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LEADERS OF TAGLIT BIRTHRIGHT-ISRAEL FIRST INTRODUCTION
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Do you want to help guide, shape, educate and build your Jewish Community?
Apply to become a Taglit-Birthright Israel Madrich today!
Application for 2011-2012 now closed!
If you have any questions about the MIT program please contact Jeremy Heitner at 514-345-6449 ext: 3046 |
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David Deckelbaum:
I went on Birthright as a participant in Summer 2008, which followed by me leading 2 trips afterwards in summer 2009 and summer 2010. In total I have travelled to Israel 4 times. I am currently a financial advisor at Dundee Wealth Management. I am a devoted Mentor and I am excited to see the MIT’s develop through the program and work together in taking the program to new heights.
The trip was one of the fondest experiences of my life and this was all the motivation I needed to get more involved with the BIEC office and to obviously have the possibility of leading a trip and going back to Israel.
I went to school in the US for 6 years to pursue a good business degree and to play competitive ice hockey. During my time there I lost a large amount of my Jewish identity that I had developed while going to private Jewish school for my elementary and high school years. The birthright trip really encouraged me to become more involved with the community and understand the importance of young Jewish adults. I hope to stay involved with this great organization for years to come, and to also encourage others to join in. |
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Carly Berlin:
Hi! "This one time, at Jew Camp..." was how all my summer anecdotes started for ten years... until 2008. I stopped going to Jewish day school when I was twelve, and since high school, I've had very few Jewish friends. Camp was the place where I got excited about being Jewish. So this one time, when I WASN'T at Jew Camp and feeling kind of lost, I skimmed one of those Birthright- Israel Alumni newsletters and something amazing jumped out at me: BE A MADRICH/A ON A CIE BIRTHRIGHT- ISRAEL TRIP! Sounded too good to be true. It STILL sounds too good to be true. Anyway, so I applied on a whim - the day before the application was due I scrambled to update my CV and write a cover letter - and BOOM! Three weeks later, I was sitting in Montreal's Birthright- Israel office at an interview. Six months later, I'm in the middle of MIT training and having a great time. I'm excited about being active in Montreal's Jewish community, making new Jewish friends and getting back to Israel - which is unquestionably the greatest place in the entire world. And hey, next summer's anecdotes will hopefully start with "This one time, in Israel..." - a pretty good step up from Jew Camp. :) |
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Liel Navi:
My name is Liel and I joined the birthright family as an MIT 3 years ago and since led 2 amazing birthright trips the latest one in summer 2010. I graduated with a Bachelor degree from McGill University in anatomy and Cell Biology. I am currently taking a year off to explore the fields that medicine may have to offer and apply for Med school early next year. I came here from Israel at the age of 8, so I am very much attached to the country. Going on birthright allowed me to explore parts of the country I would have never seen otherwise and form bonds with amazing people that I am still very much in touch with today. The amazing thing about birthright is that it's not just a 10 day trip that ends in the Ben Gurion airport; it is something much more!!!
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Mitch Sohmer:
I travelled on Birthright in May 2008 and currently working as the Montreal regional director of Hagshama (University and young adult division of the WZO). I’ve been to Israel 3 times, the latest occasion being as a Madrich for Birthright. I’m excited for the new generation of leaders, our MIT’s, to step their game up for the future of our community, here and in Israel. I’m also excited to learn from them while they gain experience and grow during their MIT period.
Israel’s taken me on a journey that won’t stop… Nothing compares to getting off that plane 2 years ago and knowing I was home.
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Michelle Grostern:
My 'relationship' with BIEC began as a participant on a Montreal Birthright bus (MTL BUS 2!) in winter 2005-2006. I'll never forget spending New Year's Eve in the Tel Aviv airport! The trip was such a success that I decided to become a madricha. One year later, I was given the wonderful opportunity of co-leading the first-and-only fourteen day, national, extreme Birthright trip (Extreme 2). Upon my return home, I began to actively volunteer for the BIEC office, helping with Super Sunday, the Montreal Mega Event... whatever was needed. I initiated, planned, and led ATID 2008, a volunteer mission in Be'er Sheva for 25-35 year old young adults from Montreal and most recently I led the Canada-Cuba Birthright trip in summer 2010. The experiences that I have gained through my participation in BIEC have been extremely valuable. They have helped me to grow personally and professionally, to meet new people, and to become more actively involved in community. I look forward to meeting all of the new madrichim, and wish everyone good luck in the process. |
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Sophie Abergel & Eric Mechaly:
My relationship with BIEC started back in July 2002 when I was a participant on Taglit Birthright Israel. Since then, my desire to help the jewish community has never been stronger. Passionate about the arts, and human interactions, I wanted to make a difference and become an active youth leader in the community. I led my first Birthright Israel trip in December 2005 and the experience was unbelievable and life-changing. Coming home and seeing the impact and influence my co-madrich and I made was a dream come true.
