“My Israeli Story”, a project by the JEWISHcolorado’s Israel & Overseas Center, offers our community a chance to connect with and learn about the diverse stories of our emissaries. Each feature will spotlight a different shinshin and their family’s unique journey.
Shalom! My name is Yeara Samoha, and I am one of the five Shinshinim here in Colorado this year. I want to share the story of my family and their journey to Israel, which has shaped who I am and fills me with pride.
In 1921, my grandmother’s parents, Bruria and Yitzhak Nisimov, immigrated from Bulgaria to Israel with a Zionist spirit and a dream of establishing a new community. By 1929, the Jewish Agency for Israel approved a plan for a moshav for 40 families, including my great-great-grandparents. They worked the land, planted crops, and built chicken coops. The moshav also housed an orange packing facility, shipping “Jaffa” oranges abroad, and Israel’s first and only nut collection house. I find it fascinating that nearly a century later, I am now a Jewish Agency emissary here in Colorado—the same organization that helped my ancestors establish Moshav Beit Hanan, my beloved home.
Yeara’s grandmother Anat and her father Itzhak in Moshav Beit Hanan
Anat, Yeara’s grandmother at moshav working in agriculture in Moshav Beit Hanan
Since then, generations of my family have grown up in Beit Hanan—my great-grandmother, my grandmother, my mother, and now me, the sixth generation. We have inherited values of loving the land, embracing nature, and fostering a strong community spirit, transforming a once-dream into a thriving, close-knit community.
On my mom’s side, my grandpa was born in Iran in 1949. At eight, he journeyed to Israel with his parents and eight siblings, leaving behind everything to pursue his father’s dream of living in the Promised Land. They settled in a tiny hut in Ofakim, facing harsh conditions, but persevered to build a stable life. My grandpa later joined the IDF at 18, fighting in Israel’s wars to protect the land he cherished.
The Persian culture my grandpa’s family brought with them—the food, traditions, and language—remains a significant part of our lives. These rich family histories deeply influence who I am today.
I believe that both of my grandparents’ family stories effect me and my personality today. Being overseas throughout this year, representing the country my family has fought for and bringing my Israeli story to the community here in Colorado daily, is the perfect way to continue the amazing effort my family has put into his land throughout these years. I feel so special and grateful for having this opportunity and for my family who are my biggest supporters through this journey.
Since 1921 and until today, my family has fought for the country we love so much. I see my work in Colorado as the next step in continuing this important legacy.
The Iranian identity card of the great-grandmother of Yeara, Sultana
The Iranian identity card of the great-grandfather of Yeara, David.
I believe that both of my grandparents’ family stories effect me and my personality today. Being overseas throughout this year, representing the country my family has fought for and bringing my Israeli story to the community here in Colorado daily, is the perfect way to continue the amazing effort my family has put into his land throughout these years. I feel so special and grateful for having this opportunity and for my family who are my biggest supporters through this journey.
Since 1921 and until today, my family has fought for the country we love so much. I see my work in Colorado as the next step in continuing this important legacy.