Samantha Vinokor

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Nov 18, 2013, 9:58 AM

A Few Streets and a World Away

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate on an Encounter trip to East Jerusalem. Encounter is an organization that brings North American Jewish leaders to Palestinian areas, with the goal of exposing members of the Jewish community to Palestinian perspectives...

Nov 11, 2013, 9:53 PM

PSA to the Men of Jerusalem

Men of Jerusalem, I'd like to give all of you the benefit of the doubt. I'm going to assume that you don't realize what your actions do to women, how they make us feel, and the impact that they...

Oct 3, 2013, 9:31 AM

Reality Check: Aliyah is Hard

I have been in love with Israel for as long as I can remember. I lived for summer trips here, found ways to visit as often as I could, and spent my time in America reading about Israel and...

Aug 29, 2013, 3:58 PM

Standing My Ground In the Gas Mask Line

I'm no stranger to crowds. I've waited for the subway in rush hour in Midtown Manhattan, been in the center of Superbowl victory parties that turned into riots in Pittsburgh, and battled the crowds at Mahane Yehuda every Friday...

Aug 21, 2013, 1:43 PM

The Corner of My Happiness

Disclaimers: 1. I am fully aware that what I am about to write is the epitome of a first-world problem, and I accept that. 2. I am also aware the Tel Aviv has more coffee shops than I could visit in...

Nov 16, 2012, 6:35 PM

As Israel dominates the media, occupies 100% of my Facebook and Twitter feeds, and is the topic of countless conversations, all of them center around an Israel of conflict, of fear, of terror. It's not my Israel. My Israel is...

Nov 12, 2012, 6:36 AM

Zionism at the GA

As the first day of the General Assembly of United Jewish Federations of North America comes to a close, I'm feeling many things. Tired. Invigorated. Excited. Impressed. Overwhelmed. Having arrived in Baltimore early this morning, I've spent all day wearing two...

Jun 6, 2012, 11:44 PM

Embracing the Bubble

There's no feeling in the world like landing in Israel. Anyone who has had the experience can attest to that. From the time that you board the flight, there's a feeling of community and a sense of family. Your...

Feb 29, 2012, 11:22 AM

Seeing Israel Through New Eyes

From a time before I can remember, I had a clear picture of Israel in my head. It was the home of many of my relatives, a place full of beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and amazing food. It was,...

Feb 25, 2012, 5:14 AM

Diaspora Zionism

I am a Zionist. I say this proudly, as identifying as a supporter of the Jewish right to a free and independent state in the land of Israel is of the utmost importance to me. My connection with Israel...

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About Me

Samantha Vinokor is the Director of Marketing and Recruitment for Budokan Israel, a Masa program specializing in Martial Arts and Fitness. She is also pursuing a Masters in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Samantha is a recent olah chadasha. More about her freelance work, experiential education initiatives, and blogging can be found at samanthavinokor.weebly.com.