We are pleased to announce the addition of Deborah Peretz to our ZOA team in the role of Regional Director, Long Island. Deborah comes to us with twenty years of experience in the Jewish World, which includes work at the Hillel Foundation for Jewish Life on Campus at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where in addition to her work as Associate Director, led Birthright tours. She also worked as North American Director for the WUJS Institute, as well as educating youth and young adults throughout Long Island. Prior to this Deborah lived in Israel, where she had the honor of working for Amira Dotan, the first woman general in the IDF. In addition to her vast knowledge and devotion to Israel education, Deborah is an accomplished actress, having used her skills for medical training, as well as having been on television and in films produced in Israel.
Deborah will be working as part of the NY Metro team, led by Talya Messeri, National Director, Outreach and Engagement, and including Alan Jay, Executive Director, New Jersey. She will be working intensely on the Fall 2018 events including ZOA’s kickoff in September and the Gala in November, while outreaching to our Long Island community, including Queens and Brooklyn.
Deborah has always been a strong advocate on behalf of Israel, both in her professional and personal life. Often, she found herself standing alone in her beliefs. She is excited to be working at the ZOA, where she no longer has to be the lone voice in standing for truth, and can express her passion for the betterment of Israel.
She states, “For the first time in my professional career I don’t need to wonder how something I express is taken. I can stand in truth knowing that my position is fully backed by those around me, including those at the very top of the organization. That’s not called work. That’s called home. It is an honor and privilege to join the ZOA family, and help engage others in the quest for truth.”
We are thrilled to have Deborah on board, and look forward to having her outreach and engage our Long Island region, infusing it with new energy, programming and success.