From the classroom to the frontlines of medical innovation — helping transform lives through medical industrial design.

From Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter to National Television —reflects determination, courage, and the power of opportunity.

From a small farming community in northern Israel to becoming one of the country’s leading voices in optometry

From one of the first Haredi students at JMC to a career at some of the world's leading technology companies

From the classrooms of Jerusalem to the front lines of global history — one of the world’s leading photojournalists.

From high school dropout to psychology researcher, IDF officer, and entrepreneur — JMC alumnus Effi Kolatch’s journey reflects resilience, determination, and transformation.

Raised in Jerusalem’s Har Nof neighborhood, Effi left home at age 15 and spent several years outside traditional educational and family frameworks. During that difficult period, he supported himself through work in Jerusalem’s Old City while coping with significant personal challenges.

Despite the instability, Effi developed a deep interest in psychology and mental health, eventually pursuing studies in physical training and nutrition at the Wingate Institute. But at age 25, he made a life-changing decision: to return to formal education, complete his bagrut exams, and enroll at the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC).

At JMC, Effi studied psychology and participated in the President’s Program, an experience that helped him build confidence and find his place in academia.

Since graduating in 2022, Effi has continued to break barriers. Following the events of October 7, he returned after living abroad, and began a master’s degree in psychology focused on screen and technology addiction, and is now preparing to pursue a doctorate.

At the same time, he enlisted in the IDF through the Shlav Bet program for older recruits, completed Officer’s Course, and today serves as a captain (סרן) with more than 250 days of reserve duty. As a platoon commander (מ"מ), Effi also helped develop and expand frameworks that open the door for more Chareidi men to serve in the IDF through the Shlav Bet initiative — creating pathways for broader integration into military service.

We are proud to spotlight Effi Kolatch — a member of the JMC alumni community whose story demonstrates the power of perseverance, education, and leadership.

From student intern to senior healthcare spokesperson — JMC alumnus Matan Paull has been making an impact from the very beginning of his career.

While studying Politics and Communication at the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC), Matan quickly distinguished himself through initiative, professionalism, and leadership. During his studies, he secured a competitive internship with Israel’s Health Ministry and was selected to join an Israeli delegation to Ukraine, where he served as spokesman for an Israeli field hospital — a responsibility rarely entrusted to a student.

Matan also played a role in advancing a policy change that allowed parents to bring children to Tipat Halav clinics for vaccinations without needing an advance appointment, helping improve access to essential healthcare services for families across Israel.

He chose JMC for its intimate learning environment and practical, hands-on approach to education — an experience that prepared him directly for the fast-paced world of public policy and communications.

Today, Matan serves as Deputy Spokesman at Shaarei Tzedek Medical Center and also holds a master’s degree with honors in Public Policy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

We are proud to spotlight Matan Paull — a member of the JMC alumni community whose career reflects leadership, public service, and real-world impact.

JMC alumnus Achiya Elfi is building a life centered around service, education, and helping others find their path.

A 2024 graduate in Psychology from the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC), Achiya is currently serving in reserve duty as a fighter in the Combat Engineering Corps while simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Psychology.

Originally from Jerusalem, he studied at a Hesder Yeshiva in Maalot and later worked as a counselor in a pre-army preparatory program through Bnei Akiva. Alongside his academic and military commitments, he is also a yoga instructor who operates his own studio — even teaching yoga sessions to fellow soldiers during reserve duty.

After graduation, Achiya chose to move to Kibbutz Sufa in the Gaza Envelope and hopes to complete his practicum working with communities in Shaar HaNegev. His long-term goal is to integrate yoga and educational psychology to help young people navigate personal challenges and develop resilience.

He also dreams of opening a center for youth struggling with gender identity, creating a supportive environment for young people going through difficult journeys and searching for belonging and direction.

When reflecting on why he chose JMC, Achiya explains that he was looking for a more personal and practical academic experience — one focused not only on research, but on preparing students for meaningful work in the real world.

