A Fond Farewell: Celebrating the Service of Our 2024-2025 ShinShinim

On June 5, 2025, host families, site supervisors, and friends gathered to say farewell to our 2024-2025 ShinShinim during an evening of food, laughter, and reminiscing. As the night went on, it became clear that the relationships this ShinShinim cohort had built with their host families and the greater San Diego community had evolved into mishpacha, a family formed through a year of service and shared experiences.

ShinShinim (Service-Year Shlichim) are Israeli high school graduates who serve Jewish communities worldwide prior to their mandatory army service. Organized by The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the program connects diaspora communities with young Israeli emissaries performing meaningful service. 

In San Diego, Jewish Federation partners with JAFI to bring nine ShinShinim from all over Israel each year, connecting them with over 20 local organizations, including synagogues, schools, youth movements, and agencies.

“The ShinShinim work throughout the year to bring Israel to San Diego and strengthen the connection between our community and Israel,” said Moy Arbitman, Federation’s Director of Israel & Global Peoplehood. “They are hosted by local families and fully immerse themselves in our community, forming deep connections that will last a lifetime.”

This sense of connection was evident during the farewell party, where gratitude poured in from both host families and Jewish organizations across San Diego, including the Lawrence Family JCC and San Diego Jewish Academy.

“The ShinShinim are one of the pillars of our community,” said Shifra Baltinester, San Diego ShinShinim Hub Coordinator, during the event’s closing remarks. “All nine of them were incredible at building relationships. Thank you to all the organizations who open your doors and allow our ShinShinim to bring Israel to your institutions.”

As the night unfolded, both the ShinShinim and their host families shared heartfelt sentiments about the experience.

“We want to say a big thank you to Federation for ensuring we felt heard and supported, and for giving us the space to experience and express ourselves,” said one ShinShin.

Another added, “To our host families, we want to take a moment to thank you for welcoming us into your homes, treating us like family, and making this experience unforgettable. Your warmth, kindness, and generosity have made us feel at home. You are our second family, and whenever you come to Israel, it’s our turn to host you.”

Thank you to our amazing 2024-2025 ShinShinim—Neta, Roei, Ayelet, Liel, Shani, Eden, Yuval, Neta, and Naama—for your dedication, passion, and the lasting impact you’ve made on our community.

Interested in becoming a host family or community partner for future ShinShinim? Contact Moy Arbitman, Director of Israel & Global Peoplehood, via email or (858) 737-7138.