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Eliana Rudee is a journalist and marketing professional based in Seattle. She spent nearly a decade working as a journalist in Israel, focusing on global Jewry and culinary arts. She is a trained culinary tour guide of Jerusalem, has led culinary workshops and retreats, and has written several digital cookbooks on the intersection of food, culture and Jewish peoplehood.

Israel is not only a place under threat. It is a place of resilience, of active living.
“Not many women remain long enough in the kitchens to become chefs, but I feel it is changing with the younger generation,” said Avivit Priel Avichai. “Women can be whatever they desire, as long as they are driven and determined.”
The 46-year-old director of the Jewish Agency in the Northeast Region of the United States recalls absorbing faith and belief from her parents that one day they would be “back home.”
Ahead of the flight, journalists and Federation leaders met with the Jewish community of Gondar, where the Ethiopian Jews are concentrated, on a multiple-day mission to solidify plans.
They express imminent joy upon seeing family members already there.
“We have so many talented women who could compete professionally, hiding behind the curtains without the chance to compete. This competition will make sure no woman is excluded from following her dreams,” said Sarah Illouz, founder of “Women Who Lift–Israel.”
“There is a clear need in the market for wholesome, patriotic American content that doesn’t apologize for the values we hold dear,” said writer, editor and mother of five Bethany Mandel.
“The policies make no sense, and honestly, left me feeling like they don’t like Americans and want to see us suffer. I’m not saying this is the case, but it felt that way,” said groom-to-be Mark Spiro.
Amid a 30 percent increase compared to last year, “there is no doubt that the rise in anti-Semitism and the COVID-19 pandemic had an influence,” said Becca Wertman-Traub from Vancouver.
“Aviv” nets are antimicrobial and moisture-wicking to benefit the quality of performance for players, in addition to their well-being. And they have an Israeli correlation, too.
“Having events for people with a similar background, language and culture to discuss the society they are becoming a part of—and their importance in that—gives us a support network,” explained Steve Reich, 31, originally from Philadelphia.
His “Make Art Not War” exhibition was created using pistols, rifles and tanks. Proceeds go to raising awareness of veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.