Tucson’s Weintraub Israel Center
Oshrat Barel, WIC Director
and Community Shlicha
Where are you from in Israel?
Northeast – a city called Beit Shean.
When did you become Tucson’s shlicha?
I came with my family, my husband and three daughters August 2013 and its two-year term with an option to do third year, so I will be here until August 2016.
Why do you enjoy your job? and/or Why do you think it is important?
I enjoy to meet new and different people every day, to get to see Israel from their eyes, to allow people to explore and understand. I encourage them to travel to Israel, meet with Israelis who we host in our community and connect people from Tucson with Israelis through all kind of different programs.
What is the most successful Israel program you have done so far?
School to school connections. Last year we established 18 new connections between kindergarten, day school classes, religious school class and Hebrew High classes with students in Israel. Almost 300 kids from Tucson now have a friend in Israel!
What upcoming program or project are you most excited to share with the community?
This is the second year we are holding Tucson celebrates Israel week – a full week of events all over Tucson. April 26 will be the biggest event Israel 67 celebration at the JCC (see story this page).
520-647-8457 | obarel@jfsa.org
Israel Center at the Valley of the Sun JCC
Shahar Edry, Israel
Center Director
Where are you from in Israel?
I was born in Erad, near Masada, and grew up in the Ben Shemen Youth Village between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
When did you become Israel Center Director?
I’ve been here about three years.
Why do you enjoy your job? and/or Why do you think it is important?
I don’t look at it as a job, it is part of my life. I do it for my people – Israelis and Jews and I even get paid for it.
Putting together events to celebrate Israeli holidays and working closely with the Israeli community to integrate them with this big Jewish community is the most beautiful thing. A lot of Israelis who come here think American Jews don’t care about us. I start a relationship. Now Israelis are involved and live in the community.
What is the most successful Israel program you have done so far?
During the summer’s war in Gaza, we held a Rally for Israel. It was successful because it attracted 1,100 people including from secular to Orthodox, Christians and Israelis – When Israel needs them, they show up.
What upcoming program or project are you most excited to share with the community?
Our April 21 ceremony for fallen soldiers. And our huge community celebration Arpil 26 for Israel Independence Day (see story this page).
480-483-7121 ext. 1109 | shahare@vosjcc.org.
