Elliot Lazarus, 30, Lawrence, NY
New York Institute of Technology, Architecture
Track: Intern Jerusalem
Placement: Nitzan Bergman Architects
Website: http://studiolazarus.com
Blog: http://recessioninginjerusalem.blogspot.com
After completing my studies and spending five years working in various architecture and development firms, (Cetra Ruddy, Chetrit Group, and Trevor Davis, to name a few) I decided to see what my profession is like here in Israel. WUJS placed me in a small firm called Nitzan Bergman Architects in Jerusalem. We're currently working on a number of interesting urban planning and transit projects. As luck would have it, the transit projects are run in English, which not only makes it easier for me to communicate, but has given me the ability to take the lead since there aren't many other strong English speakers in the office. In general, while there are some small things that take getting used to, it's been a great experience. As a Jewish architect I can't think of a place in the world where it would be more exciting to design and build.
What were you doing before you came here?
Before I came to Israel I was a self employed architect. STUDIOLAZARUS
How did you hear about this WUJS Israel program?
I found WUJS online. WUJS Israel Hadassah
What do you hope to get out of this program?
I hope to experience real life in Israel and gauge if aliyah would be a good choice for us. I living here with my wife and son.
What are your responsibilities as an intern?
I'm interning at Nitzan Bergman Architects. We're working on some really interesting urban planning projects near the Old City.
Have you had any difficulties settling in?
At first, I got lost a few times walking around Jerusalem. It's the best way to learn a new neighborhood.
What did your friends say when you told them your plan to come to Israel?
At first they didn't think we'd do it. When they realized we were serious, they were jealous!
