By Aaron Poris
The Jewish Federation of Detroit is excited to announce the reception of its new Shlicha (Israeli emissary), Shani Amihay-Boneh and her family, for the 2026-2029 period! Sent by the Jewish Agency for Israel, she’s here to serve as what she beautifully describes as “a living bridge between communities.”
Passionate about understanding and expanding the partnership between Detroit, Israel, and Detroit’s sister communities in the Central Galilee region, she says her “main role is to strengthen connections and just be around the community,” “…and bring a little bit of contemporary Israel—outside of what we hear in the media news.”
In fact, for Shani, bridging the gap is close to sacred: “It’s a lot about love—about loving our people, and peoplehood, with very few amounts of cynicism, where we have so much of it in different parts of our life. In a way, it’s really dealing with something pretty holy—just the love of people, and doing good…” and that perspective is grounded in a remarkable personal story.
Born and raised in Herzliya with her two brothers, Shani grew up with as something of a child star – she shares with a smile – appearing in numerous Israeli TV shows. But after completing her primary education at an arts-focused high school she made a decision to trade the limelight for a more private life of community impact.
She first spent a year of service as a Shinshinit in Northern Israel. Then after the army, where she served as an educator, she trained as a tour guide—leading groups experiencing Israel firsthand and finding new passions within her career. It was during her graduate studies in Be’er Sheva that she met her husband, Nir, after which the pair spent what she calls their “two-year honeymoon” as Shlichim in Palm Beach, Florida.
The experience was so life-changing that they promised each other they’d return one day—as a family. “And this is us today,” she says, “coming back as a family—the two of us, with three little girls. Coming to spread love.”
Shani’s connection to the partnership region runs deep and personal. Her husband is originally from the central Galilee, and the couple previously served there. That familiarity fuels her work here. “I understand the meaning of what happens to a connection when you have a face,” she says. “For so many generations, Israel was an image. Let’s put faces to it. When I come from the region, I know the people, I know who’s there—so that gives me more drive to bring this vibe and energy over here.”
Outside of work, Shani is all about embracing life. She loves good food and is eager to explore the local scene. She also enjoys biking, and is a devoted hiker and camper who’s looking forward to family road trips, and discovering new corners—and cultures—of the U.S. She also plays music, and, in her own words, likes to “dance, have fun, drink, eat—basically, enjoy life.”
As for what she most looks forward to in Detroit outside of her service – Getting to know the people. “I already feel there’s something special here,” she says; especially “in the sense of community. I’m fascinated to understand what creates this warmth and caring… what is this magnet that makes people stay [in Detroit]? It’s unique… it’s fascinating, and it’s exciting.”
