Hi, my name is Osher Tachan and I was a Diller Teen Fellow in Eilat-Eilot, Cohort 3. That first year as a Fellow was an amazing experience for me - meeting new people from around the world, learning new things about Judaism, about my country, and about myself. It shaped me in a way that I never thought possible and I loved it so much that I continued to become a JC. During my year as JC I also applied to do a Shnat Sheirut (Year of Service) in Toronto through the Jewish Agency and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Being a JC, I got to make an impact on the lives of 20 teenagers, just as my life was impacted by the program. I had the chance to influence them and teach them the importance of the program. I was able to see their development and be a part of that amazing experience. 

The following year, I spent a year in Toronto as a UJA ShinShinit before the army. I worked with Diller Teen Fellows, Beth Shalom Synagogue, and Hillel at UofT and York University, getting the chance to talk about my journey with others and to learn about what it means to be Jewish outside of Israel. I was hosted by three families who took me in as their own and made sure that I got to have the best experience. The sense of community was amazing. 

When my year was finished, I went on to the army for two years and started school immediately after. In my first year in the army, I was a commander for soldiers who had just enlisted. Then I was in charge of outsiders entering our base.

The Jewish Agency started a new program for their alumni for university. Currently I am studying education and Jewish history at Haifa University, and as part of my program I am supposed to do a Shlichut again next year to work with Hillel. I can honestly say that none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for Diller. It brought me to where I am today and gave me the tools to reach my goals. 

If anyone would like to reach out, my email address is tachanosher@gmail.com and my name on Facebook is Osher Tachan!