Discovering Home: Jordan Landes’ Journey from Seattle to Israel
Born in Seattle, Washington, and later raised in Boca Raton, Florida, Jordan’s early years were rooted in a strong Zionist ethos, rooted in his family’s history and strengthened at home and in school. His great-great-grandfather, Rav Zvi Pesach Frank, served as the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, providing a deep connection to Israel.
Jordan’s journey to Israel began in earnest in 2018 when he spent a year studying at Sha’alvim. During that transformative year, he began to contemplate a future in Israel.
“A pivotal moment occurred for me on Yom Ha’atzmaut. I participated in a 27-mile hike from Sha’alvim to the Kotel, starting at 4:00am. I spent the day connecting to the land and thinking about my future. By the time I reached the Kotel late at night, my gut was telling me to stay in Israel.”
Building a Life in Herzliya
After completing his year at Sha’alvim, Jordan’s initial plan had been to return to the U.S. and study film. He felt, along with his parents’ input and guidance, that if he was going to succeed in building a life in Israel and integrating into Israeli society, gaining a college degree was a good place to start. He decided to enroll at IDC Herzliya (now Reichman University) to study Communications.
Jordan’s university experience was marked by active involvement in JLIC. At the time, JLIC in Herzliya was still in its formative years, and Jordan played a significant role in its development and ultimately served for one year as its president. From organizing Shabbat minyanim to fostering community engagement during COVID lockdowns, he was at the forefront of building a supportive infrastructure for students. His leadership and commitment not only enriched his own college experience but also demonstrated the importance of community in navigating life as an immigrant.
Navigating Career and Community
While studying communications, Jordan’s interests expanded into the world of tech, startups, and venture capital. He began reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn and often would spend Tuesdays in Tel Aviv’s Sarona Market networking over coffee. This proactive approach led to an internship after graduation at Vintage Investment Partners, where his hard work soon earned him a full-time position. Today, Jordan has been with the firm for nearly three years, and works as an analyst.
“There are so many unique opportunities available in Israel’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Unlike the rigid corporate structures often found in other countries, Israel’s informal and fast-paced environment allows young professionals to take on significant projects and responsibilities early in their careers. For me and for others, this atmosphere has been both challenging and rewarding, offering room for growth and innovation.
Advice for Aspiring Olim
Reflecting on his journey, Jordan emphasizes the importance of community and determination for those considering a similar path.
“Building a community, whether through initiatives like JLIC or personal connections, is essential for thriving in Israel. When you give back to the community, it finds ways to give back to you. I would say if you are in your gap-year or already in Israel and want to stay, just do it. I think if I would have left with plans to return after college, chances are I would not have come back here. Life gets in the way.”
Finding Love in Israel
For Jordan, the decision to stay in Israel has been life-changing. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he also found much happiness in his life here.
“The best thing about my life in Israel is that I met my fiance here – no question! And I’ve also made lifelong, amazing friends. There is a pure happiness that I get by living here. Yes there are challenges—including adjusting to a new culture and earning a more modest income compared to peers in the U.S.—but I am so grateful for the opportunities here in Israel and the happiness that life brings.”
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