My name is Ori Ben Itay, and I am the new Mazkira of Hashomer Hatzair USA. I'm currently a junior in university studying political science and sociology. Although I've only been in the movement for 3 years, I've found a deep connection to the ideology and direction of where we are headed.
In the last summer at Mosh Kaiytz I led the second mifkad esh as pictured. the full design was a moth with the words "לכו לאור" (go to the light) written below. Contradictory to the normal meaning of the phrase, what I was referring to are the natural cycles of light and darkness in life. Although we are in a dark time of the world, we have all the power to go towards the light and lead one another to a better future. I see my role in the year-round movement as helping shape our education and values and leading us to that goal.

Chazak ve'Ematz!

Lior, a third-generation Hashomer Hatzair member, now serves as the Central Shaliach of Hashomer Hatzair Youth Movement USA. Born on Kibbutz Amir and residing in Demarest, New Jersey, with partner Moran and children Alma and Uriya, Lior brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience. Formerly CEO of the Ramle Foundation for Education Culture and Development, he spearheaded urban projects fostering Jewish-Arab relations, education, culture, and welfare. Priort to this, as the CEO of T.A.R.A Consulting, he specialized in regulatory matters, crisis management, and social initiatives. Lior, a qualified lawyer, holds LLM and LLB degrees from Reichman University. He also served as a youth guide at Reut Democratic Boarding School, instilling Hashomer Hatzair values. A board member in multiple NGOs, Lior's diverse background encompasses strategic planning, public policy advocacy, and educational leadership.

Eden arrived in the United States in May 2023. She is originally from Kibbutz Hephzibah in Northern Israel - located near Mount Gilboa. With a background in community social education, she has spent an impressive 11 years working with various youth groups, both within her Kibbutz and across Israel. Eden loves animals and nature, and believes that the connection to nature and animals provides many educational opportunities. Eden’s enthusiasm for her role as a youth educator shines through in everything she does, as she considers education to be a mission and a beacon of hope for the future!

Iky has been a member of Hashomer Hatzair for more than a decade now. He first joined Hashomer in high school when he was living in Mexico City and went to Mosh twice in 2013 and 2014 as part of the hadracha. Iky made Aliyah in 2016 and quickly began working in peacebuilding initiatives and general political activism. Iky has significant experience in the realm of progressive Zionism and left wing politics, he became active through the Meretz political party and through Democrats Abroad Israel. Most recently, Iky worked at MEET – Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, where he was the USAID Compliance Officer and supported the organization in other roles related to fundraising and administration. Today he is coming back to the US in order to pursue a PhD in impact evaluation of the Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding field in addition to working with us. Iky is thrilled to come back to the movement that has been so important to him and is looking forward to advancing Hashomer Hatzair USA to new heights!