Getting to Know Our Volunteers
Name: Linda Castillo
Age: 21
University: University of Pennsylvania, doing a study abroad at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for one year
Major(s): Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, second major: Religious Studies, Arabic Minor
Why did you want to volunteer with ENP? Wanted to get involved with the Ethiopian community in Israel through an organization that has demonstrated continuous results.
Name: Thilo Schoene
Age: 22
University: University of Dresden (Germany), doing a semester abroad at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Major(s): Political Science and History
Why did you want to volunteer with ENP? To get to know the Ethiopian community of Israel better and to help young adults integrating in Israel.
Name: Caitie Tobin
Age: 22
University: University of Sydney, in Australia
Major(s): History and French
Why did you want to volunteer with ENP? I decided to volunteer with ENP after learning about the importance it places on education and empowering young people. I think that a solid education can stand a person in good stead for life, both in terms of future career options as well as social development into and throughout adulthood. As well as being drawn to the mission of ENP, I'm also excited about the prospect of getting to know both Ethopian and Israeli culture.
Past ENP Volunteers
Name: Jordana Bickel
Best part about volunteering for ENP: The opportunity to interact and learn from the Ethiopian community in Israel.
Name: Melissa Vance
Age: 20
University: Western Michigan Univeristy
Major(s): Product Development
Why did you want to volunteer with ENP? I love the ENP because their mission is so unique. Also it is easy to see that what the project is doing is creating results that the community needs. I feel so lucky to be part of something that is helping so many people in such a great way. The Ethiopian Israeli community has an amazing story with a rich history, and it is exciting to be part the communities future!
Name: Adi Elbaz
Age: 22
University: Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2009
Major(s): Anthropology and Writing
Job Description: Adi helps out at the youth center in Beit Shemesh once a week. Afterward, she blogs about her experience at the youth center. Adi additionally works on fundraising projects at the ENP headquarters in Jerusalem.
Best part about volunteering for ENP? “Definitely the people I’ve met. Everyone is very nice and welcoming”
Name: Aviel Michaelson
Age: 20
University: George Washington University, Class of 2011
Major(s): Psychology
Job Description: Aviel tutors ENP employees in English. In addition to this, she volunteers at the Beit Shemesh Youth Center and tutors small groups of 6th graders in English.
Best part about working for ENP? “Knowing that I’m really helping to change these people lives. I am helping the students to communicate in English and excel in school. I also love tutoring an ENP employee in English so that he can tell his aliyah story to others.”
Name: Diane Samuels
Age: 21
University: University of Rochester, Class of 2011
Major(s): Political Science
Job Description: Diane helps out with ENP’s e-newsletter, volunteers at ENP events at youth centers, and intends on writing grant proposals as well as visiting the youth center in Gedera.
Best part about volunteering for ENP? “Learning about the rich culture of the Ethiopian Jews and having the opportunity to help improve their lives in Israeli society.”
Name: Euiyong Zong
Age: 22
University: University of Toronto, Class of 2011
Major(s): Area Studies
Job Description: Euiyong does works with the ENP video archive. In addition to this, he videotapes events, does administrative work, and tutors kids in English
Name: Sara Hahn
University: University of California, San Diego, Class of 2005
Major(s): Literature and Middle East Studies
Job Description: Sara spreads the word about ENP’s work through writing, blogging, social networking, and more.
Best part about working for ENP: “Getting to know the Ethiopian community in Israel.”