“At JMC, I felt seen,” he says. “The College pushed me to work hard, develop my abilities, and become involved.”

We are proud to spotlight Achiya — a member of the JMC alumni community whose path reflects compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others.

From a Traditional Haredi Upbringing to Public Leadership — JMC alumna Elisheva Lieberman’s journey reflects curiosity, courage, and the transformative power of education.

Growing up in a traditional Haredi family in Jerusalem, Elisheva never imagined higher education would be part of her future. Curious about opportunities beyond the life she knew, she quietly registered for a seminar about academic pathways for Haredi women.

There, she discovered the newly opened Strauss Campus of the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC). Inspired by the opportunity to pursue a degree in an environment aligned with her values, Elisheva joined the campus’s first preparatory cohort and later earned her degree in Management.

During her studies, she was introduced for the first time to the worlds of business and innovation. “It was like discovering another language,” she recalls, “and realizing I wanted to speak it fluently.”

After graduating in 2017, Elisheva earned a master’s degree from Hebrew University and spent seven years at the Prime Minister’s Office advancing economic opportunities within the Haredi community.

“The opportunities I found through Strauss,” she says, “I wanted to make accessible to others.”

Today, Elisheva serves in a managerial role at the Ministry of Welfare, helping improve government systems and public services across Israel.

We are proud to spotlight Elisheva Lieberman — a member of the JMC alumni community whose story reflects leadership, determination, and the impact of opening doors to new possibilities.

For Kfir Shabo, earning a degree was never simply a personal achievement—it was an opportunity to create meaningful change. A first-generation college graduate, Kfir began his studies in Health Management Systems at the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC) at age 38, balancing family life, a full-time career, and the demands of returning to the classroom after many years away from formal education.

Before enrolling at JMC, Kfir had spent more than a decade working at Hadassah Medical Center, where he advanced from washing surgical instruments to serving as Head of Logistics for the Surgery Department. Although he had once attempted higher education, he left his studies midway, feeling that the environment was not the right fit. Years later, encouraged by his director at Hadassah, he decided to try again. The path was far from easy. He spent a full year studying with private tutors in mathematics and English to meet admission requirements and persisted even after falling short of the required scores. Determined not to give up, he requested a meeting with the department head, who ultimately gave him the opportunity to prove himself.

The transition back to student life was challenging. As a husband, father, and working professional, Kfir was often more than fifteen years older than his classmates and initially struggled to find his place academically and socially. Support from JMC’s Mercaz Etgarim proved transformative, providing tutoring, guidance, and the confidence that he had a community invested in his success.

Kfir credits his studies with giving him the tools to view healthcare through a new lens. Since graduating, he has led initiatives and projects that have saved Israel’s healthcare system millions of shekels. His proudest accomplishment began as his final project, which focused on improving operating room efficiency at Hadassah. Through extensive observation and data-driven analysis, he developed recommendations that were embraced by hospital leadership and helped optimize processes in one of the medical center’s most complex environments.

What stands out most when speaking with Kfir is his deep gratitude—to his family, his colleagues, and especially to JMC. He speaks passionately about the support he received throughout his journey and remains committed to giving back. His guiding question is simple: “How can I influence the world for good?”

His advice to current students reflects his practical approach to both learning and leadership: “The material may seem theoretical, but what you learn in class is exactly what you will encounter in the field. Learn it well, and never stop taking notes. Opportunities to learn are everywhere.”

We are proud to spotlight Kfir Shabo—a member of the JMC alumni community whose perseverance, gratitude, and commitment to improving healthcare continue to make a lasting impact.

From uncertainty to leadership and impact — JMC alumnus Mahmoud Zayyad represents a journey of determination, growth, and community engagement.

A 2025 graduate of the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC), Mahmoud arrived at the College after a year spent working as a street cleaner in Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, often passing by JMC without imagining he would one day study there. 

