Hi Nina! Would you mind introducing yourself and a little about yourself?
Nina Sherman Green:
Originally from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, I moved to Israel 8 years ago to attain my Masters in Government from the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya. Prior to moving to Israel, I was working as an investigator for a few different law firms, (think Kalinda from “The Good Wife.”)
I have always been very involved in the Jewish community, during my undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, I was the campus President of Hillel. After graduating, I moved back to Manhattan and immediately got involved in the community there – it felt natural.
As a “connector,” I love both helping and bringing people together.
I found my aliyah experience really difficult. Upon moving to Israel, I was a fish out of water – I initially found myself without friends, a community or a network. The challenges and obstacles I faced helped drive me to dedicate my years in Israel to creating a greater sense of community, for people like myself, in Tel Aviv; from helping build a synagogue in Tel Aviv (North Central Synagogue, Ben Yehuda 126) to creating and administering a number of active and successful Facebook groups. To date, I have helped hundreds of olim gain employment: by helping them with their CVs, interview prep or simply connecting them to the “right” people in Israel.
Can you tell us a little bit about your job and what you do?
Nina Sherman Green:
I am a customer success manager at Fiverr in Tel Aviv. Fiverr is a global online marketplace for freelancers.
What motivated you to make Aliyah and join the job-force here?
Nina Sherman Green:
I always dreamed of making aliyah, however, my life was great, successful and comfortable in New York City. Why rock the boat?! So, I put that dream of aliyah on the backburner for years.
On a whim, in 2010, I decided to apply for a masters program in Israel that would be starting in 2011. The next morning, I woke up to an acceptance letter… for 2010! I was in shock. A few minutes later, I received a call from the admissions department asking me if I could come to the program this year instead of 2011 – they mentioned the program would start on Friday… in three days time! I told my friends and family what had happened and everyone said, “GO!” To make a long story short, in 1 week: I quit my job, packed up my apartment, packed a suitcase, paid the deposit for school and bought a plane ticket to Israel.
After my year at IDC, I decided that since I was already in Israel, might as well give Israel a chance! If I could be successful anywhere in the world – why not in Israel?! I called my parents and friends to tell them the BIG news, that I would be staying in Israel. Apparently, no-one else thought this was big news, they were unsurprised, and 100% supportive.
What presence do you play in the olim world?
Nina Sherman Green:
I have a number of active Facebook groups: Looking for a Job in Israel, Looking for an Apartment in Tel Aviv, Looking for an Apartment in Jerusalem, Looking for events in Tel Aviv, and my latest group, Brides to be – Israel. I usually work with at least 1 or 2 new olim a week. I meet olim either through word of mouth or through my volunteer work with Nefesh B’Nefesh’s “Employment Buddy” program. We start with a phone call, so I can better understand what they are looking for in a job. I then help edit their CV to tailor it to Israel and to make sure spelling and grammar are on-point. Lastly, I will do my best to connect them with the right people in the industry or forward their CV on their behalf to friends of mine. Should any oleh/olah need further help or coaching, I propose conducting interview prep. I also volunteer as a big sister though the Shine Sisters program, a program that helps new olim connect and feel welcome in their new home country. The program offers support, guidance, and mentorship to another woman on her new Israel journey.
In addition, I help many olim find apartments, cool events and help them network. I remember how overwhelming it was for me when I first arrived – now it’s my mission to help make the transition easier for all new olim.
Why is it so important to you, to help other people find jobs?
Nina Sherman Green:
According to Rambam’s (Maimonides) “Eight Levels of Charity,” the greatest level is helping one find employment. I know how stressful it is when you first arrive in Israel – finding employment brings stability, peace-of-mind, independence and the tools to succeed in an unstable and uncertain time in one’s life.
How many people have you helped find jobs in Israel?
Nina Sherman Green:
322 and counting!
Do you have any advice about the job market for Olim who want to make Aliyah, but are too scared?
Nina Sherman Green:
Try not to overthink it. Connect with as many people as you can and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of amazing companies in Israel and a lot of amazing people – we all want to help you!
What tips do you have for those moving here, or those who have recently made the move?
Nina Sherman Green:
1. Be flexible.
2. There’s no such thing as “no.” If you get a “no” it means you didn’t ask the right question or you didn’t ask the right person.
3. Negotiate… everything! Don’t be a ״freier״ (sucker).
Any other piece of advice for olim?
Nina Sherman Green:
Ask for help! We are all here to help one another. As they say in hebrew: “Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.”
