Connecting our Community with our Homeland

Israel is a fascinating contrast between the ancient and the modern and is the spiritual and physical center of the Jewish people. As we celebrate its rich history, traditions, and deep dimension, we are thrilled to work with our Community Shlicha, who helps us explore and discover what makes Israel so special!

Our Shlicha helps to reach deeper within our community to educate and increase awareness, knowledge, and pride about Israel’s history, culture, and current events, and to promote a better understanding of Israel and its ideals. The program also serves as a catalyst for igniting Jewish journeys, encouraging people to learn more about Judaism and Israel, and finding their own way to connect to the Jewish homeland.

For questions about how to become more engaged in the Pozez JCC-JAFI Shlichut program, contact Chen Sara Mordechai-Kedar.

Our Shlichim (Emissaries)

Until 2007, bringing an Israeli representative to our community to deepen the connections between Northern Virginians and Israel was just a dream. Executive Director, Eric Koehler harnessed the enthusiasm and desire of the community to make the dream a reality. Thanks to the vision and financial support of several dedicated community leaders and the efforts and commitment of the J, the Pozez JCC-Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Community Shlichim Program was launched.

Over the years, we have been fortunate to host creative and passionate shlichim who have enriched our commUNITY:

– Shiri Rahamim z”l (2007 – 2009)*
– Michaela Cohen (2009 – 2011)
– Yael Ingel (2011 – 2013)
– Ido Rakovsky (2013 – 2014)
– Dana Kalishov (2014 – 2015)
– Na’ama Gold (2015 – 2017)
– Liat Lisha (2017 – 2018)
– Shy Ashkenazi (2019 – 2022)
– Dean Bagdadi (2022 – 2025)
– Chen Sara Mordechai-Kedar (2025 – present)

Each representative brought a unique perspective to the position and became a valued member of our community. Whether teaching a weekly Café Ivrit at a synagogue, helping to coordinate a community-wide Yom HaShoah program, facilitating discussions at the Jewish Film Festival, developing Israel programming on the campus of George Mason University, or having meaningful one-on-one conversations pre- and post October 7th about Israeli society with community members, our shlichim have a proven track record of connecting Israel to our community.

*This program is named in memory of the J’s beloved first Shlicha, Shiri Rahamim, who passed away from cancer in 2015.

The Pozez JCC-JAFI’s Shiri Rahamim Shlichut Program is supported, in part, by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. For information about how you can support the program, contact Michelle Pearlstein.