Meet the Fellows

 Tess Lehrich

"From Garbage to Garden"

Tess is a New Jersey native. She moved to Israel in 2008 and volunteers much of her time supporting environmental projects across the country. She has organized courses, workshops, and events to spread ecological knowledge and change ecological choices among the Israeli public.

Venture: “From Garbage to Garden” introduces food recycling and composting into mainstream urban society. Through education and community action, the organization will work to redefine garbage as a valuable resource with the potential to make a healthier planet and population.

Yochai Shavit

"Shahar"

Yochai, a Jerusalem native, is currently a psychology student at Hebrew University. From spending many hours with his ill grandfather, Yochai was exposed to the enormous psychological difficulties that afflict the elderly and was inspired to find ways to make their experiences in the later stages of life more fulfilling.

Venture: “Shahar” will connect social work students with the elderly, benefitting the students professionally and providing the elderly with necessary mental health care.

Mamaro Mandafro

"Fruits of Tomorrow"

Mamaro made aliyah from Ethiopia six years ago. He is currently in Yeshiva and a communications and Bible studies student at Michlelet Lifshitz in Beit Shemesh

Venture: The Beit Shemeshbased “Fruits of Tomorrow” (HaPerot Shel Mahar) will provide a social framework for Ethiopian youth to explore their Israeli identity while preserving tradition and a common language with the older generation.

Daniel Fidler

"Open Doors"

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Daniel made aliyah with his family as a teenager. After recently completing four years of army service, Daniel has been working to launch “Open Doors.“

Venture: “Open Doors” will establish a network of hostels in Israel for volunteers from around the world which will provide information about volunteer opportunities and offer a base for visitors to stay while working. 

 

Didi Zilberman

"Eco-Tech"

Didi is a social activist who led a political fight against a major industrial zone in Be’er Sheva and directed the political movement Yerushalmim. She currently works for the nonprofit organization Machshavah Tovah.

Venture: “Eco-Tech – Ecology and Technology for the Community” aims to collect used computers for educational programs focused on helping at-risk youth. The program trains the teenagers to fix the computers, which are then donated for use in the community.

Hava Salzman and Aliza Gershon

"Growing Together"

Hava has a degree in economics from New York University and a degree in literature from Hebrew University. She currently teaches graphic design at Hadassah College in Jerusalem. She also practices yoga. Married with five children, Aliza is seventh generation Jerusalemite and an avid gardener. She manages the organization Tzav Pius, which advances mutual understanding between different segments of Israeli society.

Venture: “Growing Together” (Litzmoach B’yahad) aims to both improve the environment and create an opportunity to bring the entire Jerusalem community together. This community garden program will focus on strengthening the bond between participants and maintaining the gardens.

Gal Mor

"Indie Travelers" 

Gal is a Jerusalem native who has spent extensive time in England, Canada, and Germany. He served in the Israeli artillery corps mediating between foreign forces stationed in Israel. He has a degree in International relations and communications from Hebrew University. After three years in the Israeli foreign service, Gal returned to Israel in 2007 to establish a branch of a European travel company as franchise coordinator.

Venture: “Indie Travelers” is for independent tourists visiting Israel. The group of tourist centers will provide professional resources, events, tours, and opportunities to mingle with locals. 

Ariel Levinson

"Secular Yeshiva"

Ariel earned his bachelors degree in Hebrew literature and Jewish studies and a Masters in Hebrew studies at Hebrew University. He also founded the student newspaper, Dor Gimmel. Now married with one daughter, Ariel is currently teaching in schools and completing his dissertation for the Department of Hebrew Literature at Hebrew University.

Venture: Jerusalem houses many study centers; however, there is still no real option for young people who are looking for a secular Jewish learning space. “The Jerusalem Secular Yeshiva” will provide young couples and army and university graduates with an educational framework that includes lodging, classes, and volunteering.