Naama Amiel Berkman

Naama Amiel is the Jewish Agency for Israel’s shlichah, emissary, at both the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood and the Riverdale Y.

When Naama was in eleventh grade, she was a counselor in a Jewish summer camp through the Israel Scouts, and she realized the importance of telling Israel’s story. She’s now looking forward to connecting with our community to continue this journey.

Before serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Naama was a “big sister” to children who had been removed from their homes by court order at the Ahava Boarding School. While in the IDF, Naama served for three years as an officer in charge of social and economic conditions of soldiers in the elite Givati unit.

Naama earned her bachelor’s degree in speech therapy, and recently worked as an office manager and executive assistant to the CEO at a solar energy start-up. She is newly married to Shay, and they’re excited to be part of the Northern Manhattan community during this time. When in Israel, they live with their dog, Rin in Nir Tzvi, a moshav.

I really want to get to know the Jewish and Israeli community here at Riverdale and would like to meet, for a cup of coffee and a conversion or any time. So you are more than welcome to reach out 🙂