OUR TEAM
Meet the PJF board members
Our Federation board is comprised of highly dedicated volunteers who work to make sure the mission of the Federation is achieved.
Cindy Gross
President
Nichole Friedland
Treasurer
Julie Kandel-Pogue
Secretary
Kate Lollar
Lori Ripps
Steve Rome
David Goldberg
OUR SHLICHA
YARDEN SHIRI
Israeli Emissery
Shalom, my name is Yarden Shiri, I live in Ashkelon.
I studied at a secular school and majored in theater, Physics and Computer Science.
After high school I was drafted to the IDF, where I served two years as a programmer in the
Israeli Intelligence Corps.
my military service was a very empowering experience for me and I got to meet amazing
people.
During my military service I started a degree in computer science but I felt like I need to do
something more meaningful that will make me really happy, so I decided to go to Shlichut, it
seemed like a great way To influence and change what bothers me and especially to bring
Israel as I see it to you.
During high school I participated in the Diller Fellows Program,which is a leadership program
that invites a select group of students to lead their communities and fix the world, It was
there that I first discovered my interest in these topics
The theater is also a big part of my life, I'm an actress at the Ashkelon municipal theater, In
the theater we staged original productions on social issues (such as bullying, drunk driving
and more),the productions are based on our personal stories and we perform in front of
students from all the schools in the area.
In addition to acting, I guide the children's group in the theater.
In my free time I like to dive, dance, draw , do sports or just sit on the beach
I feel that the Shlichut here in Pensacola, is an amazing opportunity for me to learn, grow
and meet new people I hope I could bring Israel to you and make the community feel a
strong connection, I also have a lot more to learn about Israel so I hope we can do it
together.
can't wait to meet you all, I'm excited to be a part of the community
