Israel Program

  • Updates, Resources & Support

    While we continue to mourn the loss of those killed, pray for the healing of those injured and for the safe return of hostages, and show unwavering support for our family in Israel during these unprecedented times, we've put together some resources for our community on how you can help, stay informed, and get support. When collective action is needed, Jewish Federation is there.

Jewish Federation of Madison began its Shlichah program in 2003 to strengthen our community’s connection to Israel and the Israeli people.

 

Shlichim serve as Israel program specialists with the Jewish Federation of Madison. Shlichim provide educational programming for the entire Madison area Jewish community, and also serve as advocates for Israel within both the Jewish and broader community. They typically teach at Gan HaYeled, Chug Ivrit and Midrasha, and provide programming during the summer at Camp Shalom, and on campus with UW-Chabad. Three of Madison's Shlichim have earned well-deserved recognition for their work here. Our first Shlichah, Shirin Ezekiel, received the JDC’s Ralph Goldman Fellowship, often referred to as the most prestigious post-graduate fellowship in Jewish communal work. Diklah Cohen (2005-2007) and Nilli Glick (2008-2010) were named JAFI’s outstanding Shaliach for their work in Madison. We hope you will consider them a wonderful resource for the entire community.

A Letter To Our Community: What We Learned During Our Two Years As Shlichim
June 22, 2023

We bid a heartfelt todah rabah and l'hitraot to our Community Shlichim, Hanna Bloch and Oz Bin-Nun! As they prepare to return to Israel, Hanna and Oz wrote a letter to the community sharing their thanks, thoughts, and what they learned from all of us during their two years in Madison.

To Our Beloved Community in Madison,
Before we leave and start the phase of longing, we wanted to share some thoughts and feelings with you. These were amazing, life-changing, and mind-opening two years for us, and all thanks to you. Read More >

There have been nineteen Jewish Federation of Madison Shlichim to date since the program began in 2003.

  • Shirin Ezekiel (2003-2005)
  • Diklah Cohen (2005-2007)
  • Shlomi Nahumson (2007-2008)
  • Nilli Glick (2008-2010)
  • Michal Agassi (2010-2011)
  • Dan Landa and Maya Pney-Gil (2011-2012)
  • Eden and Yehonatan Hazani Zion (2012-2013)
  • Racheli Komar-Azizullahoff and Mickey Azizullahoff-Komar (2013-2015)
  • Daniel Gill and Shirly Raiz (2015-2017)
  • Shlomit Ezer and Tal Sheffer (2017-2019)
  • Danielle Man and Gal Yishay (2019-2021)
  • Hanna Block and Oz Bin-Nun (2021-2023)

Israeli Song Playlists
Each week, our Community Shlichim, Hanna and Oz, are curating playlists on YouTube of Israeli songs based on a theme and post them to Facebook with personal stories and connections. Listen to the playlists below or follow Hanna and Oz on Facebook.

PAST ISRAEL SHLICHIM PROGRAMS

CONTACT

For Israel-related questions, contact Alan Klugman, Executive Director, executivedirector@jewishmadison.org or (608) 442-4070.