AJA’s Leadership Team
Jared Firestone is a member of Team Israel’s Skeleton team, and is a seven-time medalist on the North America Cup circuit. He is the first ever Israeli sliding sport athlete to win a gold medal in international competition at an Olympic-disciplined event.
Jared’s passion for representing Israel was inspired by attending the March of the Living program, as well as learning about the 1972 Munich Massacre while in high school. One of his favorite aspects of competing in Skeleton is the opportunity it provides to travel to and compete in countries that have been historically hostile to Jewish people, and act as an ambassador of Israel while doing so.
AJ (Adam) Edelman OLY
AJ Edelman is a founding member of AJA, serving as it’s president.
AJ’s mission in life is to help aspiring Israeli and Jewish athletes realize their dreams through sport, empowering them to be standard-bearers and inspirations for their communities.
He is an Olympian in skeleton and captain of the Israeli Bobsled “Team Edelman.”
Jordana currently serves as a director of AJA and is an attorney specializing in Trusts & Estates, with a focus on non-profit foundations, using her legal background to help provide legal assistance to AJA.
Jordana’s love for Israel was instilled in her by her grandparents who were Holocaust survivors. This led Jordana work in Jerusalem for Taglit-Birthright: MAYANOT Israel, eventually staffing over a dozen trips. Her passion for educating and fostering a love of Israel and one’s Jewish heritage is the main reason she became a part of AJA.
Garrett met Jared at Tulane, where they were roommates and ran track together. As a former decathlete, Garrett understands and appreciates the grit required to commit to an Olympic sport. With his accomplished background in business development and thoughtful decision-making, he currently serves as Head of Strategic Development for AJA.
As a student of history, Garrett is passionate about increasing civic engagement, and he is drawn to the mission of AJA because it empowers underrepresented groups through action and compassion.
CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
Jared Firestone
CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
Jordana E. Balsam
DIRECTOR
Garrett Myer
DIRECTOR