Shlichim Spotlilght - Chen Nissan
Highlighting the Impactful Stories and Experiences of Our Former Israeli Emissaries
This month, we hear from Chen Nissan, a shlicha here between 2019 and 2021.
Hi Chen. Where are you these days?
These days, I live in Jerusalem; I’m a third-year student at Hebrew University. This year, I’ll be finishing my B.A. in Bible and Jewish Philosophy and starting my M.A. in The Jewish People’s History department, specifically the history of Middle Eastern Jews. I’m very passionate about this topic for my M.A. because I want to take on the mission of giving a voice to my family’s unheard story and the unheard history of more than 50% of the Israeli Jews in Israel.
For example, did you know that there are Middle Eastern Jewish intellectuals who also had a Zionist vision, just like Theodor Herzl? Their vision was different because they spoke Arabic and were a part of the Middle Eastern atmosphere and culture.
I believe their ideas can revive the Zionist movement, give us new direction, and some uniting principles. Especially these days when we’re so polarized and confused about what needs to happen with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
My passion for this field of research grew during the Shlichut through the “My Israeli Story” presentation I gave in South Bend. I decided to take it one step forward after I returned to Israel.
In addition, I’m also a Bible teacher for high school students, and it’s been a great experience so far. The Bible is an inexhaustible source of wisdom, and there’s a good reason why it’s the most popular book in the world.
Talk to us about October 7th. How did this tragic day impact you?
There is a big sadness for me since October 7th. The war has shaken my world completely. Many of my friends were fighting in Gaza. Thank G-d they are ok, but so many other soldiers lost their lives protecting us.
I have a friend, Inbar Haiman, who was kidnapped to Gaza from the Nova party and murdered by Hamas. We were praying every day for three months that she would return alive, and I was completely broken by the terrible news. She was such a kind-hearted person and a talented artist.
Inbar’s body is still in Gaza so her family hasn’t done a funeral or Shiva, and couldn’t even experience a “normal” process of grief. Together with Inbar, there are still 134 hostages who are being kept and tortured in Gaza, and must return home immediately. We must pray for it to happen.
In addition, my heart is also with all the Jews around the world who are experiencing antisemitism. It is sad and worrying to see how many of the social elite in the US, and especially in the universities, who are responsible for educating the young generation, have been captured by people who see the world in such an uncomplicated way, of oppressors and oppressed, and of course, the Jews are paying the price for their stupidity and evil.
I hope that the war will make the Jewish people realize more than before that we have one common destiny, and that we will unite together in our mission to bring good to the world.
I miss my South Bend community! I would love to hear from all of you, so don’t hesitate to send me a message on WhatsApp\Facebook! Also, if you come here for a visit, I would love to give you a tour around Jerusalem. I know the best Hummus places.
I’m sending you all a huge hug from Israel!
Chen Nissan
Interview conducted and written by
Omer Karavani
Israeli Emissary