As a strong believer in Israel advocacy, Tami began working for AIPAC after graduating. However, she felt that she wanted to actually live in Israel and contribute first-hand to the country. Tami chose to participate in the Jewish Agency’s Otzma program, part of the MASA initiative. MASA is the gateway to over 100 unique long term Israel experience programs in which thousands of students from around the world spend a semester to one year in Israel.

Arriving to Israel in August 2005, Tami began learning Hebrew at the Jewish Agency’s Be’ersheva Absorption Center. In the afternoon, she volunteered to teach English to advanced high school students. “I integrated American culture into the learning and the kids were very enthusiastic about my teaching. Their passion and intelligence really inspired me.”

Now in the second phase of Otzma, Tami is living in a working-class neighborhood in Tel Aviv, her Partnership 2000 city, and volunteering at a senior citizens home. “The work is not so easy, especially because of the language. But, the people are so appreciative of everything I do.”

Following this phase, Tami will volunteer on an army base and intern at the Israel religious Action Center (IRAC) in Jerusalem. “Israel is no longer just a place to me,” says Tami. “It is people who I know and care for. It is understanding what it’s like to live in a Jewish society. I feel I have grown so much in my short time here.”

Tami is not yet sure what her future holds. She is thinking of applying to graduate school when she returns to California, and hopefully working in the Jewish community.

Written by Lisa Samin