“I came in with no clear plan or direction,” he says, “but JMC helped me discover my potential.”

Today, at just 24 years old, Mahmoud is deeply involved in the JMC community in multiple roles — serving as a coordinator for first-year students, working with the Hebrew program, and supporting students in his academic department, Health Management Systems. Alongside this, he coordinates “Ma’ayan Bamidbar,” a Jewish-Arab coexistence scholarship program, and recently received a Social Impact Award for his leadership and community engagement.

One moment that stands out in his journey is the Dean’s List recognition ceremony, which he remembers as a defining experience of belonging and achievement. Coming from a family with no prior academic background, Mahmoud describes strong family support as a key factor in his success, even when his path was unfamiliar within his broader community.

Not everyone around him initially supported his academic direction, but Mahmoud has remained committed to building bridges. “I try to be a bridge,” he says, reflecting on his role in fostering connection and understanding across communities.

A top student, mentor, and educator, Mahmoud is now considering pursuing a master’s degree and possibly a future in academia. “I’ve found I have a talent for teaching,” he shares, “and I want to stay part of this community and keep giving back.”

We are proud to spotlight Mahmoud — a member of the JMC alumni community whose journey reflects resilience, leadership, and the power of education to open new paths.

From transforming neglected public spaces into thriving community gardens to empowering thousands of residents to take ownership of their environment, JMC alumnus Gadi has helped reshape the relationship between Jerusalem’s people and the land beneath their feet.

A lifelong Jerusalem resident and son of French immigrants, Gadi always felt drawn to nature and the environment. At JMC, he found the combination he had been looking for: rigorous academic study alongside meaningful hands-on experience.

Through a scholarship program that included volunteer service, Gadi began working at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, gaining practical exposure to plant science while studying Environmental Quality Sciences. He credits JMC with providing the framework that allowed him to combine classroom learning with real-world environmental work. During his studies, he completed an intensive final project in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Health, researching mosquitoes and the diseases they carry through laboratory-based ecological research.

Following graduation, and after reserve duty during Operation Protective Edge, Gadi joined the Jerusalem Municipality, where he saw an opportunity to transform one of the city’s most overlooked areas of public life: community gardens. Over the past twelve years, he has helped lead a dramatic expansion of urban gardening throughout Jerusalem. When he began, the city had roughly 20 community gardens; today there are more than 50, spanning over 100 dunams of public land.

Never content to stop learning, Gadi has continually expanded his expertise through professional training in horticulture, irrigation, greenhouse construction, and arboriculture. He established a municipal nursery and greenhouse, developed educational programming at the Nature Museum’s community garden, and is currently working to create a seed bank that will support community gardens throughout Jerusalem.

Today, as Agriculture Coordinator in the Jerusalem Municipality’s Community Gardens and Social Sustainability Unit, Gadi helps residents turn public spaces into vibrant centers of community life. He is particularly proud of the culture change he has helped create—one in which Jerusalem residents invest nearly 80,000 volunteer hours each month by caring for shared green spaces.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University, Gadi remains guided by a simple philosophy: meaningful change begins locally. Through his work, he has shown how environmental stewardship can strengthen communities, connect people to the land, and leave a lasting impact on an entire city.

We are proud to spotlight Gadi — a member of the JMC alumni community whose vision, initiative, and dedication have helped make Jerusalem greener, stronger, and more connected.

From counseling at-risk youth to supporting soldiers in crisis, JMC alumnus David Cohen has built a career dedicated to helping others.

Raised in a traditional Haredi family in Jerusalem, David spent his early adult years studying in yeshiva before discovering a passion for social work. He began working with at-risk youth, eventually becoming a coordinator and supervisor, and later returned to the yeshiva world as a counselor for students facing personal challenges.

Recognizing that he needed professional training to better support those he served, David enrolled in the Social Work program at the Strauss Campus of the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC), where he was able to pursue an academic degree in a fully Haredi learning environment while continuing to work.

