Dror Shamsian

Dror Shamsian is from Holon, Israel. Born to parents from Persia, he grew up in a family of eight, where he developed a deep sense of responsibility, community, and mutual support.

He studied in religious middle and high schools in Tel Aviv, focusing on Talmud, Bible studies, chemistry, and literature. His education was shaped primarily by Orthodox Judaism and the Israeli context. Even then, he discovered a strong interest in listening to others’ stories. He was especially drawn to interviewing people and learning about their personal experiences and perspectives.

Before beginning his military service, Dror spent a gap year at the “Havruta” pre-military program. He joined out of a desire to encounter perspectives on Judaism different from those he had grown up with. The program brings together Israeli participants preparing for the IDF and Jewish participants from around the world about to begin college. Together, they study Judaism, Zionism, and social issues while living in a shared community. The experience deepened his commitment to dialogue across cultures and differences.

Alongside this, Dror became involved with Hillel at the Hebrew University. He believes strongly in the importance of the relationship between Israel and the Jewish diaspora and in Hillel’s role in strengthening Jewish identity and community. Coming from a Mizrahi Orthodox background, he values the opportunity to meet and learn from people whose Jewish journeys differ from his own.

Today, through his work with Hillel, Dror interviews participants from programs in Israel and abroad and writes articles based on their stories. Through these conversations, he highlights voices of growth, connection, and identity, sharing how Hillel creates meaningful spaces for dialogue, belonging, and personal development.