Home / All Blogs / Israel Experiences

Documenting Otzma

By Jonathan Miniello on 06/07/2013 @ 11:06 AM

In October 2012, Miami native Jonathan Miniello, 24, embarked on a special journey to Israel with Otzma, a 10-month program designed to immerse participants in the day-to-day, real life of Israel, as they volunteer and intern in different communities. Miniello documented his time in Israel in a video series that he describes below. Support from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation makes Masa Israel-affiliated programs, like Otzma, possible. Click here for more information on Israel programs and experiences.


Otzma has been a truly unique and multifaceted experience.

We move from city to city and from adventure to adventure. I decided to join the Israeli Media Fellowship project to boost my Israel experience and was given a creative project to complete. I had to make a video series describing my journey.

I made two videos: one about the Building Future Leaders Conference and my time in Jerusalem; and another about my time volunteering in Haifa.

I tried to create the videos for two purposes: First, to serve as a souvenir for me and my friends, but also to tell a tale. I hope you all enjoy seeing Israel through my eyes.

Click here to watch a video about the Building Future Leaders Conference and my experience in Jerusalem.

Click here to watch a video about volunteering in Haifa.

A Passover Mitzvah

A Passover Mitzvah

The Saul Schottenstein Foundation is helping individuals and families in our Jewish community facing food insecurity by providing grocery gift cards prior to Passover.

Read More

The Annual Meeting Will Award Six Leaders

The Annual Meeting Will Award Six Leaders

Join your Jewish community on Thursday, May 30 for the 86th Annual Meeting of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation at 5:30 p.m. to recognize Federation Chair of the Board Ariel Bentata for his leadership, dedication and concern for the welfare of the Jewish people.

Read More

Yom HaShoah Commemoration

Yom HaShoah Commemoration

Join your community in observance of Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day — on Sunday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

Read More

Passover for the Whole Family

Passover for the Whole Family

Dedicated to making Jewish holidays and traditions meaningful and accessible, Federation is sharing a number of resources that families can use this Passover.

Read More

Stay in Touch

Receive news about Greater Miami Jewish Federation events and more.