“…what’s kept me going lately are the Bronfman alumni gatherings. So many thoughtful, critical, and sensitive people who remind me that we’re still here, in the chaos, together.” I am Zer Vaknin. I was an Amita in 2013 and a mancha (facilitator) in 2020–2022. I live in Haifa with my partner Amir and our son Continue Reading »
“The key question is: how much grace do you grant that person, and how much trust do you place in them?” I’m Eli Buchdahl, Bronfman Fellow 2019. I’m a senior in college, studying Humanities, which some might consider a “fake” major. It’s for people who haven’t quite made up their minds and want to explore Continue Reading »
“…what’s become clear to me now is that if I show up in liberal spaces, I want to bring my Jewish identity with me.” I’m Maayan, Bronfman Fellow 2017. I work in healthcare policy, consulting for state Medicaid, the U.S. public health insurance program for low-income individuals. I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Showing Up with Continue Reading »
Post for Tu B’shvat (New Year of the Trees) My name is Tomer Gertel, Amitim 2020. I live in Meitar, in the Negev. I manage Government Relations and Policy at Green Course, one of Israel’s largest environmental organizations. We address a wide range of issues, including climate change, energy, air pollution, and waste—many of which Continue Reading »
“What we’re dealing with now is a struggle to preserve our humanity.” I’m Neta, Amitim 2005. I’m a father of two children, living in Jerusalem, originally from northern Israel. I am the director of Israeli programs at Encounter, which is a Jewish educational organization promoting non-partisan, courageous leadership focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Choosing to be Continue Reading »
“If there’s one place that consistently preserves optimism and hope for coexistence, it’s the health clinics and hospitals.” I’m Tili Fisher Yosef, Amitim 2004. Married with 3 kids. I am a primary care specialist and a board member at the Briah Foundation, which promotes women’s health. I host a podcast and television programs focused on making Continue Reading »
“It took time for me to realize that, now, I am the matryoshka.” My name is Poli, Amitim 2003. I live in Haifa and I’m a graphic designer. I’m a mother to Naomi (4 years old) and Nevo (a year and 8 months old) and I have an amazing partner named Itai. I was Continue Reading »
“I wanted to offer… the tool of magic, not as entertainment, but as a tool – for building self-confidence, communication, a sense of accomplishment, and connection.” My name is Omri Bitton, Amitim 2014, and I’m from Dimona. I’m married with two kids and another on the way. I am a professional magician – I perform Continue Reading »
“There may be no limit to how much sorrow we can bear, but there is a limit to how much complexity we can process.” My name is Gal, Amitim 2004. I’m a clinical psychologist living in Hod Hasharon, in central Israel. I am married to Dotan and we have two sons, Uri (6) and Tom Continue Reading »
“We’re not just part of a group—we’re individuals with multiple identities.” My name is Maayan Shain, Amitim 2016. I work at the Weizmann Institute of Science and am in my final year at Hebrew University, studying Communication and Journalism in the Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Program. I served in the Intelligence Corps in the army, which Continue Reading »
Applications for the 2026 Bronfman Fellowship are open!To refer a teen, click here.
Deadline is December 2.