By Naomi Miller
Tell us a few things about Einat
I grew up in a small communal village called Givat Ella, located in the Jezreel Valley, one of the three municipalities in Michigan’s Central-Galilee Partnership Region
(along with Migdal HaEmek and Nof Hagalil).
The first time I left my home community was when I enlisted in the IDF, where I served as a training officer in the Engineering Corps.
Following my military service, as most Israelis do, I took time off to do a long trip to South America, the U.S. and the Far East.
When I came back to Israel, I moved to Jerusalem where I spent the next six years of my life. I studied for a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and Communications and an M.A. in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. And I worked at the spokesperson’s office for the Ministry of Finance.
But as much as I enjoyed studying, living and working in Jerusalem, I always wanted to go back to the Jezreel Valley where I grew up. And I got the opportunity to do just that when, in 2012, the Jezreel Valley municipality was looking for a spokesperson, and I was able to get that job! That is also when I married my husband, Guy, who also grew up in the Jezreel Valley. We then moved to Kibbutz Kfar Ha’horesh where we built our home (less than 10 minutes away from where I grew up).
In 2015, I felt the need to make a professional change in my life. I wanted to look for a place which makes a real social impact.
I joined an NGO called “Different Lessons,” which promotes equal opportunities amongst school age kids in Israel’s geographical and social periphery by enabling them to meet with adult mentors who work in a variety of different professions. To be inspired, to aim high and to dream big. I was the NGO’s Regional Director for the Northern region.
A few months ago, I got the incredible opportunity to replace the amazing Noa Noff, who took time off for her maternity leave, as the Director of the Michigan-Central Galilee Partnership region. I now feel that I have gone full circle by returning to work with, and for, the community in which I grew up. But most importantly, I am the mother of two wonderful girls, Yaela, 8 years old, and Ofri, 5 years old.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I volunteer as a mediator in the community and for petty claims in the regional court system.
How would your kids describe you?
Imma loves to take us to explore nature, which is right in our backyard on the kibbutz. And, of course, she is the best mom in the world! (They’re not teenagers yet!)
What was your first impression when you heard about Michigan P2G?
I was amazed to understand the extent of the activities, programs and number of volunteers, and diverse ages involved in the Partnership, both in Israel and Michigan – and to experience the connection in Israel between the three diverse municipalities. To see the Jezreel Valley, a predominantly agricultural group of communities like Moshavim and Kibbutzim, along with some established community villages, connected with the two cities of Migdal Haemek and Nof Hagalil, is something very essential and exactly what I had in mind when I wanted to work in the area of social impact.
What is your wish list for Israel in the next five years?
I wish for more investment in the impressive human capital to create more dialogue and interaction between the diverse communities, whether it be Jews and Arabs, religious and secular and the different ethnic groups in the country.
Tell us something about the impressions of the people who you have met during the first few months of your position?
The staff in our Partnership office really impressed me with their commitment and passion, and it became contagious very quickly. Also, the entire team at the Detroit Federation’s Israel & Overseas department have all been incredibly supportive in getting me up to speed.
And then there are the Partnership Chairs, Avi Aviran and Rachel Schori, and of course all of the lay leaders on both sides of the ocean who epitomize the true spirit of volunteerism.
We recently filmed a promotional video for the Detroit Federation’s community-wide Motor City Mission (March 12 to March 21, 2023. Make sure to sign up!) in our Partnership region. During the couple of days of filming, I had the chance to meet with many of the people who are involved in this Partnership who help make it so special and strong. From the mayors of our three municipalities, to the teens who participate in our programs. I also can’t wait for the next couple of months when I will get to meet my Michigan counterparts in person!
If you weren’t working with the P2G, what would your life look like now?
I would probably be promoting a social initiative here in the north with issues of shared society, social challenges, women’s empowerment and education.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I love going camping with my family, especially down south in the desert or up north with its rivers and streams. Also, I recently got into running, and I’m now training to participate in a 5K regional run to raise awareness and money for breast cancer patients.