Meet Your Staff: David, Leetal, and Neta
David Furman
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Seattle, Washington.
What do you for a living? I am entering graduate school to get a Masters in teaching.
When did you go to Israel for the first time? During the summer before eighth grade with my family.
What's a fun fact about you? I hate popcorn...like I don't go to movie theaters because of the smell.
What's your favorite Israeli food/favorite place in Israel to eat it? Abu Hassan hummus in Jaffa...but that's a little trite, so I'll add a traditional "mangal"/BBQ in a park, with pargiot!
If you could bring one thing back to America from Israel, what would it be? I would bring the sense of community responsibility.
What's your favorite place to bring Taglit-Birthright Israel groups? Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem just before Shabbat...I love the craziness and insanity that somehow has an order and friendliness to it. Also, it's a unique experience to truly "feel" Shabbat approaching. It's Israel in a nutshell. Plus, the food is delicious.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel? My favorite place to visit is not really one specific site, but rather that every time I go to Israel, I attempt to go on a hike I have never been on before. I feel that the best way to explore Israel is on foot!
What's your spirit animal? An otter. I lay on my back with my hands on my chest...and sleep that way too. At least that's what I'm told.
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Taglit-Birthright Israel with Shorashim? The way to get to know Israel is through it's people, and having Israeli's on the bus for the entire trip gives an added depth to the program and the experience of Israel.
Leetal Elmaleh
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Originally South Africa, currently living in San Diego and Los Angeles, California.
What do you for a living? Freelance photographer.
When did you go to Israel for the first time? Probably while I was still crawling.
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Taglit-Birthright Israel with Shorashim? Simply put, this trip will open your mind, heart and soul.
What's your favorite place to bring Taglit groups? Might have to be to the city of Tsfat... It's as if you stepped back into time into a picturesque neighborhood of narrow alleys and cobblestone streets with a unique mystical flare.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel? One of my favorite places to visit Israel is Mahane Yehuda, the Jerusalem market. There is something so magical about this bustling, colorful market. It's a party for all your senses. You can mingle with the locals, listen to live music as you taste all of Israels delicious fresh fruit, tasty treats and amazing cuisine.
What's a random fun fact about yourself? I've ridden an ostrich, been chased by an elephant, and slapped by an owl.
What's your favorite Israeli food/favorite place in Israel to eat it? Israeli watermelon with Bulgarian cheese, sitting on the beach in Tel-Aviv. on a hot summers day while the sun sets.
Neta Friedman
What's your favorite Shorashim memory? Star gazing in the desert with a great group of people. Staying perfectly quiet together.
What's a fun fact about yourself? When I was about ten years old, I broke my my pinky finger and the doctor did a bad job fixing it. It's still a little harder to bend and a little shorter than the right little finger by about one cm.
What's your favorite Israeli food? Where's your favorite place in Israel to eat it? It's called a Smbusak and there's only one place to get the really good ones. A little Druz village in the north of Israel called Horfeish. Basically, it's a little like a pizza that was folded in half so that it looks like half a circle. The toppings are different of course. I can eat them all day every day!
What do you love most about Shorashim? Shorashim has such an amazing vibe! Everyone is like a family here. There's always someone to laugh with, talk with ,or anything else you could possibly want.
What's your favorite site to go to take participants to on Taglit? Perhaps Ein Ovdat National Park. For many of the participants, it's their first time in the desert and their experience there can be very good. It's a truly remarkable place.
What's your favorite city in Israel and why? I think I'm more of a country kind of guy, but there is no doubt that Tel Aviv is one of the most awesome cities anywhere in the world. There's always something going on, concerts, restaurants, clubs and of course - the beach. There's nothing like going into the water in the summer, especially at nights.
If you could say one thing to future participants, what would it be? The most important thing you need to do, is to have FUN!
Why is it important to you to have Israelis on the trip for all 10 days? I think that the best way to experience what Israel really is, is by letting the locals show you what they do, who they are. It's also just as important for the Israelis because they rediscover Israel through their American friend's eyes, and it can be a very beautiful picture. The best part about it has to be the amazing bond everyone feels to each other at the end of the trip. Lifelong friendships are made.