The next two Birthright Israel trips I led were with an amazing co-worker, and friend who I look up to and with who I constantly learn from and vice versa. Eric Mechaly and I have created 2 Super Buses over the past two summers and only wish to create many more in the future. The ten day experience never actually stopped and is still going on in Montreal for both buses and that is just another reward one gets for embarking in such a journey on a super bus! Lastly I have led a Dorot trip 2 years ago. And that experience was out of this world. The amazingly talented and knowledgeable staff I had the tremendous pleasure to work with made the Dorot trip for me as well as for the 50 participants an unbelievable summer they will always remember. And at the end of day, as long as we put a smile on someone’s face or we create a connection with someone, then I know my job is well done! |
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David Toledano:
Unfortunately I was not eligible to travel to Israel on birthright as I went with my Bialik grade 9 program. Nevertheless, I knew from stories the value of the program and wanted to get involved. Last summer 2010, after a year of participating in the MIT program I led a Birthright trip. I am currently working as a notary but regardless of my busy schedule I always try to find the time to focus on my community and how to give back. I have always attributed a lot of importance to volunteering for one simple reason: I realized that it forces you to understand what life is all about. |
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Sarah Dadoun:
Hello everyone!! My name is Sarah and I am currently studying Educational Psychology. Summer camps have been my life from the age of 9 to the age of 17. I miss it tremendously, but I am sure my friends are glad I ran out of camp stories to tell! Since I went to Jewish school all my life, I was taught all about Judaism and Jewish History. Somewhere along the way I fell in love with the culture and the history. When I went to Israel for the first and only time in 2005, I was overwhelmed with emotions. It was incredible to link all the history I learned with actually standing on the ground where so much history has happened! I cannot begin to express how excited I am to be a Madricha this year with such an amazing group and to share those emotions! Next year in Yerushalayim! |
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Alexa Azran:
After having gone on Birthright in the summer of 2004, I was immediately inspired by the land, the people, and the organization. Upon my return, I became involved with Birthright, and lead my first trip this past July 2010 (Montreal 4). I love volunteering my time, but when I am not volunteering I am working at a Public Relations firm, writing, social networking, and being creative. I cannot wait to share my enthusiasm for Birthright, my leadership skills, and fantastic programming ideas with the future Birthright Madrichim and share some stories about how we have impacted past participants. |
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Karen Hoffman:
Hi my name is Karen and I'm 26 years old. I am currently studying to work with children with special needs and I work part time. My journey started back in December 2004 when I went on birthright. I had an amazing experience and when I came back I knew I wanted to get more involved in the Jewish community and get more in touch with my Judaism. Since then I have gotten involved with various organizations and have helped with many different events. Knowing that I loved Israel so much I had to find ways to go back and so I found other trips to go on and have been to Israel a total of 5 times already, lastly as a Madricha in summer 2010. I am so excited to be able to give back and get the chance to help others find the connection that I did with Israel and make sure they have an experience that they will never forget. |
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David Rimock:
My name is David, and I graduated last year from McGill with a degree in Political Science and International Development (and I focused a great deal of my studies on Middle East Politics). I have been involved in the non-profit world for several years now, most recently completing an internship with the William J. Clinton Foundation in New York.Although I have contributed to several great causes around the world, my roots will always be in Montreal and I have been yearning for the opportunity to play a more active role in my own community. I have participated in several organized trips to Israel, including the March the Living, Birthright, and Machanayim. I also spent time volunteering in Northern Israel as part of Hillel's 'Rebuilding the North' Mission following the 2006 war with Hezbollah, an experience which profoundly marked me and reinforced my desire to help improve the lives of those less fortunate than myself. Upon completing my Birthright trip in 2005, the first question I asked my Madrich was how long I would have to wait before being able to lead my own trip and pass along the gift which was given to me. I am both eager and grateful for the opportunity to play a leading role on this journey, both before and after the actual trip. |
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Jordan Biberkraut:
I went on birthright in the winter of 2005-2006. I had such a great experience that I decided to go on another organized Israel trip in the following winter. Currently I am in the last year of my studies as a business administration student at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal. I am lucky enough to be part of the MIT program through BIEC as it gives me the opportunity to get involved with the community and make a change. If it were not for the people involved now and before me, the community would have a hard time flourishing. I am excited for all the creative programs and activities myself and colleagues have come up with! |
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Julie Flegg:
My name is Julie Flegg and my first trip to Israel was on Birthright in June 2006. After my first day on Taglit I texted my mom: "I am never coming home!" And although I eventually did have to come back to Montreal, I never forgot how I felt in that moment. Since then, I have gone back to Israel two times and each trip was a unique and truly eye opening experience into the Israeli lifestyle. As an MIT, I look forward to sharing my experiences and opening young minds to the REAL Israeli customs and culture. I am currently a full time student studying at McGill University completing a BSc with a double major in Food Science and Nutrition. I also work part time as a receptionist at Club Sportif Cote de Liesse. |
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Samantha Schneider:
My name is Samantha Schneider and I love to learn, cook, watch movies, and travel. I am a very family-oriented person and I love making new friends. I went alone on Birthright Israel Experience this past May 2010 and came back home with 40 new amazing friendships. So far I have only been to Israel once; however, I hope that one day I will be able say that I have been to Israel at least ten times!!!! Yes, the country is THAT amazing.
