“During the last month Israel has been under terror attacks every day,” said Shiran Cohen, the community’s newest shaliach from Israel. These attacks make her realize how important her job is in the United States.
“I think it is important to have a connection between Israel and other communities,” Cohen said. ”I think a lot of time the media gives us the wrong picture and the wrong information about what is really going on. So it is important for me to speak out and tell what is really happening. It is important for people to learn and to share their thoughts about Israel.”
A graduate of Oranim, a teacher’s college, Cohen taught at a preschool on a kibbutz for three years before becoming a shaliach to the United States. Previously she had been an officer in the IDF. She originally taught new recruits, then served in the elite Moran Unit, before becoming an instructor at the officer training program. She finished her three and half years of military service in 2011.
Her unique experiences as both an IDF officer and a teacher helped prepare her to be an emissary for Israel. She plans to be in Kansas City for at least one year.
Cohen, 27, had a choice of where to go when in the United States. She chose Kansas City.
“I chose Kansas City because of the people. I had a really good impression of the people here,” she said. “I wanted a place that is unique and special: a place that had many points of view. Here there are people from all groups from Orthodox to Reform. There are so many people to learn from and teach.
The shaliach program is sponsored by the Jewish Federation, with program support from the Israeli American Council. She works mainly with people and organizations in the Jewish community, including Hillel, all of the religious schools and youth groups, the Child Development Center at the JCC, and will work at summer camp.
“A lot of people here want to learn about Israel,” she added. That is the role she is eager to fulfill. “Most important is for me to bring Israel to K.C. To make it so the people in this community have a little piece of Israel in their hearts.”
She is currently working on two projects to help community members understand what is happening now in Israel, as well as to touch hearts both here and in Israel.
Kansas City Supports Israel is a letter-writing campaign for students in the synagogue religious schools, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy and youth groups to send letters of support to students and adults who live in Ramle and the Gezer Region of Israel. She is hoping to send over 500 letters to Israel.
She is also organizing an Israel Solidarity Gathering which will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Jewish Community Campus. Three area rabbis; Kansas City residents who recently visited Israel; and IDF Colonel David Sonego, who is currently stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, will all speak at the event.
“We will discuss current events in Israel and what is happening,” Cohen said. “I hope people to come and show their support for Israel.”
These programs are in addition to her usual programs, which include a Hebrew initiative and the Hebrew Theater Group that meets at the JCC weekly under the direction of Israeli playwright Imbar Kahan. Cohen is also working on a program for young Jewish professionals to explore Israel through food, discussions, Shabbat dinners and activities.
Cohen, a native of Haifa, is happy that she came to Kansas City.
“The people are the best,” she said. “They are really welcoming and open. They are curious about Israel and support Israel.
She plans to continue her education when her term in Kansas City is over, eventually earning a master’s degree in early childhood education. But for now, her work as shaliach to Kansas City is what is important to her.
“I had my first baseball experience here,” she said. “It is such a warm community. Everyone is happy to help whenever I need anything.”