Meet your #Bus222 Staff
Get ready for an amazing adventure! #Birthright #Shorashim
*All pictures are either from your staff’s first trip to Israel, in general or as a staff person, or one of their favorite places*
Maayan Diskin
How long have you been a tour educator?
Three years.
How long have you been working with Shorashim?
Two years.
Why is it important to you to have Israelis on the trip for all 10 days?
It's rewarding for both sides, Americans and Israelis, to meet, to speak, to get the chance to speak their minds without being judged. This is why these 10 days are exactly what is needed for those Israelis and for those Americans who get the chance to really meet and change eachothers' lives.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I'm a photographer! I have my own business and I run everything from my studio at home.
What's your favorite site to go to take participants to and why is it your favorite?
Tel Aviv. Love the bit, the vibe, the atmosphere. Everyone can be free as they would like.
What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Don't be afraid to complain.
What's your favorite Shorashim memory?
To manage to be in one day at three different places and be on time to Ziporalla!
What's your favorite place that you have ever travelled to and why?
Italy! on my honeymoon...a time I want to go back to..
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
Seize the moment.. it wont repeat itself again...
Sapir Shimony
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
Israel, Cleveland(OH).
What do you do for a living?
I'm the Israel Fellow for Cleveland Hillel.
When did you go to Israel for the first time?
When I was born ;)
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I never ate a "street shawarma".
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel?
My home in the city of Rosh HaAyin.
What's your favorite place that you've ever travelled to and why?
Brazil, it's an amazing country with amazing people.
What's your favorite Israeli food and where is your favorite place in Israel to get this dish?
My mom's home made pita.
If there was one aspect of Israel that you could bring back to America with you, what would it be?
The Israeli "Tachles"(bottom line).
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim?
The fact that they can travel with Israelis the entire 10 days.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Seek after your dreams, we only live once.
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
Listen, see, feel, smell- enjoy your Israeli experience!
Ari Hoffman
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
New York City, same.
What do you do for a living?
I'm finishing a PhD in English Literature at Harvard University; law school is up next.
When did you go to Israel for the first time?
I went with my family in fifth grade- we spent three weeks traveling around the country- so many good times and awkward photos!
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I won my fantasy football league last season.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel?
Jerusalem- always and forever.
What's your favorite place that you've ever travelled to and why?
India was an extraordinary immersion in a different culture, and I still haven't gotten over the food.
What's your favorite Israeli food and where is your favorite place in Israel to get this dish?
Mulla Falafel, by the shuk- the preserved lemons make all the difference.
If there was one aspect of Israel that you could bring back to America with you, what would it be?
The people- warm, engaging, perpetually challenging (in the best way!)
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim?
Its the best- educational.
What /who is your spirit animal and why?
A camel? They always get the job done, especially in the desert.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
You have to grab life, or life will grab you.
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
Enjoy every moment, and ask every question. And go back!
Anything else you want to share?
Can't wait for Shorashim Bus 222 this winter!
