Meet Your Guide

Jonathan was a college sophomore majoring in International relations when he was drawn to Israel during the first Gulf War. He worked as volunteer at an Israel Defense Forces(IDF) medical supply base. During his three remaining years of study in the United States, Jon worked mobilizing students for volunteer work in Israel. In 1994 Jon moved to kibbutz Maagan Michael located on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. He worked in the various kibbutz industries and studied Hebrew before being drafted by the IDF. He served in a highly specialized combat unit of the Israeli Air Force.

In 1997 after his regular military service Jonathan returned to his native New York for one year where he taught social studies, Jewish civilization and Hebrew language. Since returning to Israel in 1998, Jonathan has completed his studies at Bar Ilan University’s Land of Israel Studies department and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where he earned an MA in Israeli Society and Politics. During this time, he served as a bodyguard in an Eastern Jerusalem security unit.

Since 2002 Jonathan has been leading various groups and individuals on tours throughout Israel. In 2003 and 2004 parallel to his work as a guide, he was involved in research at a Jerusalem based think tank and his expertise has been cited and published in American Law Journals regarding Israeli security issues and international law.

Jon has guided for: Israel’s Ministry of Foreign affairs. The Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Birthright, Canada-Israel Experience, Hillel, Maagen David Adom, CAMERA (Committee for accuracy in Middle East Reporting), United States Military Academies, and many more individual veteran and first time visitors to Israel.