The People Behind VFI
Here are some of the people who work as volunteers to keep the Volunteers for Israel® (VFI) organization going (VFI is an all volunteer organization). They are all committed to supporting Israel, the people of Israel , the IDF, and to the Sar-El program. They all have participated in the Sar-El program and want to make that experience possible for others who support and love Israel.
Vade Bolton
VFI National President
Vade Bolton was elected President by the VFI Board of Directors in
June, 2007. Vade is a veteran volunteer who brings a strong commitment
to the VFI mission of connecting Americans, Jewish and non Jewish, to Israel
through volunteer service. His goals for the coming year are to:
— That every volunteer has a successful and fulfilling experience
from the time you apply until your return.
— In recognition of the time and money you invest in volunteering, we will
be working with the Sar-El leadership in Israel to insure that your expectations
are met and exceeded, so you believe your investment was personally worthwhile.
— To offer volunteers new venues for service to Israel, including supplying
volunteers to areas with serious and immediate needs such as Sderot.
— To provide recruiting services to returning volunteers such as DVDs,
brochures, posters, and consultation to support you in telling your story
to motivate others to “Connect to Israel” through VFI.
Vade is retired from the staff of the National Education Association in
Washington DC. He lives in Reston, Virginia. In his new role, he welcomes
comments, questions and suggestions.
Vade can be reached at -
Josef
Herz
VFI-PacificNW
Josef was born in Israel. After receiving a MS in Computer Science from SUNY Binghamton, he has worked as a Software Engineer for most of his professional life, primarily on large database systems and technology deployment. Josef got involved with VFI organization in the Winter of 2002/2003 to initially work on technical issues for VFI but soon become a VFI Board member. He was elected to be the VFI National President in June 2004, and served in that role until June 2007. He currently serves on the VFI Executive Committee and also heads the VFI PacificNW region. Josef participated in the Sar-El program in 1991, 2002, and 2004. He expects to do it again shortly.
Josef is committed to revitalizing the VFI organization, to improving the program and increasing the number of US residents who participate in the VFI program.
Josef lives in Washington state with his wife Nina, with occasional visits from his college aged son, Sam. Josef can be reached at -
Ed Kohl
VFI National Coordinator
VFI Mid-West/Great Lakes
Born in Boston Massachusetts July 1939 and grew up in Brookline. He is married with three children plus three stepchildren & 9 grandchildren. Has a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Boston University. He has worked for 38 years in engine research and development for the space program, the defense industry and the automotive industry.
He is active in the Jewish community: past synagogue president and past Men's Club president of Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, Michigan; Adat Shalom Synagogue committees; Detroit Jewish Community Council board member; AIPAC local chapter; Detroit ZOA board member; local Israeli advocacy; frequently published letters to the editor in favor of Israel.
He has been on the Sar-El program twice. He actively recruits in the Michigan area. He has been to Israel on four other occasions. Ed can be reached at -