America Kan

SAGIT SHKOLNIK Head of Public Relations

Sagit Shkolnik grew up in Rishon L’tzion, a neighborhood close to Tel Aviv.  She was raised with the same wholesome values as her parents, who were also born and raised in Rishon.  Her mother, a board certified Kindergarten teacher for 52 years, and her father, in the media field, both instilled in their daughter a belief that Sagit could accomplish anything she put her mind to, including a healthy dose of respect for her native country that had made it through against many odds.

After high school, Sagit entered the Israeli Army to do her mandatory two years of service.  She rose in rank to become an official in the bureau of special officer units, at a base near Kiryat Malachi in Southern Israel. 

After the Army, Sagit enrolled in The College for Management and Administration in Rishon, and graduated with a degree in Accounting.

It was only after she married that Sagit realized how difficult it was in Israel, economically.  Although both she and her husband, Nadav, had jobs, they felt that they wanted a chance to improve their financial status more than they could envision it improving in Israel.

It was at this point that they moved to the States, settling in New York, where Sagit’s husband, Nadav, was invited to join some of his already established extended family in running their business.  Sagit found work as an accountant in the New York area where they reside, which also allows her to devote time to her husband and three year old daughter, (and another child on the way.)

Living in the U.S. has given Sagit, a born and bred Israeli, a new perspective on her homeland.  She misses many things about Israel, and is determined to return one day, but is equally as determined to help make some real changes in the way Israel functions, specifically in two important areas that would affect her personally, as well as countless others.

“I would like to encourage more financial assistance for young couples just starting out and buying their first home; expanding and improving on the benefits offered to young couples and others who qualify for the various benefits and incentives the Ministry of Finance offers.”

Sagit also feels that it is of utmost importance to give significant additional financial backing to the educational system, “so as to further education in all sectors of Israeli society.”

“By joining forces with America Kan,” says Sagit, “the chances of making these necessary changes in Israel are greatly improved.  When the changes and improvements do take place, I will know that I had a part in making them happen.”