One example of a “Yachini Social Train” ad advertising a series of lectures about Jewish issues. Federation is proud to support ‘Social Train’ leadership opportunities in the Sha’ar HaNegev region.

My name is Moran Hajbi. I am 35 years old and live in Moshav Yachini, located in the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council. I am married to Asaf and I am the mother of Eitan, who is a 2-1/2 years old.

I grew up in Eilat, where, as a child, I played basketball and practiced judo. I enjoyed a wonderful childhood living along the Red Sea.

I first arrived to Moshav Yachini in 2006. I served as a children’s counselor and youth coordinator. Years later, Asaf and I got married and left the Moshav. We decided to come back in 2013.

I currently serve as Director of the Social Education system on Kibbutz Or HaNer. Before that, I worked in different positions in the area of social-community affairs, including working with young people, encouraging social involvement, initiatives, and employment. This is my natural niche – working in education and with young people.

During the past two years, I’ve been active in the Leadership Forum of the Sha’ar HaNegev Young Adult Center, which is partially funded by the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, and serve on its Management Committee.

My friends and I established the ‘Social Train’ as a response to needs in our home community. We believe that we can and must place ‘improving the community's lifestyle’ on the public agenda. I believe that our strength depends on our ability to dream and, no less importantly, to make dreams happen on the ground.

The Social Train brings people together who take responsibility and create opportunities to meet in order to learn about each other and ourselves, enrich our knowledge, enjoy new things, and give our children a sense of belonging and local pride.

We believe that by constantly striving to promote dialogue between people on various topics, and by creating physical and programmatic meeting spaces, the sky is the limit.

Through social gatherings organized by local residents, each and every one of us can contribute our professional knowledge, our hobbies, and anything that can be of added value to others.

Personally speaking, my courage to fulfill a dream and face difficult challenges are the direct product of learning, knowledge, and the connections I’ve made through the Leadership Forum. Thank you, San Diego Jewish Federation!