Michal Avera Samuel

Michal Avera Samuel

Michal Avera Samuel is the Researcher/Coordinator at the Shalom Curriculum Project, a development project that will draft, test, and revise materials for an early childhood educational curriculum on the themes of Jewish music and the historical significance and beauty of diversity in the Jewish community. She was previously the community shlicha at JewishColumbus, where she served the Columbus, Ohio community as an advocate and an educator for Israel. Before assuming her role as shlicha, Michal served as the CEO of Fidel Association, where she was a leader within the Ethiopian-Israeli community and has advocated for the successful integration of Ethiopian Israelis throughout her career. Michal was born in Gondar, Ethiopia and made aliyah with her family in 1984 as part of Operation Moses. She joined the Fidel Association in 2000, serving as director of professional training, PR, community development and deputy director prior to being appointed as executive director in 2011.

Michal served on the Government of Israel’s prestigious Round Table Panel on Social Issues, bringing together leaders from all sectors. She meets regularly with Knesset Committee for Immigration and Absorption chair MK Avraham Neguise to share FIDEL’s experience and offer input on improving academic achievement among olim populations.

Michal earned a B.A. and M.A. in Educational Counseling from Haifa University. She served as research assistant to MK Naomi Blumenthal in the Knesset’s immigration committee and as spokesperson and advisor to the Scholarship Fund for Ethiopian Jews (SFEJ) in Boca Raton. In 2004, Michal presented on the absorption and integration of the Ethiopian Israeli community at the International Lion of Judah conference and in 2000, represented Israel at the Epcot Millennium Village pavilion in Orlando.
Beyond her dedication to advancing the Ethiopian-Israeli community, Michal serves as a Board Member of the Israel Center for Educational Innovation and volunteers at “Women to Women” Haifa, supporting victims of domestic violence. Michal is regularly invited by the Israeli media to offer her perspective on the Ethiopian Israeli community’s heritage, challenges and achievements. ​

Beyond her dedication to advancing the Ethiopian-Israeli community, Michal serves as a Board Member of the Israel Center for Educational Innovation and volunteers at “Women to Women” Haifa, supporting victims of domestic violence. Michal is regularly invited by the Israeli media to offer her perspective on the Ethiopian Israeli community’s heritage, challenges and achievements.