Our Story
Two Continents. One Friendship and One Big Idea.
Tzipi and Adi, founders of Am Israel Shai.
Meet Tzipi & Adi
We met many years ago while serving together in the Israeli army. Somewhere between uniforms, long days, high pressure environment, and shared laughs, we became best friends. And we have stayed that way ever since.
Life eventually placed an ocean between us. Adi relocated with her family to the Chicago suburbs to pursue a career opportunity, while Tzipi remained in Israel, where she built a beautiful family and a successful career. But distance never really changed our friendship. We continued sharing everyday life across time zones: family updates, celebrations, ideas, worries, and plenty of voice notes.
What We Built Without Realizing We Were Building It
After relocating to the United States, Adi met many people with loved ones in Israel who longed to be part of life's special moments but often had no way to show their love beyond a phone call. Whether celebrating a new baby, sending a Shabbat meal, or showing love and support during times of war, finding a meaningful way to connect wasn't easy.
Adi began helping them send thoughtful gifts across Israel, partnering with Tzipi to curate unique offerings and discover exceptional local vendors. From Israel, Tzipi coordinated deliveries and managed the logistics, ensuring every gift arrived with care.
Together, we realized that many people living abroad face the same challenge: they want to feel close to the people they love in Israel, even when they cannot be there themselves.
And that is how Am Israel Shai was born.
More Than a Gift
Am Israel Shai connects people around the world with thoughtfully selected gifts from Israeli businesses. We focus on gifts that feel personal and meaningful, while supporting the people and stories behind them.
For us, this mission is deeply personal.
Tzipi's husband serves as an officer in a combat reserve unit, giving her a close view of the dedication and sacrifice carried by reservists and their families. Adi is actively involved in Jewish communities in the Chicago area, volunteering and raising donations for Israel.
From opposite sides of the ocean, we share the same purpose: strengthening the connection between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide while creating real support for Israeli families and small businesses.
Powered by Women and Friendship
Am Israel Shai was imagined, created, managed, and operated by women.
It is built on a friendship that has lasted through army service, motherhood, relocation, distance, and countless life changes. It combines Adi's understanding of Jewish communities abroad with Tzipi's connection to daily life in Israel.
What began with one friend helping another send the perfect gift has grown into something much bigger: a way to turn love from afar into something tangible.
Because sometimes a gift is not just a gift.
It is a reminder that no matter how many miles separate us, we are still connected.