BY MONICA SMYTH SCHLESSINGER, ISRAEL COMMITTEE CHAIR

 

It is a privilege to chair the Israel Committee which works to advance our community’s strong connection to Israel. The Committee is made up of a diverse group of people from local synagogues as well as the unaffiliated community. We have a simple mission: to bring Israel to the communities of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien. 

 

The Committee works hand in hand with our Community Shlicha (Israeli Emissary), Eden Refaelovich, who together with her predecessor, Yoav Yaron, mark four consecutive years of UJF participation in the Jewish Agency Schlichim program. Eden’s role and that of the Committee is to deepen real, personal (not political) connections to Israel. 

 

Eden has had a huge impact in her first year, working tirelessly with many local Jewish programs, especially with those who are already connected with Israel. With our direction and support, Eden is now turning to broader outreach, including the non-Jewish community. While Eden cannot singlehandedly stem the rising tide of antisemitism, we hope that she can help to humanize Israel for those who only know the half-truths and libels so prevalent on social media.

 

Having been brought up in Haifa, one of Israel’s most diverse cities with a long history of cordial relations between Arabs and Jews, Eden is well positioned for outreach. Eden is beginning her outreach this fall and winter in two Stamford public high schools and one middle school. Visits to several elementary schools will occur in spring 2026, when elementary schools are hosting their multi-cultural programs.

 

In addition to public schools, the Committee and Eden are aiming to reach out to churches, particularly those who are members of Southwest Connecticut Interfaith Council and the Stamford Mayor’s Multi-Cultural Committee. Through existing channels, Eden will be introduced to both groups, and through workshops and/or receptions, she will share information about herself and her love for her home, Israel. 

 

If you would like to learn more about UJF’s Israel Committee, please contact Eden Refaelovich at eden@ujf.org.