Meet AMIT’s New President
Shari Safra, a seasoned attorney and dedicated advocate for education and Jewish causes, is the newly appointed president of AMIT Children. Born and raised in Sayville, New York, Shari completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before pursuing a legal education at Fordham University School of Law.
Despite growing up in a region where Jewish families were few, Shari embraced her religious heritage, a journey further solidified when she met her husband and connected with his vibrant Jewish community.
Shari first encountered AMIT in 2008, when she was deeply moved by an AMIT graduate’s transformative life story. Starting as an attendee at NewGen events, her passion and commitment saw her rise to the role of NewGen chair, advocating for the organization and recruiting new supporters. A mission to Israel in May 2015 was a turning point for Shari; her interactions with the students and faculty deepened her commitment to AMIT and established Israel as a frequent travel destination.
As president, Shari seeks to broaden AMIT’s supporter base in the U.S., reaching out to individuals who have yet to find their place in a Jewish community or cause. She is driven by AMIT’s expansion to include all of Israeli society, incorporating co-ed secular schools, vocational institutions, and facilities in diverse cities. The groundbreaking of the state-of-the-art Kfar Batya campus in Ra’anana, capable of training thousands of teachers annually, is a project close to Shari’s heart, and she looks forward to introducing supporters to the life-changing experiences offered on these campuses.
Shari encourages those interested in joining her journey with AMIT to participate in the U.S.-based live or virtual events, or to personally visit an AMIT school in Israel. The face-to-face experience is transformative, and Shari is always open to meeting and discussing her experiences with prospective supporters.
Outside of her work with AMIT, Shari is the proud mother of two teenage boys and enjoys family ski trips, cycling, and adventure travel with her husband. Her philanthropic work extends to her board position with the Hebrew Free Burial Association and significant involvement with the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Fund Executive Board and the Undergraduate Financial Aid Leadership Council.
Now residing on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Shari is eager to use her role as AMIT’s president to champion the transformative power of education and to enhance the lives of Israel’s diverse youth. Her life experiences, professional accomplishments, and deep passion for her heritage are key assets that will help drive AMIT’s mission forward in the years to come.