“My Israeli Story”, a project by the Israel & Overseas Center at JEWISHcolorado, offers our community a chance to connect with and learn about the diverse stories of our emissaries. Each article will spotlight a different shinshin and their family’s unique journey.
Shalom! My name is Adi Buchman, I’m 18 years old, and I’m one of this year’s Shinshinim here in Colorado. I’m excited to share a little bit about my story, my family, and the journey that shaped who I am today.
I grew up in Hadera, where I’ve lived my entire life, always close to most of my family. Being surrounded by family was a huge part of my childhood, and it taught me the value of connection, belonging, and always being there for one another.
My family’s story is deeply connected to immigration, resilience, and the dream of building a life in Israel. My father, Danny, made Aliyah in 1991 from Uzbekistan together with his family. During the Holocaust, his family fled from Ukraine to Uzbekistan, and years later, they fulfilled the dream of coming to Israel. My mother, Ella, immigrated to Israel in 1990 from Ukraine together with her mother and the rest of her family. My maternal grandfather had always dreamed of making Aliyah, but sadly, he passed away before he could fulfill that dream. After his death, my family made a meaningful decision to honor him and bring his dream to life by immigrating to Israel. Their Aliyah was not only a new beginning, but also a way of carrying his legacy forward.
Adi’s mother, Ella, as a kid in Ukraine
The first years in Israel were not easy. My parents and grandparents arrived without knowing the language and had to adjust to a completely new reality. But with time, determination, and a lot of hard work, they found their place. Along the way, my parents found each other and built the warm, loving family I grew up in.
Voluntering in “Knafayim Shel Krembo”
Growing up, I’ve always loved being around people and community, and in ninth grade I found my home as a ‘Madricha’ at “Knafayim Shel Krembo”, a youth movement for children with disabilities. There, I mentored a ‘chanich’ named Lavi, and although he lived with a severe illness and used a wheelchair, we formed a deep bond and learned to communicate through eye movements, blinking, laughter, and shared moments. That experience changed me and showed me the power of connection. In the years that followed, I guided inclusive groups of children with and without special needs, and later became a coordinator for younger age groups, a role that shaped me and helped lead me to choose Shinshin year in Colorado. In my final year, I coordinated the entire branch, and during that time Lavi passed away, a loss deeply felt by our whole community. His light and the way he taught us to connect continue to inspire me every day.
Adi and her father, Danny
October 7th met me at a time I never could have expected, just like it did for all of us. On that morning, my father was already reporting for duty in the IDF. Since October 7th, he has served over 200 days in the reserves. During the war, there were long periods when I barely saw him. Our home felt different—quieter, heavier—but even in his absence, his presence was always felt. Through his commitment, his strength, and his quiet determination, my father showed me what responsibility truly looks like. He has always been, and will always be, my hero.
In high school, I chose to major in Design and Diplomacy, a path that combined my love for creativity with my passion for dialogue and connection between cultures. Studying diplomacy, with its strong focus on English, communication, and bridge-building, was one of the main reasons I felt drawn to spend this year in Colorado. Through this major, I worked closely with teens from many different communities in Israel, including Druze and Arab peers, and together we created meaningful, impactful projects. At the same time, design was where I truly flourished, as art has always been a central part of who I am and continues to shape the activities I create for children today. For my final project, I designed an innovative walker to support elderly people, after meeting with seniors and listening carefully to their needs. That experience taught me the power of empathy, listening, and creative problem-solving.
This year in Colorado is another step in my journey. I’m excited to share my story, learn from this community, build meaningful connections, and continue growing both personally and together with all of you.