I attend McGill University where I am presently enrolled in a Bachelor of Elementary Education. I aspire to one day become a Cycle 2 elementary school teacher teaching English and Mathematics. I am mostly excited about meeting new people in the MIT program and learning from each other. I love to engage in challenges where people work as a team and jointly come up with solutions. |
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Barry Olivenstein:
I am a 3rd year law student at Université de Montréal and sadly I’ve never participated in the birthright program. I have only been to Israel once; on a 2 month high school summer trip in 2000. I am most excited to see all the sad faces say goodbye to all the participants at the end of my trip. Why would I say such a thing? Because then I will know that I had a major role in creating an unforgettable experience for all the participants.
While I never had a birthright Israel experience, I am a very approachable, outgoing, down to earth person who never forgets to stop and take a second to bask in every great moment. I also take pride in making other people happy and I would rather enjoy the little things that life has to offer rather than worry about the big things. |
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Sabrina Kidouchim:
I am a 3rd year law student at Université de Montréal and never went on birthright! I’ve travelled to Israel so many times I can’t remember! I have a lot of family there, so I used to visit them quite a bit when I was younger. I also participated in the Magen David Adom Program. I am most excited about sharing my experiences in Israel with other like-minded people, learning from their experiences, and creating new ones through this program.
I have never experienced a birthright trip, but I am an energetic, caring, and compassionate person who always takes something positive out of any negative situation. I love to help other people, experience new cultures, and always keep an open mind towards the perspectives of others. |
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Jarred Coxford:
My name is Jarred Coxford and I currently work in the BIEC office as the Programming Assistant for the grade 11 March of the Living. I went on Birthright mere months after I turned eighteen in 2005. Fortunately, I was able to go back to Israel the following summer on a leadership program through the Y Country Camp, called Machanayim. Spending 3 days in Prague before heading to Israel, it was my first hands-on Jewish history lesson - visiting Czech landmarks, Jewish historical sites and Theresienstadt, a concentration camp outside Prague where almost one hundred thousand people died during the Holocaust. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to visit Israel again. I’ve had countless incredible experiences in Israel. From playing guitar and having a sing along until the wee hours of the morning at the Bedouin tents to dancing with thousands of other Jews at the Kotel on Jerusalem Day.
