BOG committee member Caryn Rosen Adelman gives the young chefs a
thumbs up on their sushi.

June 12, 2008 / 9 Sivan 5768

At the Jewish Agency's February 2008 Board of Governors meeting delegates enjoyed delicious hand-rolled sushi. However, it was not made by professional caterers. These sushi rolls were the product of participants in the Jewish Agency Chefs' Training Course for young new immigrants from Ethiopia.

The first Chefs' Training Course, developed in conjunction with Israel's Ministry of Industry and Trade, began in March, 2007 at the Amal Vocational Training College in Kfar Saba. Participants study for 18-24 months, and receive a full tuition scholarship and living expenses. The course instructors place tremendous emphasis on individual interaction with the students, and encourage them to utilize their personal potential. During their studies, the chefs-in-training live at the Jewish Agency's Absorption Center in Kfar Saba.

"Many of the program participants have been in Israel for barely more than a year, and still feel disoriented and uncertain of the new language and culture, and their place in society," says Arik Bernstein, social and cultural coordinator at the Kfar Saba Absorption Center. "The Chefs' course gives them special assistance and support to move forward and find their place in Israeli society."

Gil Karu, renowned chef and the culinary arts teacher, with the chefs-in-training.

Gil Karu, a renowned chef, is the culinary arts teacher. He was attracted to the program when he met the students and saw how shy they were, but how much they wanted to learn. He sees his work as not only teaching the students a profession, but giving them self-confidence and trust. "Some of these kids could have ended up on the streets with no direction," says Gil. "But they are making something of themselves and I am giving them the tools to do it. It's great."

The young chefs learn how to cook Italian, Moroccan and classic French cuisine, as well as pastry and most everyone's favorite, sushi. "I call it fine cuisine," says Gil. "Although the students come from a very different culinary culture, they love to learn new things."

Yoni Deyene, 27, who was born in Gondar, Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel when he was 11 years old, is the in-house counselor. He holds a BA in social services from Haifa University and says that he is fulfilling his dream to help newcomers from Ethiopia adjust to living in the "promised land."

"Many of the students come from families with financial difficulties who are also adjusting to living in Israel," says Yoni. "I am there for the students whenever they need me. I run activities for them, help them with their homework, translate sometimes, and assist them when they have difficulties. They look to me as friend and mentor."

Yoni believes that this course is much more than chef training – it is the stepping stone to their future. Here students get the confidence to move forward, go on to college studies, serve in the army, and be part of Israeli society. "I want them to believe in themselves," says Yoni, "and to know that they have the ability to make things happen in their lives."

Tuvia Tasmeh, 20, graduated from the course and now interns at Pappagaio, Israel's famous Brazilian Steak House. "The course was great," he says shyly. "I enjoy my job and didn't have any trouble getting it. I don't know where I would be today if I had not done the course."

All of the participants of the Chefs' Training Course are graduates of the Jewish Agency's year long Kedma Aleph program. Kedma is a Hebrew acronym for Promoting Personal Readiness; in both Amharic and Hebrew, the word means progression and advancement. The students learn Hebrew at a 10-month ulpan, and Israel and Jewish studies. They also learn English, math and computers in preparation for non-traditional vocational training. The Chefs' Course is part of the Kedma Bet program, a two-year program for passing the matriculation exams or completing vocational training.

Upon completing the course, the young chefs receive a professional certificate that is recognized by Israel's Ministry of Industry and Trade.