Shari Safra, an experienced attorney and committed advocate for education and Jewish causes, assumes the role of the 26th president of AMIT Children. She will lead the organization with a continued focus on academic excellence and the expansion of transformative educational opportunities for Israeli children and future leaders.
Raised in Sayville, N.Y., where Jewish families were few, Safra always felt a strong connection to her Jewish heritage. Her dedication to Jewish causes grew deeper after her marriage, as she became an integral part of New York’s vibrant Jewish community.
Safra’s involvement began in 2008 when she met an AMIT graduate who grew up in AMIT’s residential schools because he had nobody to care for him at home. He shared that AMIT’s Beit Hayeled Youth Village educators were the first people who supported him and how living there changed the direction of his life. Having recently become a mother herself, Safra was deeply moved by AMIT’s extraordinary ability to nurture a sense of warmth and belonging among Israel’s children. Her engagement with the organization grew and she took on leadership roles, eventually becoming president. She aims to widen AMIT’s support in the United States, reaching out to individuals who have yet to connect with a Jewish community or cause. Her vision includes the integration of co-ed secular schools, vocational institutions and facilities across diverse cities in Israeli society.
“I am deeply inspired by the remarkable educators at AMIT, who empower our students to dream bigger and then skillfully guide them in bridging the gap between those dreams and reality,” says Safra. “Our AMIT schools are not just buildings, they are sanctuaries of potential for our students,” she adds.
Under her guidance, AMIT is set for expansion, with the flagship project being the AMIT Kfar Batya campus in Ra’anana, Israel. This $70 million educational initiative is expected to be completed by 2025 and will promote educational innovation. AMIT Kfar Batya will foster an entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and collaboration among students and staff. Shari is enthusiastic about introducing supporters to the life-changing experiences this campus will offer.
“We’re thrilled to have Shari at the helm of AMIT at this very pivotal time of growth for the organization,” says AMIT’s executive vice president Andrew Goldsmith.
Prior to her presidency, Safra was a member of AMIT’s executive committee as vice president of financial resource development and chair of the Ambassadors’ Club. She joined the AMIT board of directors as associate NewGen chair. Her professional journey includes a successful tenure in commercial litigation before transitioning to human resources. She currently serves on the board of the Hebrew Free Burial Association.
Safra pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania and holds a law degree from Fordham University School of Law.
“I look forward to working with our supporters to be architects of change who will build a legacy of empowerment and opportunity for the children of Israel,” she says.
About AMIT
Founded in 1925, AMIT serves 40,000 students annually across 87 schools in 29 cities throughout Israel. AMIT welcomes all children, helping them realize their potential while strengthening Israeli society through education. This nurturing takes place within a framework of innovation, academic excellence, and Jewish values. For more information, visit: www.amitchildren.org.