Following the events of October 7, 2023, David felt called to contribute to Israel’s wartime response. Drawing on both his professional training and the encouragement of a former JMC lecturer, he joined the IDF welfare corps and began supporting soldiers coping with trauma and personal crises.

Today, David oversees welfare and mental health services for several IDF battalions. He credits his education at Strauss with providing the skills and foundation that made his career possible.  “Actually,” he says, “everything I do today is connected to what I learned at Strauss.”

We are proud to spotlight David Cohen — a member of the JMC alumni community whose career reflects compassion, service, and a commitment to strengthening Israeli society.

From environmental microbiology research to pharmaceutical innovation, JMC alumnus Bini Shemer has built a career applying science to real-world challenges.

Bini initially began studying computer engineering at a university but quickly realized it was not the right fit. Looking for a more personal and supportive academic environment, he transferred to the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC) and enrolled in the Environmental Quality Sciences program.

What drew him to JMC was its close-knit atmosphere. Small classes, accessible faculty, and strong relationships between students and professors created an environment where he could thrive academically. It was also at JMC that he discovered his passion for microbiology and its practical applications in everyday life, from environmental protection to medicine.

After earning his bachelor's degree in 2013, Bini continued on to master's and doctoral studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His research focused on developing biological sensors capable of detecting explosives in soil, with potential applications in landmine detection as well as agriculture and environmental monitoring. Supported by grants from the Israeli and U.S. Ministries of Defense, the project ultimately reached the proof-of-concept stage and was successfully tested in collaboration with the Israeli military.

Bini considers this work his proudest professional achievement. Through years of research, he played a key role in advancing the project from an academic concept to a technology that demonstrated real-world feasibility.

Today, Bini works in Israel's pharmaceutical industry, developing advanced bioprocesses used in the production of medicines, including treatments used in IVF procedures. He also leads projects focused on developing new analytical methods and process-monitoring technologies that help improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.

Bini credits JMC with giving him the scientific foundation that made his later achievements possible. The rigorous training he received in biology, chemistry, and laboratory sciences prepared him to succeed in advanced academic research and eventually transition into a highly specialized scientific career.

One of the biggest challenges he faced was moving from undergraduate studies into the demanding world of professional research. "You learn very quickly that failure is part of the process," he says. "You have to keep working and keep moving forward."

His advice to current students is simple: don't be discouraged by setbacks. Academic and professional success rarely come without obstacles, but persistence and determination can carry you through them.

Today, Bini remains in touch with faculty members and fellow alumni from his time at JMC, maintaining the connections that first made the college feel like home.

We are proud to spotlight Bini Shemer—a member of the JMC alumni community.

From pioneering cancer research to leading his own laboratory, JMC alumnus Tal Hadad-Erlich has built a career dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing new approaches to treating disease.

Tal's path to academia was not a conventional one. After completing his military service, he learned about JMC's Biotechnology program through friends and enrolled despite initially viewing it as a stepping stone to a university degree. Instead, he found an academic environment that would shape the course of his career.

At JMC, Tal received a strong foundation in both scientific theory and hands-on laboratory work.  After graduating in 2008, Tal continued directly to doctoral studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he conducted research on cancer and allergic diseases. He later completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Israel and collaborated with researchers at Harvard Medical School, spending time in Boston as part of an international research partnership that he considers one of the highlights of his career.

Today, Tal is a researcher and faculty member at Ariel University, where he leads a laboratory focused on cancer immunotherapy and melanoma research. His work explores how the immune system can be harnessed to fight cancer and includes the development of potential new treatments for Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN), a rare condition affecting children for which surgery is currently the primary treatment option. He also investigates how immune-cell metabolism influences the body's ability to combat cancer, with the goal of developing more effective therapies.

In addition to his research, Tal mentors the next generation of scientists, supervising doctoral students and teaching university courses. Notably, he was the first graduate of JMC's Biotechnology program to earn a doctorate and establish his own research laboratory.

