At the age of 16, I joined the AMIT family, and my connection with them lasted for 23 years,” says Simcha.

Now an educated woman, banker, lecturer, mentor to others, and mother of two, Simcha says her success didn’t come easy or obviously. It was set in motion by a selfless decision made in a single moment—or perhaps it was set in motion from the very beginning.

Simcha’s Roots

Simcha was born in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Her parents, with dreams of Israel in their hearts for years, were among the first Ethiopians to immigrate to Israel in 1980. Simcha’s family received assistance from the Mossad and the late Ferede Yazezew Aklum, who led them and more than 900 Jews through Sudan by foot. Simcha was only 4 years old.

Initially the family settled in Ofakim, but then they made their way to Beer Sheva, a vibrant city in the Negev Desert and Simcha’s hometown to this very day.

Life in Israel brought her family an incredible sense of joy after surviving an arduous journey. But acclimation to a brand-new country is never easy. Simcha remembers that there were more than a few issues that made their first years difficult, including finances and a different language, mentality, and cultural codes. “I don’t say ‘cultural gap,’” she explains, “because it’s condescending to assume that immigrant lives are less than the lives of locals.”

The most prominent issue was the status of women. In Ethiopia the women did not work, but in Israel they were expected to be the breadwinners. This was especially hard on Simcha’s family and, after a few years of hardship, her parents got divorced. “My world collapsed,” she says simply.

Simcha’s mom remained the family’s sole earner until her health deteriorated and she was no longer able to carry this weight. At 12 years old, Simcha assumed many household responsibilities, including taking on jobs to supplement their financial needs and caring for her four siblings, including meeting with their teachers.

A Critical Decision

At 16, Simcha realized that the best way to help her mom financially was to switch the kids’ schools and for her to go to the AMIT Youth Village in Petach Tikvah, where students sleep in dorms and get meals on campus.

At AMIT, Simcha found solace and hope amid the daunting challenges in her young life. The educational haven became the nurturing ground where her ambitions took root and blossomed.

“AMIT gave me financial stability, school supplies, a desk to work at, a clear head that’s open to learning, and assistance through the various educational challenges I had along the way,” explains Simcha. “Most importantly, they gave me a place to dream and aspire.”

Guided by a devoted team of educators and surrounded by a diverse community of fellow students, Simcha discovered a profound sense of belonging and purpose. The AMIT school system’s unwavering commitment to academic achievement and its holistic development allowed her to cultivate her talents, explore her passions, and unleash her true potential in a warm, accepting, and supportive environment.

“The staff and counselors treated everyone equally and tried to develop and maximize everyone’s potential,” she says.

Simcha’s journey through the AMIT Youth Village not only shaped her personal growth, but also ignited a fervent desire to make a difference in the lives of others. There, she vowed to become a beacon of hope for others who face adversity. She went on to proudly serve in the army, and then to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration as well as a master’s degree. She started working as an economist and college lecturer, and then began working at Bank Hapoalim. She is also an economic consultant for other small businesses.

Simcha remembers well her vow to help others. She lectures and offers financial advice specifically to women because she believes they need to be more involved in this field. She is a member of the Committee on the Status of Women in Beer Sheva and a volunteer and activist for women’s rights and against domestic violence (through Mishmar Achoti, “My Sister’s Guardian”). She even formed a Bar Mitzvah project in which she helps single moms organize a Bar Mitzvah for their kids.

“During my time with AMIT, I received an education that shaped my values and gave me the tools to develop and achieve success,” says Simcha. “AMIT schools truly bring out the potential in their students and help young people find their strengths and skills.”

Simcha’s remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and serves as a reminder that with unwavering determination, dreams can be achieved and lives can be forever changed.