Israel Center
Shlichut
MJF’s shlichut program is the oldest continuous program in the United States.
Overview
Every three years, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation (MJF), in collaboration with our partner The Jewish Agency for Israel, brings a new Shaliach (cultural emissary) to live and work in our community. The goal of Shlichut is to make meaningful connections with Milwaukeeans.
Milwaukee’s Community Shlicha
MEET SHACHAR GABAI
Born and raised in Srigim (Elah Valley), Israel, Shachar completed her National Service working as an instructor for new Ethiopian immigrants at an absorption center.
Shachar earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on African and European Studies from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Over her career, she has led large-scale educational initiatives, managed Hebrew language instruction programs, and directed a national youth tech-empowerment initiative where she spearheaded a large multidisciplinary team. Her background spans strategic program development, cross-sector partnership building, and international resource development, as well as launching her own content and communications consultancy for social-impact organizations.
Shachar moved to Milwaukee with her husband, Ari, their two children, Dolev and Tavor, and their dog, Bella, to serve as the Community Shlicha. She brings her background in education, leadership development, and community engagement to her role at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, where she looks forward to connecting with and strengthening the local community.
Milwaukee’s Campus Israel Fellow
Meet Or Kashi
Or Kashi, the new Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Hillel Milwaukee, grew up in Moshav Shtulim in southern Israel. Or spent a summer as a counselor at Camp 92NY in New York as part of a Jewish Agency summer program. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Labor Studies from Tel Aviv University and has taken part in leadership and public diplomacy programs, including the StandWithUs Fellowship and DIPLOACT. Or comes from a farming family and has worked in agriculture to support local Israeli development. She’s excited to start this journey and connect with students on campus.
Milwaukee’s Connection to Israel
FIVE DECADES OF SHLICHUT
Starting in 1968, Milwaukee’s Shlichut program is the oldest continuous shlichut program in the United States.
Celebrating 50+ Years
Past Shlichim
For more than five decades, the Shlichim have strengthened the connection between Israel and Milwaukee. Through leadership, culture, and engagement, they have built lasting relationships and deepened community ties.
Noa Gerassi
2023-2026
Uria Roth
2020 – 2023
Keren Weisshaus
2017 – 2020
Amit Zehavi
2014 – 2017
Michal and Ro’ee Peled
2011 – 2014
Paz Goldschmidt
2009 – 2011
Rakefet Ginsberg
2006 – 2009
Alon Garon
2003 – 2006
Nir Barkin
1999 – 2003
Iftach Shachar
1996 – 1999
Nili Lamdan
1992 – 1996
Avi Robinson
1989 – 1992
David Raz
1986 – 1989
Yoav Shoham
1983 – 1986
Elisha Ben-Yitzhak
1980 – 1983
Moshe Ben-David
1979 – 1980
Micky Friedman
1974 – 1979
Yoav Silbert
1971 – 1974
Uriel Ysraeli z’l
1968 – 1971
CONNECT
Tziporah (Tzipi) Altman-Shafer is the Vice President of Jewish Communal Life and Learning. She is responsible for overseeing the Israel Center. She works with lay leaders in determining all Israel and Overseas allocations for Federation. Her responsibilities include directing the Coalition for Jewish Learning, providing support to all our local Jewish schools and educators, and overseeing the Planning Department, which is responsible for all local allocations.
Tzipi grew up in Milwaukee and has been working in Jewish Education since 1987. She has a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. Before coming to MJF in 2015, she worked at summer camps, supplementary schools, and day schools (including six schools in Milwaukee). She has been a teacher, a family educator, and director of education and worked with children of all ages.