Tal believes the foundation he received at JMC played a crucial role in his success. "When I began my graduate studies, I already knew how to work in a laboratory," he says. "The college gave me a strong scientific base and taught me how to learn, research, and think like a scientist."

The close relationships he built during his years at JMC remain important to him today. He is still in regular contact with classmates from his cohort, and one of those connections became especially meaningful—he met his wife, a Medical Laboratory Sciences student, while studying at the college.

His advice to current students is to take full advantage of the faculty's accessibility and commitment to teaching. "The professors are deeply invested in their students' success," he says. "That personal attention can make a tremendous difference in your education."

We are proud to spotlight Tal Hadad-Erlich—a member of the JMC alumni community whose career reflects scientific excellence, academic leadership, and a commitment to improving lives through research.

From student clinician to mentor of the next generation of speech and language therapists, JMC alumna Rotem Keller has built a career dedicated to helping children reach their potential—and helping future professionals do the same.

Drawn by her love of working with children and her desire to pursue a therapeutic profession, Rotem discovered the Communication Disorders program during an open house at JMC. The focus and style of the program immediately resonated with her.

Her talent and dedication quickly became evident. During her final year as a student, she was already working alongside the head of the department, gaining valuable professional experience before graduation.

After earning her degree in 2019, Rotem joined the Child Development Center of Meuhedet Health Services, where she worked with children and families while continuing to maintain ties with JMC. She remained active in the college's clinic and served as a teaching assistant, helping support students as they developed their clinical skills.

Four years ago, she returned to JMC's on-campus clinic in a new role—this time not as a student, but as a clinical instructor and mentor. Today, in addition to her work in the clinic, she works directly with students, guiding them through the transition from classroom learning to professional practice.

Today, Rotem considers mentoring students her proudest accomplishment. "Seeing students grow from their first clinical experiences into confident professionals is incredibly rewarding," she says. "Watching that transformation and knowing you played a part in it is a special feeling."

Her advice to current students is simple: appreciate the opportunities the field provides and don't be afraid to make mistakes. "When you truly love what you do, the children and families you work with feel it," she says. "That connection is what allows real progress to happen. And mistakes are part of the learning process—they help us become better professionals."

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue developing professionally and pursue a master's degree in the future.

We are proud to spotlight Rotem Keller, a member of the JMC alumni community.

JMC alumnus Shany Zellman Mayost has built a career defined by an extraordinary ability to connect with people from every background and walk of life.

Before beginning his studies at the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC), Shany served in the Israeli Air Force, where he discovered that his true passion was working with people. As he considered his future, he turned to his grandmother for advice. She suggested following in the footsteps of his grandfather, a speech and language pathologist—a conversation that ultimately set him on his professional path.

Shany chose JMC because it offered the Communication Disorders program he was looking for close to home. During his studies, he began working in the field while simultaneously pursuing his master’s degree, gaining valuable hands-on experience alongside his academic training.

Today, Shany's professional life spans an unusually diverse range of settings. He works with the Ministries of Education, Health, and Social Services, and maintains a private practice.  His ability to build trust and meaningful relationships with people—regardless of their age, background, or challenges—has enabled him to make an impact across multiple sectors at the same time.

Among the lessons he carries with him from JMC is a structured approach to self-reflection that continues to guide his work. He also remains in close contact with faculty members and classmates, many of whom have become professional collaborators and lifelong friends.

His advice to today’s students is simple: “Follow your heart and your real desires.”

We are proud to spotlight Shany Zellman Mayost, whose career reflects the versatility, compassion, and human connection at the heart of the communication disorders profession.

From startup builder to AI entrepreneur — JMC alumnus Elran Bor has turned technological innovation into a platform for building companies, teams, and a life centered on what matters most: family.