My leadership experience at summer camp has ultimately led me to the MIT program. My interest in the MIT program stems from my eagerness to give people the unbelievable experiences and opportunities that were given to me. I’m excited to have the opportunity create new relationships and build upon my existing memories. |
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Shelly Dolev:
My name is Shelly Dolev I’m a student at McGill University; my bachelor degree is in anatomy and cell biology with a minor in kinesiology. I hope to have a career in physiotherapy and to work with kids with physical and mental disabilities. I’ve been to Israel probably around 5 or 6 times. However, my most fond memories of Israel were on my birthright trip the summer of 2008. I can’t wait to lead a trip in Israel and meet all the different participants, see how much they change throughout the trip and their different reactions to the things that really influenced me on my trip. |
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Leanne Guresh:
I went on birthright in May of 2004, and since then I haven't stopped going back. I'm finishing up my bachelors in international business at Concordia and the best part of being a student has been spending my summers in Israel! Since my birthright trip I've been back to Israel 3 times and I hate getting on that flight back home. I've now been to Israel 9 times and spent 11.5 months there over the last 3 years; it's kind of my obsession... I am so excited to be part of the MIT program because I can’t wait to be there when the future participants find their own connection to Israel! |
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Yoni Loeub:
I went on Birthright in 2007. I've been to Israel 3 times: once with my family when I was very young, folled by Birthright which was my first memorable experience in Israel and lastly Machanayim in 2008. I am currently studying Accountancy at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia. What I am most excited about in the MIT program is the opportunity to lead a trip, and help the participants have an experience as incredible as the one that I was lucky enough to have in 2007. |
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Nofar Kimchi:
I went on Birthright in summer of 2007, or as I like to refer to it: the best ten days of my life! Although I was born in Israel and have had the opportunity to visit on several occasions, Birthright gave me the chance of seeing Israel through the eyes of people experiencing it for the first time and ultimately I felt as though I was re-experiencing Israel for the first time too. Birthright 2007 eclipsed two things I enjoy most: meeting new people (some of who are my closest friends today) and exploring Israel. The second I got back from my trip I was itching to give back and called up the CIE office...unfortunately I was told I was too young to lead a trip. This year I am finally old enough and am so excited to be part of such an amazing team of madrichim in training!! In addition to being part of the MIT program, I am a full-time student and radio host of the trilingual live show "Out & About" on Radio-Shalom CJRS 1650AM. I also volunteer for a number of different causes which benefit both Montreal and Israel. I believe that the MIT program will provide me with the tools necessary to help enrich our community and ties between communities both in Montreal and around the world-I can't wait to start! |
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Michael Levy:
Hello everyone! My name is Michael Levy and I work in commercial real estate in Montreal with operations across Canada. I was given the opportunity to go on Birthright in the summer of 2010, on a Young Professional / National trip. Without a doubt, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Having never been to Israel before and lacking formal Jewish education in my younger years, I had no considerable knowledge about the state, its history and its people. The Birthright program, our educator, our madrichim and my co-participants all contributed to a perfectly overwhelming experience, one I will never forget. From the outset, the warmth and welcoming I received from the BIEC family reassured me that this was an organization I wanted to be involved with. By the end of the trip I knew with certainty that I wanted to be in the MIT program and contribute towards the experience of future participants. Upon my return to Canada, I have been given and continue to get the attention and resources of the BIEC office and it has allowed me to get more involved in the local Jewish community as well as to keep the “Birthright flame” going in my heart. It is that experience and feeling that I want foster in future participants here and in Israel! |
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Jordan Frankel:
I am a former McGill student who studied Poli. Science and Economics. I currently work for a Software company in market research. I went on BRI way back in 2004, only 2 years after NSYNC broke up. I’ve been to Israel 8 times. Due to a host of family members who live in Israel, as well as former friends who did the whole ‘aliyah’ thing, I find myself constantly going back to Eretz, the land I love most. What I am excited for the most about the MIT program is meeting new people in the MTL Jewish community and sharing my knowledge and love for all things Israel with them. It’s usually a beautiful bonding experience. I also look forward to participating in numerous, local, Jewish communal events. |
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Jordan Katz:
I went on Birthright in May 2010 and that was my only Israel experience ever. I'm currently a Finance major at the John Molson School of Business. I can't wait to lead a trip to Israel and see all the participants experience Israel the same way I did. It’s a great thing to watch 40 participants come together and become a family.
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Samantha Star:
My name is Samantha Star and I'm an invitation designer and paper arts teacher. I went on Birthright in the summer of 2008 and it was a trip that changed my life. I've since been back to Israel once, dragging my husband around Jerusalem for two days on our whirlwind honeymoon. My trip to Israel was sprinkled with all kinds of memories that have become inside jokes between the friends I made there, and I hope as a leader that I can create those same wonderful memories for buses from Montreal and Canada! |
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Sari Katz:
I went on Birthright in the summer of 2005 and knew the moment I got back that I wanted to be a future Madricha. Since that summer, six long years ago, I’ve been waiting impatiently for my chance to get re-involved in the Birthright program! Unlike some lucky few, I haven’t had the opportunity to return to Israel since my Birthright trip, but I can honestly say that the memories of my trip are as vivid today as they were on the 11th day, which was spent traveling through the busy streets of Jerusalem to get to my cousin’s, whom I was staying with when I extended my trip for an extra week of family, fun, and delicious food! The majority of my Jew-ishness was formed during summers at YCC and a huge part of both the camp and Birthright experience is shaped by the counselors and Madrichim and its for that reason that I look forward to leading future Birthright trips, to be able to contribute to the participant’s experiences and help them create memories of Israel that will last a lifetime. I currently work as a strategy consultant in Toronto, but forever remain loyal to my MTL roots. |
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