Meet Eliana Pishett, UJIA and Jewish Agency’s new community shlicha.
Shlichut is often described as a mission, but for me it’s always felt like a natural extension of my life. Long before stepping into this position, I was shaped by the relationship between Israel and Jewish communities around the world and by a desire to help keep that relationship strong.
I was born in Israel to Australian parents who made aliyah in the 1990s and grew up in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. From an early age, I learned how to move between worlds with family both in Israel and across the globe. English was the language of home and family, while Hebrew filled my school days, youth movements, and everyday life.
I’m grateful to be the new UJIA and Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) community shlicha for the North, working with communities across Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Glasgow. In my short time here, I’ve already been struck by the warmth and openness of the people I’ve met and by the genuine interest in engaging with Israel in thoughtful and meaningful ways.
Looking ahead to the next couple of years, my goal is to create opportunities for learning, dialogue, and connection. This will include educational programming for teens, Israel-focused speakers and events, and opportunities for people of all ages to explore and strengthen their relationship with Israel. An important part of my work with UJIA will also be developing a platform for young professionals, creating spaces for networking, strengthening peer connections, and offering meaningful ways to engage with Jewish identity and Israel during this important stage of life. I also hope to be a resource for questions about Israel travel, gap year programmes, and aliyah.
At its heart, shlichut is about relationships. Listening as much as speaking and building trust over time. I’m excited to learn from the community and to see what we can build together. I’m thrilled to be here and if you see me around, please say shalom! I genuinely look forward to meeting you.
If you’d like to reach out, you’re very welcome to email me at eliana.pushett@ujia.org
