Three Israeli high school students from MetroWest’s sister city of Rishon LeZion are spending a year as volunteers bringing an Israeli presence to local public and Jewish schools, JCCs, and synagogues. The young emissaries are participants in the Rishonim Program, now in its second year, of the Legow Family Israel Program Center (IPC) of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ.

The three Israeli students have varied backgrounds, but have all made a significant contribution to their community, served as youth leaders, and have a strong connection to Judaism, Israel, and Zionism.

Lilach Malka studied in a religious high school and recently began training for her army service. She served as a guide for deaf children at the Ramat Eliahu community center. Among other activities, she was a member of the Elizur swim team and of a drama group that has performed in two of the city’s major performing arts centers.

Inbal Bistry majored in physics and chemistry at Amit-Amal High School. She loves working with people and is a guide in the Young Diplomats, a group that focuses on Zionism, national and religious identity, and developing leadership skills. Inbal is very fond of music, literature, the arts, and nature.

Dana Bittan studied biotechnology at Gimnasia Realit High School and is the former president of the Parliament Hanoar (the local youth parliament). She has worked to improve the quality of life for teenagers in her city. She enjoys traveling with her family and has also attended the Oxford summer school and an international youth meeting in Munich.

The Rishonim program is only one of many ways in which IPC works to strengthen the living bridge that connects MetroWest and Israel. Throughout the year, it offers cultural and educational programs; aliya information, and trips to Israel for teens, college students, and adults. For more information, contact the Israel Program Center at 973/929-3070 or .