The fifth cohort of Shinshinim will arrive in Tidewater later this summer. Shinshinim is an acronym for Shnat Sherut, a year of service undertaken between high school and army service— when Israeli teens spend a year connecting with Jewish communities around the world, sharing Israeli culture, identity, and personal experiences.
Through a partnership between United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Jewish Agency for Israel, two Shinshinim spend a year in Tidewater.
This August, UJFT welcomes Liel Aisikowitz and Evyatar Olswang, two dynamic and passionate young leaders who are eager to build relationships across the community.
Liel Aisikowitz
Liel, 17, grew up in Yerucham and brings a global perspective shaped by her eight years living in Canada before returning to Israel. Growing up between cultures, she developed a deep appreciation for connection, identity, and community—values that inspire her work as a Shinshin.
In high school, Liel majored in chemistry and mechatronics, while also dedicating her time to youth leadership through Tzofim and volunteering in a Hebrew school abroad. She is a thoughtful and adaptable individual who enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with others.
Liel describes herself as both structured and spontaneous—organized when it comes to responsibilities, but always ready for a last-minute adventure. Her perfect day, she says, is “relaxing at the beach, soaking up the sun.”
She says she applied for the Shinshinim program because “I know what it feels like to live outside of Israel and not really understand what’s going on. I want to be someone people can turn to—to ask questions and form a real connection, beyond what they see online.”
Liel is especially passionate about sharing what she loves most about Israel: its hospitality, its food, and the sense of unity that connects people across differences.
Evyatar Olswang
Evyatar, 18, comes from the moshav of Kidron and brings a strong passion for creativity, leadership, and community-building. A self-described “creative and social person,” he has spent years involved in youth leadership, guiding both younger children and teens in his local youth movement.
In school, Evyatar majored in philosophy and theater fields that reflect both his intellectual curiosity and his love for artistic expression. He is also an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, drawing, journaling, and spending time in nature.
Evyatar has already built strong connections to American Jewish life. He attended a Jewish summer camp in Pennsylvania and participated in a Bronfman Fellowship seminar in New York, where he engaged in conversations about Jewish identity and community.
He says he applied for the Shinshimim program because “I care deeply about people, community, and Jewish life. I want to create spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions, expressing themselves, and building real connections.”
His experiences volunteering, especially after October 7th, when he helped organize aid efforts and community initiatives, have strengthened his commitment to meaningful service and leadership.
When he’s not leading or creating, Evyatar is likely found hiking outdoors, cooking, or planning his dream future travels around the world.
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Both of these young Israelis share a deep desire to connect with the Tidewater community—not just by sharing facts about Israel, but by building authentic relationships that bring Israel to life in personal and meaningful ways.
Throughout the year, they plan to lead programs, visit schools and synagogues, and engage with people of all ages. Whether through conversation, culture, or creativity, their goal is to strengthen the bond between Israel and the Tidewater Jewish community.
To learn more about the program, apply to become a host family, or find ways to get involved, visit JewishVA.org/Shinshinim or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.