“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 episode will spotlight a different shinshin and their family’s unique journey.
Shalom! My name is Liraz, and I am one of the Shinshinim in Colorado this year. I am excited to share a little bit about myself, my family, and the journey that shaped me.
I come from a proud Mizrahi background—half Iraqi and half Moroccan. On my mother’s side, both grandparents were born in Mosul, Iraq. My grandmother’s name, Amira, means ‘princess’ in Arabic. My grandfather’s name, Fuad, means ‘heart’ in English, and he later changed it to Yuval when he arrived in Israel. In 1951, they immigrated as part of “Operation Ezra and Nehemiah.” My grandmother was just three when her family traveled from Baghdad to Israel, eventually settling in Tiberias after time in tents and shacks. At 18, she met my grandfather, and together they built their life in Rehovot, my hometown. My mom was their first child, followed by five more siblings, and today they have 14 grandchildren—including me!
Operation Ezra and Nehemiah
On my father’s side, my grandmother Zohara came from a rabbinic family in Mellal, Morocco. After a devastating flood claimed the lives of her relatives, she immigrated alone to Israel at age 20. In Jaffa, she worked in a hospital and met her husband, with whom she had my father. When my dad was just two years old, his father left, and my grandmother raised him on her own with strength, love, and devotion. She passed away two months after my parents’ wedding, but her resilience remains a guiding light for me.
I grew up in a warm, close-knit family with two siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Our traditions, like the afsa, a golden safety pin with a hamsa and blue stone, connect us to our roots. I was especially close to my grandparents, almost every afternoon I spent time with them, and every Tuesday we ate kubeh together while listening to Iraqi Arabic music. These moments deeply shaped my identity and connection to heritage.
Liraz performing with the Tzofim in the ‘Caravan of Friendship’
From a young age, I loved to sing, dance, and perform—Friday nights after kiddush often turned into family “shows.” In high school, I studied both Theater and Arabic, combining my love for creativity and language. Another central part of my life was the Israeli Scouts (Tzofim), where I spent nine years, three as a counselor. The Scouts nurtured my passion for leadership and gave me the chance to represent Israel abroad, including in the UK, the US, and Budapest. Most meaningful was the “Caravan of Friendship,” a three-month tour of 26 states across the US, where we performed and connected with communities in schools, synagogues, kindergartens, and nursing homes.
Liraz organizing supplies for soldiers
October 7th was a turning point. At first, I thought the sirens were part of Israel’s “usual” reality, but quickly realized the gravity of the situation. I felt an urgent need to act. Through the Scouts, I organized supplies for soldiers—food, equipment, even combat gear. On October 10th, I sent dozens of packages to bases, and later, my brother and I prepared over 100 hot Shabbat meals for soldiers in the north. In the months that followed, I connected with the Jewish Agency and felt called to do more.
I chose to postpone my army service and spend a year in Colorado, sharing my story, building connections, and learning together. I want to bring a little bit of ‘Liraz’ to this community, and I am excited for the experiences ahead—to learn, teach, and grow together.