MEET SHAHAR Hey! My name is Shahar Cohen and I will be a Madrich for Caravan Peleg. I grew up in Rishon LeZion, a city just outside of . I have a wonderful family: I am the son of Kobi and Hadarit, both are running the family-run business Meitav, a factory for sauces and spreads (such as ketchup and mayonnaise). I’m the youngest brother of Merav, a strategic business consultant, and Noa, a psychologist. I’m also the proud uncle of Daniel, who just celebrated her first birthday.

I’m excited about the upcoming summer, as it will be my seventh visit to the US. When I was young we used to travel and vacation in the beautiful sites of America quite often. Then, when I was 17, I got the chance to be part of the Tzofim Summer Delegation and be an Israel specialist in the Memphis JCC summer camp. It was an unforgettable summer, and it had (and still has) a huge impact on me.

The summer in Memphis wasn’t enough for me; this meaningful experience led me to defer my military service and join the “Year of Service” (Shnat Sherut) project, as a Shaliach of the Jewish Agency to the Jewish Community of MetroWest, NJ. I taught at Jewish day schools and at Hebrew schools. I also led the local Israel Scouts chapter (Shevet Arava) and participated in many of the special projects and missions that the local Jewish Federation does in order to build living bridges between the Jewish communities of Israel and New Jersey. I became part of families that I didn’t know before and made friends that remain close to me to this day. I cam to teach about Israel and got taught the true meaning of Jewish peoplehood.

When I returned to Israel I did my military service in the Intelligence Corps. I had such a thrilling and interesting time that I signed up for an extra six months after the end of my mandatory service. Then I returned to work for the Tzofim as a Merakez (Director) of the local Tzofim chapter where I grew up, where the youth educate the youth to be the best Israelis they can be.

I find nothing more relaxing than a good view, good music, and an episode of Friends. I’m a huge fan of Coldplay and Shlomo Artzi, and I love hiking and sightseeing. Just before beginning the training process of the 2016 Caravan, I traveled the world for a few months and got to see beautiful countries and cultures, such as Vietnam and India.

Right now we are deep in the preparation process, working as hard as possible to prepare these wonderful kids for the adventure of their life. I know that although we do everything we can to prepare them for the challenges ahead, this will be the most demanding and meaningful experience they have ever faced. For most of them, this will be the first time away from their families and home. But I have no worries, as I know that thanks to you they will never feel alone.

Thank you for inviting us to your communities. We can wait to share the Israeli spirit with you and to absorb some of yours. See you soon!