Elana Kaminka, the director of Career Israel, 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) and
Timna (age 2).
Reut Glazer, education and logistics coordinator 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
9 months).
Elana Glickman, placement coordinator for the Career Israel program, was
born and raised in New York. Since her aliyah six 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
two-year old Adina Rachel and newborn Aaron Shalom.
Orly Shafir, Career Israel coordinator 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, Career Israel placement coordinator, was born and grew
up in the United States. Upon graduation from high school, Rachel participated
in Young Judaea 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 is currently completing a degree in Government,
Diplomacy and Strategy at the Lauder School for Government in The
Interdisciplinary Center- Herzliya. She and her husband Shai live in Herzliya.
Frederique Maman, the coordinator French track of Career Israel, grew up
in France and decided to immigrate to Israel six years ago after a
life-changing experience in Birthright. She has a BA in Israel studies from Bar
Ilan University, and extensive experience in leading and guiding French
Birthright trips in Israel. Frederique resides in Jerusalem.
Lara Berman, Career Israel participant coordinator 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. Lara currently works at the Report writing features and
as a production assistant in addition to working for Career Israel. 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 has been living in Israel for the
past two years and recently made Aliyah.
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.