For JMC alumnus Elran Bor, professional success has never been the ultimate goal — it has been the means to build the life that matters most to him. “What I’m most proud of,” he says, “is my family. I have two children, and another on the way. Everything else is secondary.”

That perspective has accompanied him throughout an impressive career at the forefront of Israel’s startup and AI ecosystem. Since graduating from the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC) in 2016, Elran has helped build and scale multiple successful tech companies, serving in senior product leadership roles and contributing to several major acquisitions along the way.

After completing his military service at a relatively late age, Elran knew he needed a program that would allow him to study while simultaneously gaining professional experience. He found that flexibility and support at JMC. While earning his degree in Computer Science, he was already working on startups and developing practical industry experience alongside his studies.

Today, Elran is a founder and VP of Product at Cutonce.ai, continuing to work at the intersection of entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence — a field he finds especially exciting because of the opportunity to build something entirely from the ground up.

“What I love most is building things,” he says. “Building a team, building a product, taking something from idea to reality.”

Although he entered Computer Science largely because of the entrepreneurial opportunities it offered, he says the degree itself gave him far more than technical knowledge. “The field is constantly changing,” he explains, “but the studies gave me a strong foundation — in algorithms, systems thinking, and understanding how things work from the ground up.”

Elran’s advice to students is deeply practical: combine academic studies with hands-on experience, personal projects, and real-world initiative. For him, professional growth never came from the classroom alone, but from applying what he was learning in real time — working at startups, building products, and gaining practical experience alongside his studies.  

JMC is proud to spotlight Elran as a member of its alumni community whose story reflects not only innovation and entrepreneurial achievement, but also a broader vision of success: building a fulfilling life grounded in family, purpose, and continued growth.

From a first-generation student who didn’t speak Hebrew to an ALS researcher at Hadassah Ein Kerem — JMC alumna Lina Afad-al Taim has built her career on perseverance.

Lina grew up in Shuafat, the eldest of five children and the first in her family to pursue higher education. When her test scores fell short of Hebrew University’s requirements, she didn’t give up on her dream of academia. Instead, she turned to JMC’s pre-academic preparatory program (mechina), where she began learning Hebrew from scratch. The teachers, she recalls, were fantastic and helped her every step of the way.

JMC took a chance on Lina, recognized her potential, and she made the most of it. Drawn to the world of biology, she went on to study Biotechnology and was an honors student all three years. The first semester was especially challenging, as she navigated a new language and culture, along with the disruption of COVID-19. Her solution was to take careful notes and write a summary of every lesson. During her studies, she also worked for six months at the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Lina’s strong foundation at JMC opened the door to the next step. Upon graduation, the head of her department wrote a letter to the Weizmann Institute on her behalf, and she was accepted to its two-year master’s program in Biology, with a focus on Immunology. Having already built a solid base in her field, in a warm and supportive environment, she describes the transition as a natural one.

Today, Lina works in clinical research at Hadassah Ein Kerem, where she focuses on ALS research, among other areas. Her work helps pharmaceutical companies develop more effective medicines, making a difference in the lives of patients today and in the future. Her dream is to continue building her career in the biotech industry.

Looking back, Lina is most proud of learning Hebrew and completing her degree in a language that was once foreign to her. Her family, who always pushed her to succeed, supported her throughout. Her advice to current students: “Learn everything by yourself, don’t rely on others, and ask questions when you don’t understand.”

We are proud to spotlight Lina Afad-al Taim — a member of the JMC alumni community whose journey reflects determination, resilience, and real-world impact.

From the brink of dropping out to leading a lab that powers over 1,000 research projects — JMC alumna Dr. Tigst Levi has turned every obstacle into the next step forward.

Tigst was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel at age 7. She grew up in Kiryat Yam, the eldest daughter in a family of eight, with parents who arrived with deep faith, few resources, and enormous hope. When she moved to Jerusalem, she found work right away, in a bakery, a shoe store, and later as a night security guard, and enrolled in JMC’s Medical Laboratory Sciences program, driven by a lifelong love of biology and science.

