Real Life Israel | Israel Immersion Program
Our Staff
Real Life Israel is a project of Jerusalem-based Sachlav Educational Experience. Sachlav and the Real Life Israel team have decades of experience in organizing, promoting and operating top-notch Israel experiences. In fact, Sachlav's IsraelontheHouse.com trip was one of the first offered by Taglit-Birthright Israel ten years ago and is one of the most popular.
Meet the Staff of Real Life Israel:
Divon Yron | Founder & CEO Sachlav & Real Life Israel
Divon Yron was born and raised in Jerusalem and lives in the village of Alon just outside of Jerusalem. In his army service he was a part of the elite paratrooper unit #35 and was head of VIP protection unit. Divon established Sachlav in 1989 to share his love for Israel and the Jewish People with others who did not have the privilege to grow up in the heart of Israel. As an experienced tour guide, Divon has a unique way of making Israel come alive for people of all ages. When he is not running Sachlav, hosting participants at his famous backyard BBQ's or being with his family of 9, Divon continues his legal studies at the Kiryat Ono Law School. Divon's personal "ahavat yisrael" – the love of our People – is expressed in his open house policy as well as by the fact that Sachlav's programs are truly meant for everyone – religious, unaffiliated, secular, Askenazi, Separdi and everything in between.David Sterling| Program Director, Real Life Israel
David Sterling is Real Life Israel's program director. He grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated with a B.Sc. in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University in 2006. In November of 2006 David made Aliyah to Israel and worked with Sachlav as field coordinator and marketing/development specialist. He served in the IDF Paratrooper’s brigade where he was responsible (in his team) for holding weekly meetings to improve cohesiveness and performance. David prepared 20 teachers from the Israel Defense Forces for their work with new immigrant enlistees of the IDF, and prepared numerous Israeli soldiers for their meetings with Birthright-Taglit Israel participants. David’s experience in Israel and his connections make him a valuable resource for those interested in building a successful life in Israel.Itiel Avraham | Marketing Director, Real Life Israel
Itiel Avraham is an Associate Director in Sachlav. Itiel studied International Relations and Political Science in Hebrew University. Itiel served as an educational and marketing director in several educational institutes, as well as a tour guide for high schools. As a child, Itiel has spent five years in Canada when her parents served as emissaries in both Toronto and Montreal and has been working with young Jewish adults in Israel and the US ever since.Her past work includes work in Jewish summer camps, guiding missions, trips and youth programs in Israel. Itiel manages the marketing and programming efforts at Sachlav. She lives in Efrat with her husband and their young boy.
Eric Esses | Steering Committee & Program Consultant
Eric is the leader of Real Life Israel's steering committee and serves as consultant to the program. Eric was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After an undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and working for several years in Boston and New York City, he made Aliyah in 1992. Soon after moving to Israel Eric was appointed director of the 10-month leadership development program "Otzma." In 1998, after a earning an MBA in Strategic Management from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he joined the Hebrew University-associated Snunit Center for Online Learning. After working at top management positions in technology ventures for several more years, he founded Upstart Ideas a Jerusalem-based consulting firm in 2002. Eric lives outside Jerusalem with his wife and four children.
Itiel Avraham is an Associate Director in Sachlav. Itiel studied International Relations and Political Science in Hebrew University. Itiel served as an educational and marketing director in several educational institutes, as well as a tour guide for high schools. As a child, Itiel has spent five years in Canada when her parents served as emissaries in both Toronto and Montreal and has been working with young Jewish adults in Israel and the US ever since.Her past work includes work in Jewish summer camps, guiding missions, trips and youth programs in Israel. Itiel manages the marketing and programming efforts at Sachlav. She lives in Efrat with her husband and their young boy.Eric Esses | Steering Committee & Program Consultant
Eric is the leader of Real Life Israel's steering committee and serves as consultant to the program. Eric was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After an undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and working for several years in Boston and New York City, he made Aliyah in 1992. Soon after moving to Israel Eric was appointed director of the 10-month leadership development program "Otzma." In 1998, after a earning an MBA in Strategic Management from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he joined the Hebrew University-associated Snunit Center for Online Learning. After working at top management positions in technology ventures for several more years, he founded Upstart Ideas a Jerusalem-based consulting firm in 2002. Eric lives outside Jerusalem with his wife and four children.