Yoni Avital is a Poconos and Berkshires Ramahnik who made aliyah in 2009. Why did he do so?

He was “seeking to live in an alternative culture to that of the U.S. The energy and livelihood of the people in Israel is something with which I identify more so than I do in the States. I spent a few years of my childhood living in Israel and since I returned to live in the States at a young age, I lost most of my Hebrew. Via camp, and more so with the connection to the mishlachat, I reconnected with the people, their unique energy, culture and language that simply felt more ‘me.’ Some of my closer friends here in Israel are both Israeli and American Ramah alumni. There is some unexplainable, magical, and deeper connection with these particular friends. Though I live in a kibbutz in the Galilee, there is a distinct and close-knit Tel-Aviv/Ramah ‘posse’ that has become a family, especially to those Americans who do not have a family here in Israel.”

What has Yoni been doing in Israel?

“Since I made aliyah, I started a music project known as The Shuk (www.the-shuk.com), which performs and teaches both in Israel and all across the world. Thus far we have been to over 14 countries worldwide, have produced two albums and cater to world music festivals, conferences, and private events across the globe.

I have also completed an International Executive MBA at the University of Haifa and am now the international director of one of Israel’s most prominent dance companies, the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company.”