sarah vanunu
SARAH VANUNU, JNF ISRAEL EMISSARY
Sarah Vanunu, class of 2000, shares her journey from High School at Moriah to her current role as a JNF Israel emissary, emphasising her dedication to being the link between Australia and Israel at a crucial time for the nation.
The last time you were in the principal’s office, it was for something very different! Tell us about that.
We were learning Japanese at school, and so if we wanted to send a note around class, we’d often write it in Japanese so that no one could understand it. I sent a note to my friend about our science teacher, transliterated in Japanese. The science teacher caught it, gave it to the Japanese teacher to translate, and I ended up in the principal’s office apologising to the science teacher! It’s good to be in the principal’s office for a more positive reason this time.
Tell us about your journey since you graduated in 2000.
I completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Media Communications at UNSW, then backpacked overseas for eight months with a friend. At 21, I went to Israel on Birthright. My mum told me not to come home with an Israeli boyfriend... instead I came home engaged! I met Eli in Israel, and eight days later, we were engaged. That was 21 years ago. I made Aliya and have loved living in Tel Aviv. I completed a Masters in Government, specialising in Diplomacy & Conflict Studies at Reichman University. Over the years I’ve mostly worked in public relations and hi-tech. Highlights include serving as Deputy Editor of Time Out Tel Aviv, managing PR for Expo Tel Aviv, and running the press room for 1,500 foreign journalists at Eurovision Tel Aviv in 2019.
I also co-founded and co-administer the “Australians Living in Israel” Facebook group with fellow Moriah alum Liron Deutsch. We've vetted over 4,000 members and built a very active community. A year ago, I moved back to Australia after living in Israel for 20 years. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially as I was sent out specifically to take up the position of Israel Shlichah in the aftermath of October 7 events. Immigration is always tough, especially with three kids, but in some respects, it was a soft landing because I had family here, and had kept in touch with friends from Moriah. For my husband, who’s very Israeli, and for the kids, it was a major culture shock.
What are some of the major differences between the Israeli and Australian school systems?
Oh, so many! First off: uniforms. In Israel, kids wear whatever they want, but here, it’s all about the uniform – stiff shorts, button-up shirts, and uncomfortable school shoes. It was a huge battle at first! Another big difference is the kippah. In Israel, you only wear one if you're very religious, so my son didn’t want to wear it as he felt it was dishonest and misrepresented him. Punctuality is another one. In Israel, if a teacher walks into class a few minutes late, no one blinks. The teacher-student dynamic is also completely different. In Israel, students often call their teachers by their first names. It’s a much more informal vibe.
After being here for a year, what things do you appreciate about Moriah and the school culture?
I love that a number of kids here don’t have phones in primary school. In Israel, all kids have phones from a young age (out of necessity). I also really appreciate how engaged Australian parents are with their kids’ school and social lives—it’s something the system here encourages, while still fostering independence. Kids grow up so fast in Israel! Here, I see a childhood that’s more protected, and it’s lovely. I’ve also noticed how polite and well-mannered the kids here are—it really stands out to me. It’s a cultural difference, and I find it refreshing.
How did the war directly impact you and your family?
The war has been difficult and deeply personal. My 14-year-old son lost two friends on October 7—one was killed in Kfar Aza and another in Sderot. The grandmother of his best friend was murdered in Kibbutz Nir Oz. He had stayed at her house over the summer two years earlier and had very fond memories of her.
I lost two colleagues. My husband’s cousin survived the Nova party, and many of our friends have been in military reserves over the past 18 months. A good friend was badly injured. Another friend’s son fell in action. The list, heartbreakingly, goes on.
If it weren’t for the events of October 7th, I don’t think I would have uprooted my family. I wasn’t looking for a new job. I loved my role as Director of Public Relations at global family history site MyHeritage. We were comfortable and happy in Tel Aviv.
But when I was offered the opportunity to serve as the Keren Kayemeth L’Yisrael (KKL-JNF) Israel Emissary, the mission felt urgent and stronger than ever. It felt like a calling. Who was I to say no, when I was being asked to serve as a bridge between Australia and Israel at a time when Israel needs help and all the support it can get? I never served in the army because I made Aliyah at the age of 21. In a way, this is my version of national service, just a little later in life.
How has your view of the diaspora evolved since October 7th?
I never truly understood or appreciated the depth of support Israel gets from the global Jewish community. After October 7, the Israelis lost faith in the government, but what they didn’t lose faith in was the wider Jewish community around the world. The Australian community, in particular, has always been incredibly supportive of Israel, but now, that connection feels even more vital. It’s been amazing to witness firsthand just how much people care.
What is one thing about Moriah that you think most people don’t know?
Although there is a large emphasis on academics, Moriah is also a place where you can really have fun. Some of my best memories are from fun days like Purim, Yom Ha-atzmaut, school camps, and even the last day of school.
What advice would you give to our current students?
Make the most of your time at school. The friends you make here can stay with you for life—mine have! My friends from Moriah are still my best friends 24 years later. Don’t take for granted the people around you. You never know, one of them might become your business partner, neighbour, or even have their kids at school with yours one day. Be curious, ask many questions, and never be afraid to speak up. You can make a difference, even as a student. I was on the SRC and helped introduce small changes, like getting a left-handed water bubbler installed and allowing girls to wear board shorts in swimming class. You can be a change agent. The world wants to hear from young people—don’t be afraid to use your voice.
How does it feel being back at Moriah?
It really does feel like coming home to family. I’m proud and always will be—to be part of this incredible community.