For Stav, 25, being a Jewish Agency Shlichah (Israeli emissary) in Maryland was a full-circle type of coming home. Stav was born in Maryland when her parents served as Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) at the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. but her family returned to Israel when she was about a year old.
After growing up on a moshav in Avihayil, north of Tel Aviv, Stav served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for four years as a combat officer. Once discharged, she wanted to serve her country in another way, feeling she had more to do and give outside the IDF. When she heard about The Jewish Agency’s Shlichut (Israeli emissary service) program, she knew she had to apply and requested to be sent to a Maryland community, so she could come back and create her own memories there.
Every year, The Jewish Agency for Israel sends hundreds of Shlichim to Jewish communities worldwide to work in schools, JCCs, Hillels, summer camps and other local Jewish organizations. Shlichim act as an authentic living bridge to Israel, building lasting personal relationships and spreading an appreciation for Israeli and Jewish culture.
Since arriving in Maryland in August 2023, Stav has served as the Shlichah at the Howard County Federation, facilitating cooking classes, hosting movie nights with Israeli films, giving lectures about Israel, and more. In her spare time, she’s also earned her pilot’s license, having discovered flying as a hobby.
“I love this community and came here to show them the whole Israel, in all its diversity. It’s important to me not just to bring them MY Israel, but Israel as a whole,” stated Stav. “I’m opening people’s minds and doing a lot without getting political, focusing more on unity.”
Just a few months into her Shlichut, the October 7 attacks in Israel occurred, changing Stav’s emissary experience.
“In my Shlichut, I used to be more focused on connecting the community to Israel, and now, the priority is really to talk about Israel, to answer questions about it, and be a source of information,” explained Stav. “October 7 really affected me; I was discharged from the IDF less than a year before the attacks, and my first thought was ‘Should I go back to serve in the reserves?” but then I also considered that what I’m doing here is important too.”
In October 2024, Stav helped organize a one-year commemoration for October 7 in the community with a moving exhibit of artwork and various speakers.
“That event was so important and powerful, it was exactly what the community needed: so they could cry, hug each other, be there for each other, to have hope,” Stav shared. “Now as a Shlichah, I’m trying to make even more of an impact and support the community as they have come together to support Israel. Because I lost friends on October 7 and I am here to honor them and do everything I can to help Israel, even from afar.”
