I’m sitting down to write my final communication as Southern Arizona’s senior community shlicha, and I honestly can’t believe the time has come. It feels like only yesterday that Nitay and I arrived here, but looking back at everything we’ve been through together, it also feels like a whole lifetime.
When we first chose to come to Tucson, it felt so natural to us. Back when we signed our Ketubah at our wedding, we promised each other that we would always look for adventures that allow us to give back and grow. From the moment we saw the mountains and the saguaros, we felt at home. Some people say the mountains here look like Eilat, but for us, it was the warmth of the people that made us feel like we belonged from day one.
I arrived here with a big mission: to “re-open” the Shlichut after four years without an Israeli emissary in town. I was so lucky that the WIC leadership trusted me to build this bridge from scratch.
But as much as I planned for this role, nothing could have prepared any of us for the challenges of our new reality. When the world changed on October 7th, we didn’t have the “luxury” of a learning curve. We had to act in real-time, responding to the emergency needs of our community, both here and in Israel.
I will never forget October 9th. Standing in the Sculpture Garden with a thousand of you, feeling the shock and the pain together, I realized I was here for a reason. I saw the strength of this community and knew we were exactly where we were supposed to be.
Another turning point for me was a conversation I had during my first Halloween here. A friend asked if she should take down her Mezuzah because she was afraid. That moment changed me. It made me realize what it means to be a minority in the diaspora, and I knew my mission was to make sure every Jew here feels safe, proud, and connected to their own story.
Since that day, the connection between Tucson and Israel became more than just a job to me; it became a true Shlichut — a life mission.
I did my best to fulfill this mission by being a resource and an anchor in a sea of uncertainty. I started an “Ask Me Anything” tour all around town, meeting you all for the first time while I was still shaking. We brought real voices from home — October 7th survivors, community leaders, artists and professors — to share their personal stories with our community. We even had the honor of hosting IDF soldiers, creating personal bonds that I know will last.
This “living bridge” we built worked both ways, bringing Israel to Tucson, and Tucson to Israel. We successfully led two solidarity and volunteer community missions after October 7th, including our special Young Adult mission. Leading these trips to my homeland was one of the greatest honors of my life.
Looking back, I’m so proud of the foundations we’ve built for the future:
The WIC Strategy & Committee: We worked to write a long-term strategy that defines our vision and pillars, ensuring that our work meets real needs and continues for years to come. A huge part of that was re-establishing the WIC Volunteers Committee from scratch — a long process of building trust and real relationships with amazing community members. We also re-established the infrastructure to restart a Partnership with our Israeli region.
Empowering local organizations and educators: We established a professional forum of 25 educators from every Jewish organization in town. Every three months, we dove deep into how to teach about Israel during a war and how to handle the most difficult nuances. We also supported local organizations through micro-grants, partnerships, and lecture tours.
Having the remarkable Daniella Ironi join me this past year was a game- changer. Together, we’ve built a foundation for Israel education for our kids and teens, from the Tucson J and THA to BBYO and Sunday schools.
The highlights of my journey were our huge community events: the heartbreaking October 7th commemoration and Yom Hazikaron, when we stood together in shared loss — but also the incredible joy and pride of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Celebrating our culture through Sigd and Tu B’Av programs reminded us of the beautiful diversity of the Jewish people.
But beyond programs, events, and the strategy, it was always about the people. Nitay and I loved opening our home to host you for Shabbat dinners and holidays. We also enjoyed every holiday you invited us to be a part of in your homes. Those intimate moments, alongside our coffee dates, Cafe Ivrit, and Sip and Learn sessions, are where we became a real family.
All of this was only possible thanks to the deep partnerships and connection with all of you, and with the amazing local synagogues and organizations. Working side by side with community leaders to create spaces for healing and learning showed me the true power of a united community.
I would also like to thank the WIC leadership — Hava, Todd, and Jeff — and all our incredible lay leaders and volunteers. Thank you for trusting me and for walking this path with me every single day.
I am also so excited for Shay, the new Senior Shaliach who will be arriving this summer to join this wonderful community. I know you will welcome him with the same open hearts and warmth you gave us.
I wish I could thank every single colleague, Rabbi, director, and friend by name, but the list would be dozens of pages long. Thank you for opening your homes and your hearts with us. Thank you for your trust. Nitay and I are leaving a piece of our hearts here in the desert, taking back memories of the laughter and tears we shared.
Each one of you has become a dear friend to us. Please always remember that now you have at least two more family members in Israel when you come to visit.
Thank you, Tucson, for everything.
With love and gratitude,
Yuval & Nitay
