7th graders. She has also volunteered in her community, from supporting schools and community centers to helping with agriculture and donating baked goods to soldiers. Outside of Scouts, Mia enjoys Pilates, going to the gym, and spending time on her art and dance.
Both Mia and Eitan are excited to spend the year volunteering with organizations across Milwaukee, sharing their love of Israel, and building meaningful connections with host families and the community.
Be sure to follow Mia and Eitan on social media for all the latest updates!
Milwaukee’s Connection to Israel
FIVE DECADES OF SCLICHUT
Starting in 1968, Milwaukee’s Shlichut program is the oldest continuous shlichut program in the United States.
Celebrating 50+ Years
Past Shlichim
For more than five decades, the Shlichim have strengthened the connection between Israel and Milwaukee. Through leadership, culture, and engagement, they have built lasting relationships and deepened community ties.
Uria Roth
2020 – 2023
Keren Weisshaus
2017 – 2020
Amit Zehavi
2014 – 2017
Michal and Ro’ee Peled
2011 – 2014
Paz Goldschmidt
2009 – 2011
Rakefet Ginsberg
2006 – 2009
Alon Garon
2003 – 2006
Nir Barkin
1999 – 2003
Iftach Shachar
1996 – 1999
Nili Lamdan
1992 – 1996
Avi Robinson
1989 – 1992
David Raz
1986 – 1989
Yoav Shoham
1983 – 1986
Elisha Ben-Yitzhak
1980 – 1983
Moshe Ben-David
1997 – 1980
Micky Friedman
1974 – 1997
Yoav Silbert
1971 – 1974
Uriel Ysraeli z’l
1968 – 1971
CONNECT
Tziporah (Tzipi) Altman-Shafer is the Vice President of Jewish Communal Life and Learning. She is responsible for overseeing the Israel Center. She works with lay leaders in determining all Israel and Overseas allocations for Federation. Her responsibilities include directing the Coalition for Jewish Learning, providing support to all our local Jewish schools and educators, and overseeing the Planning Department, which is responsible for all local allocations.
Tzipi grew up in Milwaukee and has been working in Jewish Education since 1987. She has a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. Before coming to MJF in 2015, she worked at summer camps, supplementary schools, and day schools (including six schools in Milwaukee). She has been a teacher, a family educator, and director of education and worked with children of all ages.
Noa was born in Tiberias and spent most of her childhood in Ofra, a small Orthodox-Zionist community in northern Jerusalem. After graduating from high school, she fulfilled her Civil service by tutoring at-risk youth in general studies. During these two years she began exploring secularism. After finishing her service, she spent seven summers at Camp Ramah in upstate New York as a Shlicha. She specialized as a Hebrew Teacher and oversaw the Israeli staff and programs at the camp.
She attended Kibbutzim College in Tel Aviv, graduating with both a degree in education and a teacher certificate. She went on to get her master’s degree in Jewish studies from Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. While attending college, Noa worked for Masa program in Tel Aviv, BINA (The secular Yeshiva), and “Momentum – Lahayalim BeAhava” (a nonprofit that prepares soldiers for civilian life, right before the end of their military service.) For seven years Noa worked as a high school history and citizenship studies teacher. For the past 4 years, she worked for the Ministry of Education as an Educational Coordinator, guiding educational staff working with at-risk youth.
Noa married Liran during the summer of 2014. They came to Milwaukee with their two daughters Rona and Lihi and their dog Chika. Noa enjoys reading all genres, watching Israeli films and TV, jogging and Pilates.
