Founder & Executive Director
Aharon Botzer and his wife Miriam founded Livnot U’Lehibanot in 1980. Aharon is the organization’s visionary, and has dedicated his life to continually developing unique and relevant programs to strengthen Jewish identity among the unaffiliated. His creativity and wisdom are the driving forces behind Livnot’s growth and expansion, both in programs and in the potential of tapping into Livnot’s many assets and resources.
Aharon was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and has a B.A. in Education from Ohio University. He spent over a year hitchhiking and travelling in Central America, coming to the realization that having a Jewish identity is a treasure. He came to Israel in 1971 to study in Yeshiva, eventually arriving in Tzfat to teach English and Geography to high school students. He has been a licensed tour guide since 1984.
Aharon served as a non-combatant during his regular army service, and until age 56, he volunteered to serve in an infantry unit. Miriam and Aharon are blessed with seven children and many, many grandchildren.