JEWISHcolorado has chosen Yoav Maoz as its next senior Israeli community emissary or shaliach. Maoz will take over the role this summer from Nelly Ben Tal.
Maoz is currently CEO of Friends of Atidim, a national Israeli program developing human resources and working on closing the socioeconomic gaps in Israel’s periphery.
Throughout his career, he has worked in programs developing leadership and youth in Israel.
Maoz has served for eight years in the IDF as part of the Sayeret Matkal unit and achieved a rank of major. More than 20 years ago, he was a shaliach in Cape Town, South Africa.
Post-Oct. 7, he supported families of Israeli hostages as part of the Hostages Intelligence Support Unit.
Maoz holds an MA in educational leadership from Tel Aviv University and BA from the Kibbutzim College of Education, as well as a teaching certificate earned with honors in history and the Bible.
He is raising four sons with his wife Maayan in Kibbutz Ginegar Emek Israel
“Through the Israeli emissaries program at JEWISHcolorado, these individuals and their families who live in our community year-round. We build a “living bridge” — a foundation of understanding and support that goes in two directions, from Israel to Colorado and from Colorado to Israel,” says Dr. Julie Lieber, chief Jewish life and engagement officer at Jco.
Maoz says, “Exactly 20 years ago, when I was still single, I went on my first shlichut with the Jewish Agency to Cape Town, South Africa. That experience was so meaningful that even back then, I knew the day would come when — after building a family — I would go on another shlichut together with them.
“I am incredibly excited to arrive with my family and to serve as the Israeli shaliach for the Colorado community.”
JEWISHcolorado and other Jewish organizations have had shlichim on staff since the 1980s. They are chosen with the help of a group of lay leaders from the local Jewish community, led by search committee chair Sheryl Feiler.
The committess conducts in virtual and in-person interviews.
All Israeli emissaries — adult and teenage — are part of a program run by the Jewish Agency for Israel.
“The Colorado Jewish community proudly welcomes our Israeli emissaries, whose voices, experiences and partnership help bring Israel closer to home,” says President & CEO Renée Rockford.
“We look forward to the meaningful relationships, learning and collaboration that Yoav and his family will inspire, and we cherish the constant reminder that Am Yisrael truly is one people, across all borders.”
