Elana Kaminka, the director of Career Israel and deputy- director of the Israel Experience Long-Term Programs Division, was born and grew up in the United States, and has been living in Israel for the past sixteen years. She served in the IDF as a basic training commander for at-risk soldiers. She began her career in Jewish education coordinating encounters between Israelis and Americans in NFTY summer tours and in the Otzma program. She is the former coordinator of international programs in the Aliyah Department of the Jewish Agency where she was responsible for programs such as Marva, Magen David Adom ambulance volunteers and other volunteer programs. Elana also served as the head of the American Section of the Jewish Experience in Israel Unit of the Education Department of the Jewish Agency. She has a BA in Education and Jewish History from the Hebrew University, and an MA in Jewish Studies from the Schechter Institute. She is married to Eyal, who is an organizational consultant and author, and the mother of Yannai (age 6), Liam (age 4.5) Timna (age 2) and Nevo (aged six months).


Reut Glazer, deputy-director of the Career Israel program, was born and raised in Jerusalem and served in the IDF as a social worker. Following her release from the army she lived in Budapest, Hungary for 4 years, where she was the coordinator of the Education Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel. In this position she was responsible for coordinating all Israel programs for the community including Birthright and Masa. She and her husband Tamir, a medical intern, are the proud parents of Ma’ayan Ami (age one year).


Elana Glickman, registration and placement manager for the Career Israel program, was born and raised in New York. Since her aliyah seven years ago she has served as the coordinator of the OTZMA program and the coordinator of English speaking aliyah promotion programs for Tnuat Aliyah of the Jewish Agency for Israel. She holds a B.A. in psychology from Queens College and a Masters in Social Work with a specialization in community organizing from Hunter College School of Social Work. She and her husband Meir, a psychologist, are the proud parents of three-year old Adina Rachel, and 10 month old Aharon Shalom.


Orly Shafir, coordinator of the short-track, PR and special projects in Career Israel, was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Orly completed a degree in Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona. In college, she was active in Jewish leadership as well as the pro-Israel programming. After college, she worked for a non-profit organization that worked with seriously ill children before deciding to come to Israel on Otzma, a year-long volunteer program. Orly made Aliyah in August of 2007 and in the future, she plans to pursue a career in social work. Her interests include lounging at the beach in Tel Aviv, telling/hearing corny jokes, cooking, quality family time and finding and tasting the best ice cream in all of Israel.


Rachel Adelman Amichai, Career Israel placement coordinator, was born and raised in the United States. Upon graduation from high school, Rachel participated in Young Judea Year Course. Immediately following Year Course, she made Aliyah and began to work for the Aliyah Department's English Desk as a short term programs coordinator. At the age of 20, Rachel joined the IDF and served as a tank instructor. Following her army service she worked as a Madricha for Young Judea Year Course. Rachel holds a degree in Government, Diplomacy and Strategy from the Interdisciplinary Center- Herzliya. She and her husband Shai live in Herzliya.


Lara Berman, Career Israel participant coordinator and registrar, was born and raised in Sydney Australia. She first came to Israel on a birthright program in 2006 and returned to participate in the Career Israel program, where she interned at the Jerusalem Report. She has a Bachelors degree in History and English but is most passionate about the stage and anything to do with theatre or film. She recently made Aliyah in 2008 and resides in Tel Aviv.


Sharon Lintz, Career Israel participant coordinator, was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. She studied at the University of North Carolina where she was involved with Greek Life, Student Government and Jewish Life on Campus. After completing a degree in Political Science she worked for Hillel at the University of Virginia, and then went on Otzma, a year long volunteer program in Israel. Sharon lives in Tel Aviv and spends her free time traveling, hiking, reading on the beach and drinking coffee.


Itzik Yehezkel - Career Israel participant coordinator, was born and raised in Israel. He is currently studying Jewish philosophy at Tel Aviv University. Since 2002 Itzik has been working with Diaspora Jews. He began his career in the Jewish world with Young Judaea, leading youth groups in the States and Israel. In 2003 Itzik served as a counselor for Young Judea’s year course gap program in Israel. Following that, Itzik worked for Merkaz Hamagshimim in Jerusalem for five years, helping olim {new immigrants} and lone soldiers of the IDF. His work there involved assisting olim to navigate the Israeli bureaucracy and helping to create social events for the residents. Itzik also works as a tour guide, leading Israel and American groups all over Israel. In 2008 Itzik worked as the social coordinator of the Jewish Agency’s Staggerim (internship) program.