Meet the Amichai team

Ilan is the vision and heart behind Camp Amichai, which he founded and has directed since 2010. With over three decades of experience in camp and youth leadership, and degrees in Education, Organizational Psychology, and Social Work, Ilan combines warmth, insight, and leadership in everything he does.

Ilan has held multiple leadership roles in World Bnei Akiva, including directing short and year-long programs, co-founding the World Bnei Akiva/Kol Ami Mechina at Migdal Oz, and directing the building project of the Beit Bnei Akiva educational centre in Jerusalem. Ilan is also a Director at Tlalim Educational Tours, creating meaningful journeys for youth and educational groups worldwide.

Passionate about the growth and success of Camp Amichai, he is inspired by the energy, curiosity, and potential of today’s generation. Ilan’s goal is to create a camp where every camper feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Hodaya has been part of Camp Amichai since 2015, holding leadership roles from Rosh Nevatzim to Rosh Chinuch, Rosh Tzevet, and Sganit Rosh Machaneh. Growing up in Alon Shvut, she was active in Bnei Akiva and later served in national leadership roles. She studied at Migdal Oz, earned a degree in Special Education and Tanach, and a masters degree in Educational Systems Management.

During the year, Hodaya is a head teacher and senior rakezet in an Ulapna. Hodaya brings energy, organization, and a love for camp to everything she does, ensuring Camp Amichai runs smoothly while supporting staff and helping chanichim thrive.

Itai joined Camp Amichai in 2019 as a madrich for Yachad and returned in 2025 as Sgan Rosh machaneh. Since serving as a young Bnei Akiva madrich in Efrat he has been inspiring teens with leadership, warmth, and creativity for many years. He has extensive experience in informal education and with working with children with special needs at Shalva and Yachad.

A former Hesder student at Yeshivat Har Etzion and army sergeant, Itai also served as a Torah MiTzion shaliach in Sydney, Australia, teaching, mentoring, and running activities for the local Jewish community. He is currently studying Social Work and Law at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and is a qualified MDA medic, adding extra care and safety to camp life. Itai brings energy, organization, dedication, and a love for camp to every camper!

Ariela has been part of the Amichai family since 2011, working tirelessly behind the scenes. A speech therapist and leader in her field, she balances her professional career with being a full-time mom of five.

Ariela dedicates three mornings a week — plus many late nights — to making camp registration smooth, guiding parents, and ensuring every detail is in place. With her organization, warmth, and dedication, she helps make the magic of Camp Amichai happen!

Naveh joined the Camp Amichai family in 2024 and has held senior leadership roles such as Rosh Anafim and Rosh Tzevet. A natural leader with a warm personality, she is in her final year of an Education degree at Herzog and also studies at Migdal Oz Women’s Beit Midrash and serves as a mentor for younger students.

Naveh was a Bnei Akiva madricha in her hometown of Rechovot. During her National Service, Naveh served as a Komonarit in Bnei Akiva Lod-Eitan and worked at Noam HaMeiri Girls’ School, where she excelled in supporting youth. She continued as a leader in seminars, programs, and camps, gaining broad experience in mentorship and informal education. Naveh brings energy, dedication, and a passion for Bnei Akiva to every camper!

Dvir joined Camp Amichai in 2021 as a madrich and was a Rakaz at camp in 2023. Dvir recently completed three successful years of Army service in the Air Force, and as a combat soldier and commander in the Givati Brigade.

He currently works with groups through ODT workshops, focusing on teamwork and personal development.

Bnei Akiva has always been at the center of Dvir’s life — from being a chanich and a madrich in Modiin, and later as a rakaz guiding the madrichim there. He continued his involvement in Bnei Akiva as a madrich for seminars and courses. Through his varying leadership roles Dvir has gained extensive experience in informal education.

Following the meaningful experiences of his army service, Dvir decided to return to camp out of a deep connection to educating the younger generation and the values of Bnei Akiva. Dvir brings a fresh, vibrant and exciting approach to Camp Amichai and guides the Tzevet and chanichim to greatness.