Introducing Hadas Ophir, ’17

Age 21, Jerusalem

During her family’s ten-year shlichut in the Ukraine, Hadas trained as a classical ballerina, for part of the time in the country’s prestigious national school of dance, the Bolshoi. She also, while there, realized how important a role Israeli Jews can play in shaping Diaspora Jews’ identity—and how much Israelis can learn from Jews abroad. “The key to maintaining a united Jewish people lies in direct encounters between Israelis and Diaspora Jews,” she insists.  This belief was only strengthened during her national service in the Prime Minister’s Office, which she extended from the mandatory one year to two.

“Through my service, I learned how critical it is for Israel to cultivate positive relations with other communities and countries in the world, even ones with worldviews dramatically different from ours.”

Hadas believes strongly that Jews everywhere must continue to feel a shared sense of purpose and destiny. During her first year at Shalem, her community-service project enabled her to put that vision into practice: She worked to integrate Shalem students into a Jewish Agency program that trains youth-movement leaders from abroad, and provides them with tools for teaching about Jewish-Israeli culture.

Know of a talented, highly motivated candidate who might be interested in Shalem College? Encourage her to register for our upcoming (and final) Open House.