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Community Shaliach/Israel Program Specialist

Jewish Federation of Madison began its Shlichah program in 2003 to strengthen our community’s connection to Israel and the Israeli people. Shlichim serve as Israel program specialists and share their time between Federation and the UW-Hillel.

Shlichim provide educational programming for the entire Madison area Jewish community, and also serve as advocates for Israel within both the Jewish and broader community. They typically teach at Gan HaYeled, Chug Ivrit and Midrasha, and provide programming during the summer at Camp Shalom.

Three of Madison's shlichim have earned well-deserved recognition for their work here. Our first Shlichah, Shirin Ezekiel, received the JDC’s Ralph Goldman Fellowship, often referred to as the most prestigious post-graduate fellowship in Jewish communal work. Diklah Cohen (2005-2007) and Nilli Glick (2008-2010) were named JAFI’s outstanding Shaliach for their work in Madison.

Michal Agassi is Madison's fifth shlichah, arriving Madison in August 2010. Beginning her time in Madison at the age of 25, Michal recently completed her BA in film studies at Sapir College in the Gaza border community of Sderot. In particular, she studied soundtrack design and music for cinema. She is also a composer, performer and singer who writes literature and poetry.

While a student, Michal worked as the program coordinator for Hillel at Sapir College and as a preschool teacher.  During the summer of 2007, she served as a Jewish Agency summer Shlichah at Camp Nesher (in Lake Como, Pa.) working with 15-year-old campers.  Michal was also a B’nai Akiva youth guide working with Middle School age children as well as an education officer during her military service. 

Both of Michal's parents served as shlichim in Sweden, before Michal and her siblings were born.