Saying Farewell to Atlanta’s Brave and Beloved Shinshinim

August 1, 2025

As Atlanta’s Jewish community prepares to bid farewell to this year’s cohort of Schoenbaum Shinshinim, we reflect not only on their tremendous impact but also on their remarkable courage and commitment. 

The Shinshinim program, a partnership initiative between the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), brings a select group of Israeli high school graduates to our community for a gap year of service before entering the Israel Defense Forces. During this year, they serve as a living bridge between Israel and Jewish Atlanta, fostering connections through Jewish education and deepening our global Jewish identity—impacting Federation’s focus areas of Jewish Education and Israel and Jews Worldwide. 

What made this cohort uniquely special was their decision to continue with the program after October 7th, when war broke out in Israel. Jenn Handel, Director of Israel Engagement, emphasized the weight of that choice: 

“This group applied before the war, when life looked very different. After October 7th, they had to make a conscious decision—do they stay home and prepare for army service with their peers, or do they come to Atlanta and serve in a different way? They chose to come, and that says so much about their character.” 

Now, as they prepare to return home and begin their military service—some drafting just three weeks after landing in Israel—the community honors their ommittment and their contributions. 

Some of the Shinshinim shared memories that highlight the transformative power of this year. 

For Amit, it was the warmth of his first Rosh Hashanah in Atlanta:
“I was so homesick until we started eating. I had given my host mom a special Yemeni spice, and she made the chicken soup I grew up with. When we ate, I started crying. That’s when I knew—they weren’t just my host family. They were my family.” 

Adi reflected on how the year shaped her confidence and independence:
“My biggest success was learning how to do ‘schmoozing’—entering a new place with confidence and meeting new people. I learned I can be independent and manage anywhere.”
She also cherished her birthday celebration:
“My host family asked my mom for the recipe of my favorite cake. It was one of the most emotional things that happened to me this year.” 

Nadav found meaning through teaching and community:
“Being a counselor at Camp Ramah Darom and in my schools, I felt I was able to bring the Israeli spirit and values I grew up with to the next generation.”
He added,
“The love Atlanta’s Jewish community has for Israel and the Shinshinim is overwhelming. There are people across the ocean who care about us, who want the best for Israel, and who truly love Israel. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.” 

For Yali , helping students prepare for Israel advocacy was a highlight:
“One of my biggest successes this year was in the LFT program of AJC, preparing high school students to engage in advocacy. I felt I was able to convey the Israeli story and create an authentic connection.”
He also shared the powerful support he felt from his host family:
“On Israeli Independence Day, far from home, my host family celebrated with me at a community event. Together, we showed support and solidarity with Israeli music in the background.” 

Gili emphasized the deep connections she built:
“My biggest success was building personal connections and feeling at home—even when I was more than 10,000 kilometers away from home. I was surprised by how much the community truly cares about Israel.”
A small but meaningful tradition became her favorite memory:
“Every day off from camp, my host family took me for ice cream because they knew how much I loved it. It became our special time together.” 

Gili also reflected on what she will carry home:
“I learned how important the connections are between Jewish communities in the Diaspora and in Israel. Diaspora Jews are like Israel’s ambassadors, and Israel will always be their home and safe place.” 

These reflections underscore how the Shinshinim program embodies Federation’s mission to connect, educate, and strengthen Jewish peoplehood across the globe. As Jenn shared, “They’re not just protecting Israel when they go home to serve. They’re serving the Jewish people, having spent a year living in the diaspora.” 

As we say goodbye, we say toda raba—thank you—for your courage, your presence, and the joy you brought to Atlanta. You’ve left an indelible mark on our community, and we send you back to Israel with love, pride, and blessings for strength in the next phase of your journey. 

Share your own memories of this year’s Shinshinim using the form here.