Yaron Shane is the CEO of Chiburim, a nonprofit matchmaking organization whose Love After War initiative provides free matchmaking services to active reserve soldiers, wounded veterans, widows, and significant others of fallen soldiers.
Born in Chicago in 1974, Shane moved with his parents to Beersheba in 1975. For the past 20 years, he has lived in the Zayit neighborhood of Efrat with his wife, Yael, and their seven children.
The Magazine recently spoke with Shane at a Jerusalem coffee shop.
How does one sign up for Love After War?
Through our English-language website: www.chiburim.co.il/en
If people have questions, what number should they call?
053-728-6954
Is there a Love After War participant who can tell us about himself?
Yes. Note the photo of Navot. These are his words about himself: ‘I emigrated from Australia in 2020. Live in Jerusalem. I’m an archaeologist. A kohen. Religious since 2022. Divorced without children. Was a reserve sharpshooter. Served in Gaza.’
How can someone contact Navot?
Write to: team@chiburim.co.il
Can you share one of your success stories?
See the photo of David and Limor Berkman. In David’s words: ‘Meeting my mentor Hagai from Chiburim was a godsend. He stuck by me through failed dates, always offering tips and dating opportunities. When I met Limor, he gave me tools to make it work. At our wedding, I made sure to honor him and thank him for his incredible contribution.’
What do Love After War participants have in common with the broader Chiburim membership?
All are between the ages of 25 and 45 and come from across the spectrum – religious, secular, and everything in between. Some have never been married; others are divorced or widowed. The common denominator is their decision to be proactive in their search for a life partner.
What happens after someone signs up?
A staff member calls for an initial getting-to-know-you conversation, and then connects the registrant with a personal mentor.
Who are these mentors?
They are trained volunteers who provide emotional support, offer professional guidance, and suggest matches. Members are motivated to broaden their horizons and consider people who may already be in their orbit.
Do the mentors interact with one another?
Absolutely. Members can receive suggestions from all Chiburim mentors.
Do you have English-speaking mentors?
Yes.
Do you have male mentors?
Yes, but not many.
How does one become a mentor?
Through our website: www.chiburim.co.il/en
How many active members are currently in Chiburim’s database?
Approximately 3,500.
How long do members remain in the database?
Until they break the glass under the huppah. We are not a dating service; our goal is marriage. While we cannot guarantee a match for every member, we are committed to doing everything we can to help them find one.
Does Chiburim sponsor events?
Our first Love After War event took place at [Sheba Medical Center], Tel Hashomer (see photo). There were approximately 50 participants.
We were flooded with women who wanted to attend. For another event, we went room to room in the hospital, asking who was interested, and an ambulance transported them to the venue.
Are some events organized jointly for the general Chiburim membership and Love After War participants?
Yes. For example, last month’s event at Moshav Nehalim. At all our events, we work carefully to maintain a balance between men and women.
Of course, we hope participants will ultimately get married. But it’s also important that they enjoy the process and have fun at our events.
How successful were you in 2025?
Last year, 138 of our members became engaged or married.
Does Chiburim receive any grant money?
Yes. Schusterman Family Philanthropies has been a very generous supporter. We have also received support from Israeli companies, such as Mivtach-Shamir Holdings and Amot Investments.
How did Chiburim get started?
Chiburim was founded in 2013 by Judi and Roy Stern. When Judi was 25, she met Roy at the Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York, where her brother, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, served as rabbi. Judi, now a widow, and the Riskin family live in Efrat today.
As a former president of your synagogue in Efrat, Zayit Raanan, would you say that English speakers feel comfortable there?
Definitely – in my shul and in many other shuls in Efrat.
Did you serve in the Oct. 7 war?
I served for over 300 days, guarding the periphery of Efrat. I volunteered despite having three reasons not to: my age; my seven children; and the fact that I am a bereaved brother. My younger brother, Ariel, was killed in 1997 while serving our country. May his memory be for a blessing.
For over 10 years you were associated with Business Network International. Is matchmaking like networking?
Yes. They both rely on making connections. But as someone once wrote, networking can build careers, while matchmaking can build homes.