Writings by Bronfman Bogrim & Amitim

Photo of Zer Vaknin and her child.

Zer Vaknin (Amitei Bronfman ’13)

Posted on May 2, 2025

“…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 »

Picture of Eli Buchdahl.

Eli Buchdahl ’19

Posted on April 25, 2025

“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 »

Picture of a young woman in a white shirt.

Maayan Rosenfield ’17

Posted on March 28, 2025

“…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 »

Tomer Gertel picture

Tomer Gertel (Amitei Bronfman ‘20)

Posted on February 11, 2025

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 »

Neta polizer picture

Neta Polizer (Amitei Bronfman ’05)

Posted on February 7, 2025

“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 »

Picture of Tili Fisher Yosef, a young woman with wavy blond hair.

Tili Fisher Yosef (Amitei Bronfman ’04)

Posted on February 2, 2025

“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 »

Picture of Poli Sharonov with two young children.

Poli Sharonov (Amitei Bronfman ’03)

Posted on January 24, 2025

“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 »

Omri Bitton with a deck of playing cards.

Omri Bitton (Amitei Bronfman ’14)

Posted on January 17, 2025

“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 »

Picture of Gal Arad

Gal Arad (Amitei Bronfman ’04)

Posted on January 10, 2025

“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 »

Picture of Maayan Shain

Maayan Shain (Amitei Bronfman ’16)

Posted on January 3, 2025

“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 »