Avi grew up in Los Angeles California. He was an active part of both his local and regional USY. After high school he went on USCJ's gap year program NATIV, which gave him his first foray into an international landscape. It was from there that he staffed 3 summers of USY on Wheels and Pilgrimage. It was no coincidence that it was in Israel that he met his future wife Keren. Thankfully their relationship brought him to the East Coast and connected with METNY for his first ever Encampment in 2012. 

 

Keren grew up in New Jersey and was an active participant in USY on the chapter, regional and international level as early as they would allow her! After participating in all programs such as conventions, encampments, wheels and pilgrimage, she then went on to spend a fantastic year on NATIV. Keren continued her dedication to USY by staffing three summers on USY Israel pilgrimage. Surprise surprise, pilgrimage is what brought Avi and Keren together.

 

This began the magical METNY connection that has flourished over the past decade. Serving as counselors, educators, curriculum writers, chapter directors, and mentors, Avi and Keren have worked with over a 1000 teens and staff and made METNY their home. There is no better feeling than enabling Jewish teens to grow and learn through USY (and come on who can say no to Bruce Varon!). Keren is currently a practicing pediatric occupational therapist in a long term care facility and Avi is the Director of the Waxman High School in Great Neck. They are the proud parents to their twin daughters who have already experienced the beauty of METNY USY. We cannot wait to continue creating beautiful memories with them and our USY family.