Andrea Yudelevich
Head of Operations
This past year has been difficult. Living in Israel with my family in the midst of a war, while trying to maintain a sense of normality, has been a tremendous challenge. One of the hardest things has been trying to make sure my granddaughters felt as little as possible of the fear and uncertainty around them. As we begin the new year, my wish is simple: not to have to go through this again. I want to see my granddaughters, and all our children and grandchildren, grow up in peace and security in this land I love so much.
Arnon Perlman
Executive Director - International Sales & Operations
Europe & Latin America
If you asked me what I’m carrying into the New Year, I’d probably say a collection of stories. Some came from travels, some from conversations at work, and some from the chaos of family life. A few were funny, a few were challenging, and some I’ll probably be telling for years. Looking back, it’s those stories, rather than any particular date or milestone, that stand out most from the past year. I’m looking forward to seeing what stories 5787 will bring.
Joe Ozer
Executive Director, United Kingdom
A new year is upon us. 5787 brings with it new hopes, new beginnings and new perspectives. If there’s been anything that the past year has taught me, it’s that the little moments that make up life are the special ones to prioritise. Your kids will never be as young as they were a year ago ever again, so soak it all up… At the end, no one ever regrets spending too much time with their family – it’s always the other way around.
Zara Landesberg
International Events and Marketing Manager
As we enter the New Year, I’m carrying with me a renewed appreciation for the power of community. This past year reminded me that Jewish life is built not only through big moments, but through the small ones. Sharing a meal, showing up for one another, celebrating together, and staying connected to Israel and to our Jewish identity. My hope for the year ahead is that we continue to create those moments of connection, kindness, and joy, and carry them with us wherever we go.
Rina Benyosef
Finance Assistant
I recently joined Israel Bonds after spending 26 years with the same company. Making such a significant move took a lot of courage, but I was fortunate enough to receive an offer for the very first position I applied for.
This experience reminded me that when you believe in yourself and are willing to take a chance, anything is possible. While I was nervous about making such a big move, it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made.
As I look ahead to the new year, I'm excited to continue learning, growing, and making a meaningful impact in my new role.
Orit Usharovsky
Senior Sales Executive
As I enter 5787, I’m carrying with me a renewed sense of purpose. This past year has reminded me that even when the challenges facing Israel and our community can feel overwhelming, each of us can make a difference in our own way. Through my work with Israel Bonds, I’ve been reminded how powerful it is when people come together with a shared commitment to Israel and to one another. I’m carrying that feeling of connection, resilience and hope into the New Year — and hoping to spread a little more light along the way.
Photo credit Gary Itaaliander
Eyla Benedykt
Brazil Representative
As we enter 5787, I’m carrying with me a deep sense of gratitude for the community in Brazil, the people around me and for the many moments of joy that come from family and friends. I hope 5787 brings more reasons for families and friends to gather, celebrate and enjoy the things that make Jewish life in Brazil so special, and give the next generation a strong sense of pride in who they are.
Above all, I wish for a year filled with health, happiness, good times with family and friends, and many reasons to celebrate. Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!
Saul Kisel
Chief Financial Officer (Intl)
Executive Director, Mexico
This past year reinforced the importance of perspective and being intentional about how we spend our time. I’m carrying into 5787 a commitment to focus a little more on gratitude each day and always stand up for the people, community and principles I believe in. My hope for the year ahead is simple: to be present and notice the meaningful moments.
Wishing everyone a sweet new year in good health.
Liz Cabasso
Project Manager
After four years working for Israel Bonds, my connection to Israel has grown deeper and more personal. It feels as if everything has led me to where I am today, with a renewed appreciation for what Israel means to me. This year, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel and, along the way, meet people whose love for Israel touched me deeply. It made me realize that this love is also a heritage I want to pass on to my children, so that it can continue to grow from one generation to the next.
Photo credit: Salvador Carmona
Abraham Sadovich
Financial Controller
Rosh Hashana is an important holiday for me, but not only because of the holiness of this unique day, but because of the happiness it brings.
It’s a time to spend with family and friends and to share special meals together.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the habit of rising early to say Modeh Ani, a prayer of gratitude that holds particular significance for me. On special occasions like Rosh Hashana, I give thanks twice, not only for life, health and the material things we have, but especially for my three wonderful children and my wife Clara. They are the blessings I bring with me into the new year.
Wishing you all a very happy New Year, full of health, joy and blessings, Shana Tova.
