A few weeks ago, a room full of St. Xavier High School seniors sat down with two of our guests from Israel and asked the questions they had spent weeks preparing.

Moria, the Federation's community shlicha, and Shira, our chaver, visited a Modern Middle East class at St. X. Before the conversation began, one student opened with a prayer for calm and respect, whatever came next. The room settled.

Then the students got to the real questions. They asked about life in Israel. They asked about October 7. Moria and Shira answered honestly, from their own lived experience.

The conversation ran both ways. Moria and Shira also listened as students talked about how that day changed things here in Cincinnati, and what it looks like to stand beside the Jewish community now.

The class liked the visit enough to ask for another. St. X has invited both guests back next semester.

Moments like this are why the Federation brings Israelis to Cincinnati through its Shlicha and Chaverim m'Israel program. A shlicha is an Israeli emissary who lives and works in our community. Chaverim m'Israel, "friends from Israel," are young Israelis who spend time here connecting with local schools, congregations, and families. Both help Cincinnatians meet Israel through people, not headlines.

Hearing from someone who lives in Israel is different from reading about it. A student can ask a follow-up question. A guest can say, "Here is what that was like for me." That kind of exchange builds trust, and trust is what builds bridges.

To bring a shlicha or chaver m'Israel to your school, congregation, or group, contact the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.