Sabras seem drawn to Arizona for the many opportunities our communities offer. When they talk about a warm, welcoming environment, they don’t just mean the summer heat. They bring with them that “start-up nation” mindset that Israel has become so well known for, and aren’t afraid to pursue new ventures of all kinds. Please meet a handful of the Israelis who are making a difference in Arizona.
Guy Bittner
Guy is resort manager at The Phoenician in Scottsdale. He lives in Scottsdale with his wife and two children. They moved here from Seattle in 2015 because of his career in the hospitality industry, and the warm weather. Guy is on the board of the Valley Hotel and Resort Association. “I work strategically, not only with our management team, but with other local industry leaders, to ensure the market is a top destination of choice for both leisure and group business,” he says. Guy grew up in Omer, near Beersheba in the Negev.
Amram Knishinsky
Amram is a principal partner and lead developer of the Butterfly Wonderland and OdySea Aquarium (opening this summer) in Scottsdale. Originally from Ramat Gan, he moved here 45 years ago to pursue a doctoral degree at Arizona State University, after earning an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. Amram created the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation in 2013 and the OdySea Foundation in 2015, which have brought more than 100,000 school children to the OdySea in the Desert Attractions.
Moshe Bukshpan
Moshe is the executive director of the Red Rocks Music Festival. Originally from Holom, he moved to Phoenix in 1982 to teach violin at a private studio. In 2001, he founded the Red Rocks Music Festival with the mission to “educate, engage and challenge audiences through a collaboration of leading Arizona artists and world acclaimed musicians.” An integral part of the festival’s mission is offering outreach music education for underserved students and their communities. The festival has received recognition from National Endowment for the Arts and Arizona Commission on the Arts.
Ofer Navon
Ofer and his wife, Misty Guerriero Navon, own Vintage by Misty in Scottsdale. He moved to Arizona seven years ago from Tel Aviv, after making several trips to visit a friend from the IDF and invest in real estate. Ofer got involved in the vintage clothing business when he was dating Misty long-distance, and she sent him hunting for vintage pieces from classic Israeli designers like Maskit, Gottex and Ilana Goor. They live in central Phoenix, with their two-year-old daughter, Adina.
Eli Barel
Eli owns Eli’s Deli on Fifth Street in Tucson, which he describes as “the only kosher butcher between Los Angeles and Chicago.” Originally from Beit She’an in Northern Israel, Eli came to Tucson in 2013 with his wife, Oshrat, and their three daughters, when Oshrat was appointed shlichah (emissary) and director of the Weintraub Israel Center. He purchased the deli (formerly known as Fifth Street Deli) in November 2015 and plans to expand the selection and variety of imported and freshly made Israeli foods.
Itzik and Pnina Becher
Itzik is director of major gifts for Desert States for Jewish National Fund, engaging the Jewish and non-Jewish community to support the continuation of the building of the state of Israel. Before that, he worked at the University of Arizona as managing director for UA Presents. Pnina is a concert pianist, performing both locally and nationally. Originally from Tel Aviv, they moved to Arizona 12 years ago for the weather and similarity to Israel. They have three children and live in Fountain Hills.
Amir Glogau
Amir is the CEO of PRO EM Professional Event Management in Phoenix. Since 2011 he has split his time between Netanya and Phoenix. Amir is involved with AIPAC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. He is a supporter of the Atalef Foundation, the official association of the Israeli Navy Seals.