But the path was far from easy. By her second year, working full-time while studying had taken its toll, and her grades began to slip. Exhausted and under constant financial pressure, Tigst walked into the department head’s office and announced she was dropping out.

The faculty at JMC refused to let her go. Her professors saw her potential, encouraged her to stay, and helped her find scholarships that made it possible to continue. She completed her degree with honors. “Sometimes all you need is one person who believes in you,” she says, “so that you don’t give up on yourself.” She remains in close contact with her professors and friends from her classes to this day, and still considers JMC her home.

At JMC, Tigst discovered something she never expected: a love of research. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Pharmaco-Immunology and a PhD in Developmental Biology and Cancer Research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where her doctoral work explored the genetic factors behind ovarian development. 

Today, Tigst is Head of the NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) Laboratory at Syntezza Bioscience in Jerusalem, a role she reached within two and a half years of joining the private sector. Her lab provides the infrastructure that other researchers rely on, supporting more than 1,000 projects, from archaeological samples to ocean research. She is also a contributor to the book Women and Roots, which tells the stories of 48 women of Ethiopian descent who have broken through in a range of fields. Tigst lives in Jerusalem with her husband and two sons.

Looking back, Tigst is most proud of how far she has come. At 20, she says, she never would have believed it. Her advice to students considering advanced studies: don’t pursue a degree simply because it seems like the next step. Ask yourself what truly interests you, and remember that a professional journey doesn’t have to follow a straight line.

We are proud to spotlight Dr. Tigst Levi — a member of the JMC alumni community whose journey reflects perseverance, resilience, and real-world impact.

From the JMC lab bench to one of Israel’s most meaningful missions — JMC alumnus David Shor uses science to bring answers to families and restore names to soldiers.

David arrived at JMC through the IDF’s academic degree program, studying Medical Laboratory Sciences from 2012 to 2014. The hours he spent in the lab gave him a foundation that would shape everything to come. During his studies, his department head recommended him for a three-month internship with the Israeli Military Rabbinate’s identification unit. David was fascinated, and that internship turned out to be the start of his career. Today he works side by side with that same mentor.

David has been part of the Rabbinate’s identification and burial unit since 2017, where he uses DNA analysis to identify fallen soldiers. When October 7th came, the demands on his lab were greater than anything he could have prepared for. It was a week and a half before anyone could even stop to catch their breath.  When that first marathon session passed and the team had a moment to reflect, they began building more structured processes.. Using those protocol and processes, David and his team kept the lab running around the clock for the next two years. He led a team of 30 reservists, among them doctors and professors, who set aside titles and egos to work shoulder to shoulder. Even in the midst of the urgency, David and his team were strengthening the lab itself, introducing new methods and quality standards that had not existed before the war, and earning international accreditation for it.

That drive to innovate took him across the ocean. In March 2024, David traveled to a lab in Delaware as part of a delegation to learn a new DNA identification system. The work paid off.  They brought the system back to Israel, and used it to help identify Zvi Feldman, an Israeli soldier missing since the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in 1982, whose remains were recovered after 43 years. David has also helped identify the remains of hostages, and at times, his lab work directly affected the movement of IDF troops in the field.

The hardest part, David says, is not what he has seen but the responsibility he carries: there is no room for error. He draws strength from prayer and faith, and from accepting that in the chaos there are limits to what anyone can control. 

What he is most proud of is simple. There are soldiers who, without his work, would never have been identified, and families who now have peace of mind. He calls it an honor to do this work.

David is still in the same lab, now working to identify unknown soldiers, especially from 1948. Looking ahead, he hopes to deepen cooperation with U.S. and other institutions and to keep advancing the technology. He lives in Givatayim with his wife and seven children.

We are proud to spotlight David Shor — a member of the JMC alumni community whose journey reflects dedication, responsibility, and real-world impact.