Home Away from Home

Asif Peretz loves the Hartford Jewish community. “The best thing is the people. They are so warm and loving - everyone hugs here. And people truly care about their Judaism and about Israel. The amount of people who want to act, who want to do something to help Israel – I really appreciate that because I know it’s not happening everywhere.” Asif has spent the last year as the Mandell JCC Shlicha from the Jewish Agency, after three and a half years in the IDF in an intelligence unit and a year of studying for university exams. In the last year she has connected with so many people in the community, from children in the ECC, to seniors and holocaust survivors from Voices of Hope, to teens at BBYO, JTConnect and USY, young adults with Federation Emerging Leaders Division and college students at University of Hartford Hillel. Last summer Asif worked at Camp Shalom which holds a special place in her heart. “I loved being “Hebrew Woman” each week introducing Hebrew words to all the kids and staff, it is such a beautiful place. My favorite time of the week was Shabbat – the end of the week, before everyone went home for the weekend. Singing Hebrew songs and teaching kids Israeli dancing – it was the best.” 

Asif’s parents are in Arad, her hometown, while her brothers are serving in the reserves. She is in constant touch with them and her older sister, as well as her friends all over Israel. 

The support she receives from the Hartford Jewish community gives her strength during these challenging times and is something she will carry with her always.