Omer

My name is Omer, I’m 18 years old, and I’m super excited to be one of your next Shinshinim in Atlanta! I grew up in Kibbutz Netzer Sereni, and when I was eight, I moved to Karmei Yosef. Growing up in these small and close communities gave me a very free and peaceful childhood, surrounded by nature, friends, and a strong sense of community. My mom works in marketing for the Jerusalem basketball team, and my dad owns a business that organizes outdoor activities. Traveling has always been a big part of my family life, and some of my favorite memories are from trips and adventures we’ve taken together around Israel. I went to high school in Beit Hashmonai, where I majored in chemistry and sports. I’ve always loved being active, so during high school I also completed a fitness instructor course. Sports have always been a great way for me to challenge myself, clear my mind, and have fun. A huge part of my life has been Maccabi Tzair, an Israeli youth movement that I joined when I was in third grade. Over the years, it became like a second home to me. I spent three years as a counselor, leading groups of 5th, 6th, and 8th graders, and I also had the opportunity to personally mentor a camper with special needs. In my final year, I took on a leadership role in my chapter, which taught me so much about responsibility, teamwork, and working with people. Some of my favorite memories are from the trips, camps, and special events we had throughout the years. I even had the chance to take part in a delegation abroad in Pennsylvania, where I met people who became really good friends of mine. What excites me most about this year is getting to become a real part of the Atlanta Jewish community, not just sharing where I come from, but also learning about your lives, traditions, and experiences.

More than anything, I’m looking forward to meeting new people, stepping outside of my comfort zone, laughing a lot, trying new things, and creating connections and memories that will stay with me long after this year is over. I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet you all!