Biography
Anna was born in Ukraine and made aliyah in 1994 with her parents. She served in an educational unit in the army and, during that time, began exploring her Jewish roots and engaging with questions of personal and national Jewish/Israeli identity.
During her military service, Anna underwent an Orthodox conversion through the army and was later sent abroad as a representative with several delegations to Eastern Europe. While working with groups of young people exploring their own Jewish identities, she discovered liberal Judaism and was drawn to its open-minded and inclusive approach.
Anna holds a BA in International Relations and an MBA, both from the Hebrew University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Jewish education through a joint program of the Hebrew Union College and the Hebrew University.
For ten years, Anna worked at the Kerem Institute – Alliance (KIAH) in various roles, eventually becoming manager of educational programs. In 2022, she joined Kehilat Kol HaNeshama as CEO, to continue and expand its successful programming, fostering partnerships with other organizations, and making Jewish heritage more accessible to Russian-speaking immigrants and residents of surrounding neighborhoods.
On October 7, Anna’s cousin, Karina Ariev, was kidnapped from Nahal Oz; and her husband was subsequently drafted into the reserves. Throughout this difficult period, Anna became an advocate for Karina’s return and for the return of all hostages. Karina is now home, but the fight to bring everyone back home continues.
Anna is 34, married to Ronen, and they have three daughters. She lives in Jerusalem, cares deeply about the city, and is committed to building a thriving, inclusive future for liberal Judaism there.