Isaac Lan
Mexico Representative
Rosh Hashanah arrives with great opportunities: hope, a chance to amend the past through change, and the opportunity to start again with a new perspective. Whatever is left behind should stay there, and we should keep moving forward with new light.
For this new year, my wish for you is that all the good you wish for others multiplies ten-fold for you.
Vicky Mamieh
Mexico Representative
As always on Rosh Hashanah, I am filled with gratitude toward the Almighty for the bountiful blessings He has bestowed upon me. I am grateful for the privilege of being myself, fun-loving and empathetic, while continually striving toward excellence. I pray that my family continues to grow, BH, and that we are always blessed with long, healthy lives. My prayers are also with Am Yisrael; may we soon merit to see peace among us all.
Pepe Amiga
Mexico Representative
Every new beginning brings an opportunity for growth. After 30 years working in event design & production, I joined Israel Bonds in Mexico in January 2025, beginning a new chapter in my professional life. This past year has deepened my appreciation for the strength of Mexico’s Jewish community and its enduring connection to Israel. As I enter 5787, look forward to meeting more members of the community and continue strengthening our bond with Israel.
Bertha Raijman
Accounting Supervisor
As I enter 5787, I carry with me a heart full of gratitude for my family and for the beautiful gift of continuity from one generation to the next. This past year brought some of the most meaningful moments of my life: watching my daughter begin a beautiful new chapter as she got married, and welcoming my first granddaughter, my son’s daughter, into the world. I am equally grateful for my other daughter, whose love and presence make our family complete. Watching my three children grow, build their lives, and create new beginnings has reminded me that our greatest legacy is the love, traditions, and Jewish values we pass from one generation to the next. That is what I hope to carry into 5787 with gratitude, love, and hope for the generations still to come.
Shana Tova Umetuka
Jonathan T.
Executive Director of French Speaking Countries
This year, more than ever, I’ve come to appreciate the value of the moments we share as a family.
My sons left home to study in Yeshiva, and some members of our family were unable to be with us because of health issues. Those absences made me realize just how precious the times when we are all together really are. A Shabbat meal, a holiday, or a simple catch up help bring us closer and give us strength. I’ve realized it shaped our resilience as a family.
As we enter 5787, I’m carrying that gratitude with me, along with the hope of multiplying these bonds in the year ahead.
Elizabeth Cohen
Senior Business Développement
As I enter 5787, I am preparing for a very special new beginning: I am about to become a grandmother for the first time. Recently, I accompanied my daughter to the very same maternity hospital where she was born, and I found myself unexpectedly emotional. Even more meaningful, my sister, a paediatrician who was there when my daughter was born, will be there again for the birth of her baby. Three generations, one place, and life coming full circle. This Rosh Hashanah, I am carrying gratitude, excitement, and the joy of welcoming a new generation into our family.
Nava Nadler
Administrator and Marketing Coordinator
Music, movement and community: At the Frankfurt Jewish Community’s spinning event with fitness Coach Yoel Levy (@thejewishfitnesscoach) from Manchester, a workout became a true community experience. We pedaled, sweated and laughed together powered by great music and an amazing atmosphere. The charity “Run and Ride” event raised funds Israel Orphans of 10/7.
For me, the evening was a wake-up call. I discovered how much joy and energy exercise can bring. It’s not about peak performance, it’s about feeling good, staying active and moving
forward together.
Wishing everyone a healthy, active and sweet New Year 5787!
Michael Grauss
Managing Director
As we enter 5787, I’m carrying with me a renewed appreciation for the importance of security in both our communities and in Israel. This past year has reminded me that security is never something we should take for granted; it is something we build, protect, and strengthen together.
I’m carrying hope for a year of greater safety, resilience, and peace, and a commitment to continue supporting Israel and the Jewish people.
May the year ahead bring strength to those who protect us, comfort to those who need it, and a safer, more peaceful future for all.
Hanita Ajnwojner
Managing Director
My hope for 5787 is simple: that my children and grandchildren will be able to travel freely and feel welcome wherever they go.
This year, our family came together from Tel Aviv, Zurich, Berlin and Frankfurt to celebrate my husband’s 70th birthday. It was wonderful to have everyone together, but it also brought home a reality I never imagined: having to ask where Israelis and Jews are welcome, or which cities can even be reached by an EL AL flight from Israel.
I hope that in the year ahead, these questions will no longer matter, and families like ours can simply meet, celebrate and enjoy being together, wherever that may be.
Wishing Jewish people everywhere a Shana Tova U’metuka.
