My name is Yuval Yaniv, and I was born in Haifa, Israel. When I was 3 years old I moved to Kibbutz Ramot Menashe, which is located in the partnership region Yokneam–Megiddo, in the northern part of Israel.

My parents are Saar and Revital, and I have one older brother named Amit. My dad is an engineer in a medical company and my mother is a science and Hebrew teacher at an elementary school where I studied. My brother Amit is in an officer course in the army. Since I was young, my parents took us to travel all over Israel and around the world, my favorite place being Costa Rica. I’ll definitely go back there someday.

Most of my free time I spend in “Krembo’s Wings”, a youth movement that brings together children with disability and without disability. I have been volunteering there for 3 years, and this year I’m coordinating two groups which will include four counselors. I’m so happy that I joined the movement, because it made me realize how important it is to look after one another.

Playing sports is a big part of my life. I was a gymnast and danced for many years. I like to run, hang out with my friends, travel with my family on weekends, and bake cakes. I’m very excited to be a Shinshinim in Atlanta, to share my story and to meet other people.