Age: 29
Hometown: Jerusalem
Project: I venture to map grassroots organizations and network our causes, resources, and spirit.
In one sentence, tell us who you are.
I'm Micha, I am a Yerushalmi. I only hang out with good-looking, good people
What inspired you to embark on the path of an innovator?
There wasn't much of a choice! There isn't much of a choice! The alternative is devastating. If we don't wake up to our "oil spills", we will never be able to clean them up. I couldn't find a regular job!
What challenges do you foresee in your field?
I foresee that cynicism in Jerusalem will be rampant. The challenge will be to come up with a product that is practical, attractive, and user friendly.
Who can you relate to in Jewish history (or in your field of interest)?
My father and Yehuda Magnus, head of Hebrew University in 1948, who said "No, not like that."
What is the most valuable thing you have learned from the PresenTense community?
To take myself seriously. We don't have time to not.
Who have you met at PresenTense that has made the most impact on your project?
Brachie Sprung.
What big question are you struggling with right now?
How to connect Jewish Americans of the "Moishe House" generation to grassroots organizations here.
If all goes as planned, where will your project be one year from now?
We will have a clear picture of what is happening in communities around Jerusalem, Israeli and Palestinian, along with inspiration about the active grassroots addressing the most urgent and important issues. We'll have a much clearer picture of our potential as a grassroots organization in Jerusalem.
What do you hope to see change / to help change in your field in the next ten years?
I'd like to see the grassroots communities shift from second gear and putting out fires to fifth gear—fulfilling potential.
What is your vision for the future of PresenTense?
To be a light unto the nations and spread BEYOND the Jewish people.
Micha is just one of 16 fellows from the PresenTense Global Fellowship's Class of 2010. Read and learn about the others here.
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